We are looking for athletic and dedicated women who want to try a new sport that could win them a National Championship! Height is an advantage, 5'7" or taller, but we also have openings for athletes that weigh less than 130 pounds where height is not as much of a factor. Any athlete weighing less than 115 pounds is the perfect size for a coxswain, who steers the shells and take charge of the boat, executing workouts and race strategy. Our novice, lightweight and varsity teams travel together to most races, but race in their own category.

Novice rowers do not require any previous rowing experience. Two-thirds of our team never rowed before arriving at UC San Diego. However, potential student-athletes should be dedicated, focused and committed to the team concept. Full-time enrollment at UCSD is required. During your first season you will learn to row and then compete as a novice (beginner) against other novice programs up and down the West Coast and across the nation.

Triton rowing is an NCAA Division II Varsity sport. As a varsity athlete, provided at no cost to you are coaching, races, training and racing gear, equipment use and travel. Academic counselors, strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers are also available to you as a student-athlete to ensure you are able to do your best in the classroom and on the water.

All incoming freshman Division II athletes must be cleared to compete by the NCAA. You may do this through your High School counseling office or go to: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.

You will be a varsity athlete, and your health and welfare will be overseen by the Triton Athletic Training Room. Before the team physical on October 3rd, you must go online to www.ucsdtritons.com, and click on Student Services, then Participation Forms. You will need your insurance information and it will take about 15 minutes. Please do not leave any questions blank!

Interested in Learning More?
There are several ways to learn more about rowing at UC San Diego:
- Drop by our office on the 4th Floor in RIMAC.
- Meet the coaches and athletes after the Triton Power Hour at RIMAC September 21, or at the Village Square Wednesday the 23rd and Friday the 25th. Look for the rowing oars!
- Attend the informational meeting Wednesday, September 30th at 6:30 p.m. in the Green Room at RIMAC.
- Contact the novice coach: Julia White-Hoppe at jwhitehoppe@ucsd.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to join the team?
No experience is necessary to join the rowing team. All athletes new to the sport will be placed on the novice squad where they will learn the basic techniques of rowing.

How much will it cost?
Joining the UCSD Triton Crew only has a few initial fees that are associated with the NCAA certification for freshmen and the cost of a personal long sleeve top. Other than those costs, the UCSD Athletics department provides funding for everything from uniforms to travel expenses.

How will being on the team impact my studies?
Participation in a varsity sport challenges your time management skills and your study habits, but often provides a useful framework and adds discipline. The Athletics department provides tutors in major academic areas and peer group study halls support student-athletes as well. UCSD women's crew consistently has a higher average GPA than average UC students, and is committed to academic excellence.

What do I need to do to join the team?
All interested students are highly encouraged to attend the informational meeting on Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Green Room at RIMAC. Mandatory team physicals (no charge) will be held Saturday morning, October 3 at 8a.m. in the Green Room. If you are unable to make this free physical, you may arrange a make-up for a nominal fee. All incoming freshmen should also visit the NCAA Eligibility Center and start the registration process.
 
If I don't know how to row, how will you decide who makes the team at tryouts?
The fall season is the tryout period. Training will include learning proper technique on the rowing machines and how to row the rowing shells, along with core fitness workouts to build your strength and stamina. The coaches will be looking for motivated, athletic, team oriented and coachable athletes.

Are there different positions on the team?
There are different positions on the team. Each boat has a coxswain and either four or eight rowers. Each rower is assigned a position in the boat as either a port (left) or a starboard (right) rower. Rowers can be placed near the stern of the boat help set rhythm, while the middle of the boat is referred to as the engine or power room, and athletes in the bow of the boat are generally more deft and assist with the balance. The coxswain generally sits in the stern of the boat and helps the coaches run practice. They help correct technique, motivate the rowers, steer, and keep everyone on pace.

How big is the team?
The team usually consists of about 25 returning varsity athletes, and a novice squad of 30-50 athletes in the fall. The spring squad generally has around 50 athletes.

Where does the team practice?
The novice team begins practicing on campus, then adds in water workouts down at Mission Bay. Coaches will help organize car pools. You do not need a car to row. The Triton Boathouse is located on El Carmel Point in Mission Beach. The team practices on Mission Bay, one of the most scenic waterways in California.

What are practices like and how often are they?
Fall workouts focus on establishing an aerobic base and learning technique. Athletes begin with three or four morning workouts, and an afternoon session on Tuesday and Thursday. Athletes will eventually match the varsity training program of five mornings a week and two afternoon workouts. Generally athletes will train 14-16 hours a week.

How long is the rowing season?
The crew season is broken up into two parts. The fall season starts in October and lasts until mid-November. During this time the team competes in long distance races known as head races, including the Row for the Cure, which is hosted by UCSD Women's Crew. Freshman athletes must be cleared by the NCAA, and it is advised they address this as soon as possible. The spring season starts in January and lasts until May, with 2000 meter races beginning in late February (see the women's crew schedule on www.ucsdtritons.com).

Does the Novice Team get to travel, too?
The novices travel to the majority of the races with the team. Most traveling occurs during the spring season.