Are you...
Athletic? Hard working? Driven to succeed?

Do you...
Thrive on challenges? Want to compete as an Iowa Hawkeye?

Iowa Men's Rowing is for you!

Iowa Rowing FAQ:

How much time does rowing take?

When is the rowing season?

What equipment does the club own?

Where do you practice?

Who can join? How do I join?

Do I need to be an athlete?

Are there tryouts?

How safe is rowing? Will I get hurt?

What should I wear when I row?

Is this team a recreational club?

How much does it cost?

Does the club provide the necessary equipment?

Where can I get more information?

How much time does rowing take?

The team meets for two hour practices Mondays-Fridays. Occasionally there are also regattas, which take place during the weekend. Additionally there is a Fundraising Committee that team members can join to help raise money for the team. An extra hour each week is expected from members who choose to help out in that regard.

We divide the academic year into three seasons: Fall, Winter and Spring. The team practices on the water during the Fall and Spring seasons and indoors during the Winter season.

The club has sixteen Concept2 ergs, two 8+ boats, four 4+ boats, one pair/double boat, one single boat, four sets of oars, and one launch.

We practice on the Iowa River (our boathouse is a part of the IATL) and in the Field House.

Any University of Iowa undergraduate (male or female) can join. To join, contact any one of the officers listed on the Contact Us page for information on where and when practices are.

You don’t have to be an athlete before you join the team. You will be, however, expected to become one as you continue to attend practices and spend more time with the team.

No one has to try out in order to prove their rowing/athletic ability, but everyone must pass a swim test. Prospective rowers should also be warned that rowing is a very demanding sport. Practices can be intense, so unless you are willing to put in the requisite amount of effort you may not enjoy yourself.

If you have never rowed before, that is most definitely not a problem. Almost everyone on the team was new to rowing when they first joined, and we are always willing to teach new members what they need to know.

Because it takes place on the river, the risk of drowning is always present. That is why every member must pass a swim test and agree to follow all safety regulations or face expulsion from the team (we take member safety very seriously). When done properly, however, rowing is as safe as football, basketball or any other sport and can be just as much fun.

Rowing is a physically demanding sport which involves the use of all main muscle groups. Serious rowers can expect sore muscles and blisters on the hands from the oar handles.

Shorts and a t-shirt are the norm at practices. Rowers may want to layer up, depending on what the weather is like. We row in the rain, so a light jacket might be handy at those practices. Loose clothes should be avoided, as they may get caught on the seat slides. Shoes are not worn in the shell, and in fact are left on the dock along with all other nonessentials, so don’t bring anything that someone might be interested in stealing!

Yes it is. The Men’s Rowing Team (Club, actually) is recognized as a sport club by the UI Division of Recreational Services and as a student organization by the UI Office of Student Life. It is not recognized as a team by the UI Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Regardless of which department recognizes us (or doesn’t), we’re still Hawkeyes!

Team dues are determined at the beginning of each semester. For the ’07-’08 academic year they were $225 per semester. Questions about paying dues should be directed to the team Treasurer.

The club will provide almost all the necessary equipment. The only things members are expected to get for themselves will be water bottles and uniforms from our supplier.

Rowing, also known as "crew," is an established sport with a long and rich history. A list of links to informative websites has been compiled and can be found on our Resources page.

Contact us if you're interested!