What is rowing?? - Rowing is a sport in which eight, four, or two people (sometimes also one) work in unison to move a boat through the water. Contrary to popular belief rowing is a full body sport with the legs being the most important aspect, not the upper body. The seat slides on tracks that allow the rower to push with the legs rather than pull with the arms. Regardless of strength it is about how the pressure is applied that will determine success.

Do I need to be tall and strong to row? - While height and power do give certain people an advantage in the sport there are rowers of all sizes and abilities that have seen success on our team. If you are under 5'4" and 115lbs or less you are a great candidate for a coxswain. This is the person who steers the boat and helps coach the rowers on and off the water. All is all we are looking for individuals that have a strong work ethic, a competitive drive, and the will to win.

Are there try-outs? - Due to the nature of the sport the whole fall season is a try-out season for first year rowers. At the end of the season each individual will be evaluated based on physicality and technique to determine if they will stay with the team through the spring.

What if I didn't play a sport in high school? - That is ok. We work with each athlete to get them in rowing shape throughout the fall season. Rowing is unlike any sport in that you can be deemed to have "no athletic ability" for other sports, but can excel at rowing.

What about my class schedule? - We understand that you will be getting acclimated to college life and academics while beginning a new sport. You are only required to practice 2 times per week in the fall with the team and then on Saturday mornings. If you know you want to row prior to getting to school you should contact the coaching staff and you may be able to make your class schedule around the practice times. Once you finish your fall season and move on to the spring semester you are able to plan your schedule according to practice times. As a student-athlete you will also have access to the academic support services available to all Duquesne student-athletes.

Is rowing a varsity or club sport? - We are a varsity Division I Program that competes against many other DI, DII, DIII, and club programs throughout the year. While you will be a first year "novice rower" you will be distinguished as a varsity athlete on campus.

Who do we race against? - Our main race is our Atlantic-10 Championship in the spring during which we race URI, UMass, St. Joe's, La Salle, Fordham, George Washington, Temple, and Dayton. Throughout the year we attend many other regattas where we will race teams from all over the country including, Delaware, Northwestern, Wisconsin Lightweights, UNC and many other large programs.

What do you mean by fall and spring seasons? - Rowing is a year round sport. The fall is very technically focus and also has a large focus on fitness and cardiovascular ability. Practices for novices begin the first week in September after the Labor Day weekend and run through the first week in November. The novices finish the fall season with a race against other novice teams in the area. Those that make the team will move on into winter training which begins the week the team returns from winter break. Our spring season begins with a training trip to Florida for spring break and then we race on weekends and practice weekdays until May.

Does it cost anything? - There is no cost to be on the team. Apparel for racing is provided and all travel expenses associated with competitions are paid for. Students do put some money towards their spring training trip, but fund raising opportunities are available.

2. Physical Form - You need to have a physical complete in order to begin with the team. Make an appointment with your physician and print out the physical form. Have your doctor fill out the form fully.

3. Sickle Cell Test - NCAA rules require that every athlete goes through sickle cell testing for safety purposes regardless of their ethnic background. If you have not had this test done speak with your physician about where you can get tested. We will need a copy of the results. (For more information on Sickle Cell Testing please visit the NCAA Sickle Cell Information Page)

4. Medical Insurance Information - A copy of the front and back of your medical insurance card must be provided to athletic training prior to beginning with the team.