The Pivotal Role of Individuality and Elite Coaching in Rowing

Rowing is a powerful sport that goes beyond the physical realm. It’s an opportunity for individuals to learn about perseverance, strength, teamwork, and endurance. It’s an arena where one can be honed into a mentally and physically robust entity, irrespective of the weather’s whims – be it rain, shine, or freezing temperatures.

One of the unique aspects of rowing, particularly at the collegiate level, is the calibre of individuals you encounter. The shared experience of rigorous training and competition fosters an environment where one creates enduring bonds with individuals who are equally determined and mentally and physically tough.

For high school rowers, whether in a club or representing their schools, understanding the recruitment process to college is vital. While being a team player is important, it’s a secondary factor in the selection process. The most critical element is the rower’s ergometer score – the time taken to row 2000m on the rowing machine.

Unfortunately, the significance of individual ergometer scores is often overlooked in club and high school rowing programs. Some coaches argue that ergometer scores don’t necessarily translate to faster boats. Ironically, many still use these scores as a basis for boat selection. The ideal approach to building fast crews for on-the-water competitions lies in proper seat-racing in small boats. Yet this method is frequently mishandled, with clubs mistakenly prioritizing larger boat numbers over individual performance and growth.

Rowing is considered a team sport, but the individual’s skill and endurance are still paramount, as measured by the ergometer. This individual metric becomes a crucial factor in the college recruitment process.

Looking back on my own journey, I was fortunate to receive elite coaching as a teenager from some of the world’s best coaches. They instilled in me a deep understanding of rowing techniques and the importance of smart training, which led to my creation of a world record on the indoor rowing machine. This achievement positioned me as the number one rowing recruit in 1991, leading to my acceptance at Brown University.

Today, my passion lies in passing on the wisdom I gained from elite coaching to the next generation of rowers. In my coaching program, I emphasize the importance of mastering the proper rowing technique and smart training to optimize performance without overtraining or injury risk. This approach has led to the successful recruitment of my trainees to top universities across the country.

My elite coaching journey has been instrumental in realizing my own rowing dreams and has been transformative for countless high school rowers who’ve joined my program. They, too, have drastically improved their ergometer scores and joined top rowing programs nationwide. This is the unique power and individuality of the sport of rowing – and the potential that elite coaching holds in shaping young, aspiring rowers.