Virginia Men’s Rowing is atypical of most club teams at the University in that it recruits many of its athletes out of high school, just as any varsity team at Virginia would do. In addition, some of the team’s athletes have rowed in high school but have not been recruited. The majority of our rowers have not rowed before coming to college, though they have participated in a wide variety of sports.

It is not necessary to have rowed in high school to join the team.

Everyone who wants to join the team must try out, even if they rowed in high school. The coaches and the team are looking for the best athletes, period. Tryouts take place early in the school year, usually during the second week of classes. Anyone interested in trying out should click on the RECRUITING tab and fill out the appropriate questionnaire. There you will also find information for contacting our novice coach.

VMR is a program for heavyweight rowers. There is no separate lightweight crew, although the team does not discriminate on the basis of weight or height. Rowers tend to be tall; height is an enormous advantage, although it does not guarantee success. Again, the team is looking for the best possible athletes.