A big step that many rowers take is moving from club and school rowing as juniors in the UK, to University rowing in a select few universities in America. Many of these people have never lived away from home before and yet decide to move to the other side of the globe. Some find the transition easy, whilst others take time to adjust to the new environment. I spent the past few weeks speaking to a few people who have experienced this transition from across the country, three from rowing clubs (York, Henley and Marlow) and one from Latymer Upper School.
The first and considerable change from junior club rowing to American university rowing was the difference in coaching. At clubs there were usually one or two coaches who were unpaid volunteers. One athlete added that this was not a disadvantage as this meant that the coaches were passionate but obviously it has some effect on the amount of time they can give to the club, although often the results are just as good. All the athletes I spoke to said that American university coaching was a massive step up from this. On average, there are around four full time paid coaches which gives a more professional atmosphere and also provides more support for each athlete. The athletes who rowed at school, did not find the transition in terms of coaching as significant as those that did club rowing. The number of coaches was similar, as was the number of athletes per coach. The main difference for school rowers was the coaching style. One athlete at the University of California Berkley (who previously rowed for Latymer Upper School) stated that the coaching was more individual but not too much of a shift to what she was used to as a junior. The coaching is clearly an adjustment especially if you have come from club rowing, yet the opportunities provided on more funding are significant.
A big step up for all the athletes was the volume of training. The shift from the amount of training done as a junior to a university rower is significant, with more mileage and more sessions per week. Another current Cal Berkley undergraduate (who had previously rowed with Henley and Marlow) mentioned that training smart is emphasised upon, meaning athletes are told to look after their bodies and get enough rest. A current Yale undergraduate (previously a junior at York City Rowing Club) spoke of the tough training load, specifically how there is not an emphasis on sculling like there is in the UK, instead sweeping was now at the foreground. The club rowers found that university rowing was more suited for balancing studies with rowing as the universities cater for student athletes. Previously they had to balance schoolwork with rowing and social lives which was understandably difficult. “It is not just a hobby” a previous junior club rower stated. The training shift at American universities is clearly an adjustment however but the environment that is created makes it possible to adapt as smoothly as possible.
It is also clear that at the American universities there is more funding, support, and resources. There is a massive respect for student athletes, it is a ‘big deal’ to be an athlete at American universities as opposed to the comical term given to non-athletes, N.A.R.P. which I was told is a ‘non-athletic regular person’. Student athletes get priorities others do not such as places to study, your own bedroom and a general respect from others. As one athlete said, there is a massively supportive ‘team vibe’ with effort put into bond as a team. This helped many athletes settle in quickly and adjust to the considerable changes. The atmosphere of the rowing teams seems to be something everyone agrees is an overwhelming positive about American universities, ‘it is not about the individual’ the team is positive, friendly, and genuine which makes it easy to fit in.
I asked the athletes what advice they would give to someone who plans to go to America to row. One advised anyone hoping to follow a similar path, to ‘look after themselves and remember that emotional well-being is just as important as physical well-being’. Another stated that ‘your team becomes your family, so it is important to make sure they are the right fit’. Another added, ‘it is scary coming from England, but everyone tries to welcome you’. And finally, “pack enough.” It seems that wherever you go there are athletes either ‘freshmen’ or older who want to make you feel at home.
So, whilst the leap seems rather daunting at first it has become clear from speaking with several rowers that it is well worth it. The coaching, team spirit, support and resources are there to help you every step of the way. The best resources are at your fingertips and there to help you develop as a rower but also to ensure that you have a well-rounded university experience.
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