Frequently asked questions and answers:

What is ERC?

Eugene Rowing Club (ERC) is a middle and high school rowing club for Eugene/Springfield-area youth. We row at picturesque Dexter Lake and are the area’s only junior rowing program. ERC teaches students how to “pull together” and have fun while working hard. Everyone who wants to row will row and interested athletes do not need prior experience to join. First year “novice” rowers learn the basics of rowing in eight-and four-person boats. Competition Team rowers also row eights and fours as well as a variety of smaller rowing shells.

Can I try rowing?

Yes! We offer a free trial at the beginning of each season. Fill out our new rower questionnaire and our coach will be in contact with you to provide more information.

Who can participate?

Eugene Rowing Club is open to all 8th-12th grade students within the greater Eugene/Springfield area, including students from private, alternative and home schools. Check our middle & high-school programs.

What are the benefits of joining crew?

We strive to build a team-oriented program. Our student athletes develop personal character, time management skills, an ethic of cooperation, and physical fitness within the ultimate team culture of crew. Athletes learn how to train, race, and work together as a team. In rowing, more than any other sport, no one individual stands out. To succeed, everyone in the boat must work together. Through daily workouts and travel to regattas, the athletes build strong friendships, respect, and bonds with each other. Rowing is both an anaerobic and aerobic sport, that provides a maximum, full-body workout. Rowing is a low impact, non-contact sport, that builds muscle and endurance while being easy on the body.

How long is the season?

The crew season consists of fall and spring outdoor water practices and regattas as well as winter “dry land” training. Water practices take place in a beautiful natural setting at Dexter Lake. Winter training is an essential time for athlete strength and conditioning and workouts are done on rowing machines, otherwise knows as “ergs”. In the winter athletes work out at Ridgeline Rowing in Eugene, next to REI. Athletes are strongly encouraged to continue aerobic and strength conditioning throughout the year. Competitive racing events (regattas) occur throughout the Northwest. Athletes do not need to participate on both seasons. They can choose to participate in each season individually.

When do athletes practice?

Our practices include both on-the-water and land sessions. Practices are after school from 4:30-6:30pm. Our water practices are held at Dexter Lake. Winter training is held at Ridgeline Rowing, in Eugene, from 4-6pm. Athletes typically practice anywhere from 4 to 6 days a week, depending on which group they join. The spring season looks much like the fall season. Specific practice times and events for each season are determined by the coaches.

Who coaches the ERC team?

Our coaches are professionals with a deep passion and commitment to the sport, chosen in large part for their ability to communicate with young people. In addition to their extensive rowing and competitive experience, our coaches hold U.S. Rowing coach certification and are trained in boat safety, boat rigging and repairs, trailer towing, first aid, nutrition, and injury prevention. For additional information read our coach bios.

How much does it cost?

Club dues are paid twice a year at the start of fall and spring seasons. Dues for the fall and spring seasons typically run between $750-$950 per season. Winter-only season dues (for those that don't participate in the fall season) are around $300.

Families also incur additional out-of-pocket costs for USRowing membership ($45 in Fall 2023), uniform costs ($85 in Fall 2023) and their own transportation costs and race/regatta entry fees when travelling to team events.

Financial aid is available.

How are parents involved?

Parent involvement is a vital part of sustaining and growing the club which helps keep dues as low as possible. Volunteering is an integral aspect of crew. Parents prepare and serve food during regattas, assist with fundraising projects and recruiting efforts, and manage the operations of the club. Many bonds are shared among athletes and families in the community of this family-friendly sport.

Will rowing help me get into college?

Each year brings an opportunity for rowers and coxswains to attend colleges, sometimes on partial or full scholarships. Rowers/coxswains may also gain admission to colleges they might not have attended had it not been for their rowing experience. Graduates of ERC have gone on to row at such schools as Yale, Brown, Harvard, Penn, the University of Washington, Cornell, Stanford, Princeton, Dartmouth, Tulsa, Virginia, UO, OSU and other private and public schools. A commitment to the sport, with its full-year schedule, daily practices, and teamwork frequently helps students develop time management and communication skills. Watching universities and colleges recruit our seniors and expand their opportunities is a shared source of pride among teammates, families, and alumni. For additional information about rowing in college, check out our presentation on college recruiting.