About Crew: Crew is one of the fastest growing sports in America, and for good reasons. Rowing builds your body. It develops the muscles of your legs, arms, back and stomach. It is a balanced sport that builds both strength and endurance.

Rowing builds discipline. It's a great way to challenge yourself and press your personal limits. Through months of rigorous training, you'll build character strength that will stay with you the rest of your life.

Rowing builds teamwork. When you join a four- or eight-oared crew, unity takes on new meaning. Each rower must move in perfect unison with the others or speed is lost. No other sport demands more teamwork.

Finally, rowing builds excitement. More and more participants and specatators are being attracted by the competition and finesse of crew.

If you think you might be interested in becoming a part of crew at SPU then please take the time to fill out this questionnaire. You are not committing to anything, but merely letting us know you have an interested in learning more.

  Men's Crew brochure                 Women's Crew brochure

Seattle Pacific University
Men's and Women's Crew Questionnaire

Frequently asked Questions

Do I need experience?
Do you have to be a certain size to row?
Are there scholarships?
Are there tryouts?
When/where is the first meeting/practice?
How long does the crew season last?
What clothing should I have?
Are there cuts?
How much does it cost?
How should I get in shape for it?
What do I need before I arrive?
Champion race results 1981-present

Do I need to have experience?
No, approximately 95% of new joins are true walk-ons. One great thing about collegiate rowing is that there are novice race categories, accordingly, you will not be outmatched by crews with greater experience.

Do you have to be a certain size to row?
No. Athletes of all sizes are needed. There are several weight classisfications for men and women: Women's lightweight, 130lbs max; Men's lightweight, 160lbs max; Women's openweight, over 130lbs; Men's openweight, over 160lbs. A coxswain (the person who steers and motivates the crew) can be male or female usually under 135lbs and of small stature. These weights are enforced during the racing season, not during the first practices.

Are there scholarships?
We currently have the equivalent of one full time scholarship for women. It is being divided into a number of partial scholarships. We hope that in the future we will be able to offer more.

Are there tryouts?
Yes. Autumn quarter is basically the tryout period. You will be fully oriented to rowing and conditioning over autumn quarter and coached by the staff. Winter quarter you will be definitely training for competition which is in spring. You may tryout as many times as you like.

When/where is the first meeting/practice?
The Initial Interest meeting for new joins is always held the first Thursday evening of the first week of autumn quarter. There will also signs posted about campus call or you can e-mail the coach. The first practice is the following Monday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. in the shellhouse at Royal Brougham Pavilion (SPU gym). There are no meetings or training before autumn quarter begins.

How long does the crew season last?
Crew is a year-long sport. Practices begin in the fall and continue through winter and spring. The collegiate racing season is primarily in the spring (March, April, and May), but there are two or three regattas in the fall. Rowers are not required to practice over Winter break, but we do practice over Spring Break because it falls during racing season.

What clothing should I have?
The first week and a half are all orientation, there will not be much outdoor work or heavy exercise. Dress in normal workout clothes however, as you will be on the rowing machines, and rowing in the boats at the dock. Clothing should allow full range of motion and freedom of movement, but should NOT be excessively loose or baggy. Shorts or shirt tails that are too loose get caught in the seat tracks. Also, clothing commonly gets very dirty or even snagged on equipment so no expensive sweat outfits please.

Are there cuts?
No. If you can make it, you're in.

How much does it cost?
There is a $90 fee for 2007-08 which includes practice shirts, racing tank, and the equipment fee. Additional uniform items can be purchased but are optional. Additional costs include the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse, the float test, and the Sports Participation physical. These are only for your first year of participation.

How can I get in shape for it?
While there is plenty of time during the year to get in shape, it is recommended to interested prospects that they attempt to do some basic aerobic activities three days per week. This can include just about anything that sustains an elevated heart rate such as running, skating, skiing, tennis, etc. It is also recommended that you attempt another three days of strength training in a weight room, rowing is a total body sport so work as many muscle groups as you can. Start at a fairly light pace and work up on both aerobic and strength routines, especially if you are inexperienced at either.

What do I need to do before I arrive?

1. IMPORTANT!!! - NCAA Academic Eligibility. It is important that you understand that all of your freshman year academic eligibility is based upon your high school academic performance; ninth through twelfth grade. There are many criteria to being eligible, to include core course requirements, minimum SAT/ACT scores, and grade point average. You absolutely need to do two things in preparation for your collegiate athletic career: Go to the NCAA eligibility Clearinghouse website at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/NCAA/student/index_student.html and check the requirements, everything you need to know is in there. Then register using this same website. It is critical that you do this as soon as possible and your ability to practice and compete depend on you being designated eligible through this process..
   
2. First Year Sports Physical. Your first year physical is your responsibility, after that SPU arranges and covers your physicals. As such it is recommended that you get your physical completed sometime before you arrive utilizing your current physician (MD, Physician's Assistant, Dr of Osteopathy or Nurse Practitioner only) which may allow you to better utilize your own insurance. We do not have a form, just have your doctor note on letterhead or stationery that you have been examined and are medically eligible to compete in athletics, or listing any limitations. Physicals are only good for one calender year, you may use an old physical but you will have to get an updated one during the year if it expires before the end of May. Once you are on board, you will need to complete this medical history form and bring it in with you when you turn out.
   
3. Medical Insurance. Per NCAA and SPU medical policy It is REQUIRED that you have your own personal medical insurance, and your policy MUST COVER ATHLETICALLY RELATED INJURIES. You cannot practice or compete without it. Bring all your information with you, or if you want to get ahead of the game download our insurance questionnaire form and return it to SPU Crew 3307 3rd Ave. W. Suite 301 Seattle, WA 98119-1957.

Championship Results 1981-Present

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