FAQ's
Duke Club Rowing is a competitive team that races boats (shells) of various sizes and travels to regional competitions. Unlike paddling sports, our rowers operate longer oars to reach exhilarating speeds, all while synchronizing with their crewmates. A designated coxswain leads the rowers, using a microphone for direction and a small rudder to steer. These individuals form a cohesive unit. This connection ensures that DCR is a community, not a service. Rather than rowing for the club, our students are the club.
No previous training is required. Most current members began as novices, eager to learn about the sport or enhance their physical fitness. We only ask that every recruit is respectful, uplifting, and committed to the team. That being said, we are thrilled to welcome experienced athletes, who often compete while new rowers learn the basic technique in the Fall.
Rowing is great for people of all body types and we do our best to accommodate a wide range of abilities. We don’t impose any standards and encourage everyone to mind their own bodies.
Any cardiovascular exercise routine will enhance your performance in the boat. We recommend running, swimming, or bike training since these low-impact exercises develop the endurance needed for extended workouts. Strength training is equally vital, since it promotes upright posture and muscle mass. Prospective rowers are encouraged to do exercises that strengthen legs, glutes, core, obliques, lower/upper back, and lats. These muscles contribute the most energy to a stroke (e.g. legs provide nearly 70%, while arms only add 5-10%)
Anyone new to the team is considered a novice. This status allows athletes to compete at a level compatible with theirs. After a year of practicing and racing, if a novice has demonstrated growth and commitment, they graduate into a varsity status. These athletes compete at a higher level and get priority for potential regattas and investments.
Those who do not graduate into a varsity status are still welcome on the team, but it may be harder for them to secure a place in the boat and go to races. This format usually works for people who row recreationally and do not strive to earn formal recognition. They can still join varsity in future seasons if they so desire and meet the requirements.
Those who do not graduate into a varsity status are still welcome on the team, but it may be harder for them to secure a place in the boat and go to races. This format usually works for people who row recreationally and do not strive to earn formal recognition. They can still join varsity in future seasons if they so desire and meet the requirements.
Members can expect 4-6 practices per week. We conduct water training on Lake Michie: they entail early wake-ups, but the beautiful sunrises make up for this, along with calm weather conditions. Strength and conditioning workouts are done at Wilson Gymnasium on West Campus.
Additionally, DCR takes an annual training trip over Spring Break. Last year we visited Olympic Park outside of Atlanta, GA. We usually spend this time practicing, resting, eating, and having fun together as a unit. Many people call it the highlight of their semester.
Additionally, DCR takes an annual training trip over Spring Break. Last year we visited Olympic Park outside of Atlanta, GA. We usually spend this time practicing, resting, eating, and having fun together as a unit. Many people call it the highlight of their semester.
At Duke, we believe that student-athletes are students first. When teammates need extra time to study or attend important meetings, we support these decisions. To accommodate the schedules of rowers, we update practice times on a semesterly basis to meet student needs.
We traditionally compete at 2-3 regattas per semester, ranging from friendly scrimmages to cold-blooded championships. In the past, we've traveled throughout North Carolina, Massachusetts, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and more. These regattas are the reason we train. It’s a recipe for powerful memories and emotions.
We officially became a co-ed team in 2023 for two main reasons: to expand the program and to allow women to experience rowing without a D1 athletic commitment. This decision has proven immensely successful. Women now make up 40% of the team and take on multiple leadership positions. We hope to see this trend continue over the next few years.
Crew is a three-season sport. During the fall, the team competes in long “head” races that typically run 5,000 meters. Once water temperature drops below safe levels, we move workouts indoors to focus on strength and conditioning. Spring marks the height of the rowing year when boats square off in 2,000 meter sprints. The most prestigious regattas are held during this time. Once the season ends, athletes use the summer months to recover as needed.
Sadly, Duke University does not provide financial aid to individuals based on membership with Sport Clubs.
Women who wish to row D1 at Duke may recruit for the women’s NCAA team at Duke and be eligible for athletic scholarships.
Women who wish to row D1 at Duke may recruit for the women’s NCAA team at Duke and be eligible for athletic scholarships.
Thanks to generous support from Gorter Family, our membership fee is on a sliding scale. Comprehensive assistance is available to all Sport Clubs members, ensuring that no individual is limited by financial concerns. The application is open to everyone regardless of their Duke aid. We do not charge extra for attending regattas.
We utilize a carpool system to transport our rowers. To ensure safety, all student drivers must take a defensive driving course, possess a valid license, and pass a background check. The same standards apply for regatta travel (we typically rent passenger vans for these occasions).
Rowing is incredibly safe, provided that rowers have a rudimentary ability to swim. Our coaching boats are equipped with life vests and safety blankets, along with a radio system to communicate with other watercraft and monitor emergency conditions. We also elect a safety officer, certified to perform AED/CPR/First Aid to American Red Cross standards. These precautions ensure the welfare of our members.
Yes! You can contact us by emailing clubrowing@duke.edu or through our Instagram. Officers from our executive board are happy to answer any questions or meet for an in-person boathouse tour.
Students at any education level are encouraged to join us. For scheduling purposes, graduate students should contact us at clubrowing@duke.edu to discuss their personal circumstances and intended degree of involvement.
The team welcomes students throughout the year, although we recommend joining in the first weeks of the Fall/Spring semester. We typically assign rowers to semi-permanent boat lineups over the course of each season, so early registration makes joining easier.
Please send an email at clubrowing@duke.edu and we'll get back to you. Thanks, and don't forget to click our recruitment questionnaire.
Contact Duke Club Rowing:
clubrowing@duke.edu
sophia.franks@duke.edu | jack.clodfelter@duke.edu (co-presidents)
sophia.franks@duke.edu | jack.clodfelter@duke.edu (co-presidents)
