Frequently Asked Questions

Who can row?

BCR was formed to bring rowing to the greater Boulder community. Anyone who is moderately fit and who can carry at least 50 pounds can row. If you're younger than 18, check out Colorado Juniors Crew, which also meets at the Boulder Reservoir.

How many people do you need?

BCR owns different sized boats, allowing you to row alone or with a group of people. However, if you are new to rowing you'll start out in an 8-boat or a 4-boat, with a coxswain to help steer.

"Sweep" is rowing with one oar per person.

You can row:

• a pair, which is two people with two oars total
• a four, which is four rowers with four oars total
• an eight, which is eight rowers with eight oars total

Most fours and all eights require a coxswain, the person in the back of the boat who steers and calls commands.

"Sculling" is the rowing with two oars for each person.

You can row:

• a single, which is one person with two oars
• a double (or double scull), which is two people with four oars
• a quad (or quadruple scull), which is four people with eight oars

None of these sculling boats has a coxswain to steer.

• There is an octet, which is eight people with 16 oars. It considered to be too fast and dangerous to race, though you may see an exhibition of this boat at larger races.

What if I have an old injury?

Many people who have sports injuries can still row, including those with knee, elbow, shoulder, neck, etc. Some injuries actually improve because rowing is a non-impact sport (unlike running). But check with your doctor to make sure.

When do you row?

Usually rowing is a pre-dawn or early morning event. The water is quiet, the sunrise is beautiful, the ducks are sleeping. In Boulder, we rarely row in the afternoons because of the variety of water hazards: high winds, hail, lightning and other weather dangers, as well as motorized boat traffic on Boulder Reservoir.

Where do you row?

We row at Boulder Reservoir, northeast of Boulder. Click here to see a map and get driving directions.

How long is a rowing lesson?

Except for Learn-To-Row Weekends and Sculling Workshops, each rowing class is scheduled to be about 1 1/2 hours, plus 15-20 minutes to put the boats away. You should plan on 2 hours for each class.

What if I don't want to compete?

Many new and returning rowers have a vision of athletics as it was in high school and college. BCR provides opportunities for those who want to relive competitive days and for those who would rather leave it in the past. Some rowers train 5-6 days per week. Many row 1-3 days and never compete.

How does training work?

We offer Learn-To-Row Weekends, Novice Programs, Experienced Programs, and Sculling Programs.

What if I've never rowed before?

Most people haven't rowed. Until recently, rowing was a sport traditionally associated with East Coast schools. Now masters (people aged 27 and over) and women are among the fastest growing communities in rowing. Our Learn-To-Row Weekends will teach you the basics of the stroke, all the terminology, boat handling and etiquette, warm-ups, stretching, and water safety.

Aren't rowers supposed to be tall and skinny?

Size doesn't matter. Rowing includes both heavyweight and lightweight categories. And if you're very small, you can become a "coxswain" - the person who steers the boat and orders everyone around.

Am I'm too old or too young to row?

No. Rowing offers age categories from high school to the ancient, handicapped so you race against people your own age. There are rowers still competing at the national level into their 90s. Most young people start rowing when they are in high school.

Can men and women row?

Yes, in fact, because rowing is a sport that involves mostly legs, women do as well or better than men. And one of the fastest growing populations of rowers are women - high school, college, and masters-category women. Because rowing is a sport that involves mostly legs, women often do as well or better than men. Men and women often row together in the same boats, and special "mixed" races allow men and women to compete together.

What if I'm out of shape?

Rowing well requires at least a moderate level of fitness. You must help carry the boat to and from the dock, as well as help lift the boat in and out of the water. The dock is about 100 yards from the boat racks, and each person carries about 50 pounds on his or her shoulder. Sweep and scull boats are narrow, and the rowing motion involves bending forward and backward at the hip. Consider these factors and your body type when choosing a program.

What if I know how to row and I don't want lessons?

As BCR acquires its own equipment, you will be able to row more often and unaccompanied. You are welcome to row your own boats whenever you want. Help us with fundraising efforts and we'll make that happen sooner.

What is indoor racing?

In the winter, rowers practice on rowing machines, and the really crazy ones race each other. Each February there are several regional indoor racing championships, culminating in the indoor racing championships in Boston, called the C.R.A.S.H.-Bs. Our regional race is the Mile High Sprints, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Rowing Club. Visit this site in the fall for updated information, or check the Concept II web site at www.concept2.com.

Where's the boathouse?

The boats are stored on racks outdoors at the Boulder Reservoir.

Who's running this show?

Boulder Community Rowing, Inc. is a non-profit corporation. There is a current board of directors.

We are looking for more volunteers to help us launch and run this organization. Contact us at info@boulderrowing.com.

I've noticed that you rowing gurus wear some kind of singlet. What is appropriate rowing attire?

The singlet (or unisuit) is usually worn only for racing. Each club chooses its design to intimidate (or amuse) other crews, and just generally look like hot rowers. At practice we're much scruffier. ThThe only necessary items are non-baggy pants such as bike shorts or tights. Loose shorts and sweats can get caught in the seat wheels. Layering will help keep you warm and dry.