Do I need to know how to row in order to join the team?
No. The majority of high school rowers have no experience rowing prior to joining the team. As a matter of fact, every one of the Athens 2004 Gold Medal Men’s Team Olympic Rowing Winners began their rowing careers in high school. Most rowers don't start rowing until they reach high school.  

I just heard about rowing.  How old is this sport?
Rowing is one of the oldest sports known to humankind - long before football & basketball.  Ancient Greek and Roman writers relate stories of rowing races.  The Thames River in England is the setting for three of the most celebrated rowing events in the world:  the Daggett's Coast and the Badge Race, began in 1715;  the annual race between Oxford and Cambridge; and the Henley Royal Regatta.  In the United States, Harvard and Yale Universities first recognized rowing as a collegiate sport in 1843.  

Can I play another sport and row?
Yes, except for the Spring racing season since that is our main competition time.  See the Team Information - Joining for more infomation.  

When does crew start?
We start rowing in the fall, but our competition season is in the spring.

Can I get a letter?
Yes.  See the Team Information - Lettering requirements.

Is crew a varsity sport?
No, Hampton crew is a club sport and is totally funded through dues and fundraising, but we compete at the varsity level.

How safe is this sport?
Rowing is a very safe sport even though it involves rowing on the river.  Most accidents occur on land due to team members not paying attention to the coxswain or not following the safety rules of the boat house.  

Who do we compete against?
Currently, there are 16 high schools in the Pittsburgh area that have rowing teams.  For local races which are held on the Allegheny River we compete against those high schools plus any other team that decides to enter the races.  Typically, there will be teams from Ohio and other parts of Pennsylvania that will enter the local races.  When we travel to Philadelphia, Washington DC, or other cities we race against teams from all across the United States and Canada.

Are there dues to pay?
Yes, there are annual dues payable to the Parent's Association.  Dues pay for the coaches salaries, boat storage rental fees, gasoline, race entry fees, boat transportation to out of the area races, etc. 

Do we need to do any fundraising
Yes, money generated by our fundraisers pays for all our equipment such as boats, oars, cox boxes, etc.  We have sponsored dances, held car washes, sold raffle tickets, and held food sales on July 4th at the Community Park.  

Do I need to know how to swim to row?
You must pass a safety swim test before you row.

What if I can't swim?
Crew coaches can help you learn to swim, or you can wear a personal floatation device (PFD) when you row.

Where does the team practice?
During the fall and spring rowing seasons practice is held on the Allegheny River at the Millvale boat house of Three Rivers Rowing Association (TRRA) which is located in Millvale.  During the winter months when it is too cold to be on the river practice is held at the high school and also indoors at Three Rivers Rowing Association. 

How do I get to Three Rivers Rowing Association?
New for 2008 - Bus transportation from the High School to TRRA and back.  Team members are encouraged to ride the bus.  Because Crew is a club sport transportation is your own responsibility.  In the event bus transportation can't be accomodated the Parent's Association has a very efficient car pooling system and ensures everyone that wants to be a member of Crew has a ride to TRRA and back home.

What is a coxswain?
The coxswain or simply cox is the eyes, ears, and brains of the boat.  The cox is responsible for steering the boat, commanding the crew, and safety of the boat and crew. Coxswains should weigh less than 120lbs

Can I wear gloves when I row?
You do not need gloves to row.  Some rowers like to wear bicycle gloves or if you prefer you can wear gardening gloves with the fingers cut off.

Where are the boats?
Currently, the Parent's Association owns 8 boats that are used for practicing and racing.  There are four 'fours' and four 'eights'.  The four actually holds 5 people (four rowers and the cox).  The eight holds 9 people (eight rowers and the cox).  The boats are kept in rented rack space at the Millvale boat house of
Three Rivers Rowing Association. 

The boats don't look too substantial.  What are they made of?
Shells have a thin hull with a special fiberglass or wooden laminated exterior structure 3/32" thick over a framework.  The bow and stern decks are covered with a plastic material.  They are surprisingly strong but easily damaged.  

The boats look huge.  How big are they?
The biggest boats are the 'eights'.  They are approximately 60 feet long and weigh about 200 pounds.  Mechanical lifts are used to place and remove the boats in and from the upper racks.  All team members are taught how to safely remove and handle the boats.