When it comes to men’s college rowing recruiting, coaches evaluate a combination of performance metrics, academic strength and long-term athletic potential. While every program has its own priorities, there are several consistent factors that almost all college rowing coaches consider. Use this guide to learn how to get recruited for men’s college rowing and how to navigate the recruiting process effectively.
Watch the video below to see how NCSA helped a men’s rower take control of his recruiting journey and earn a Division I opportunity.
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How does college rowing recruiting work?
College men’s rowing is not an NCAA sport.
Most varsity programs row in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA), while club teams race in the American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA).
IRA varsity programs largely follow NCAA recruiting rules, even though rowing itself is not governed by the NCAA. Club programs typically recruit on campus or through summer rowing camps, if offered.
If you plan to pursue varsity men’s rowing, you’ll need to follow NCAA-style recruiting timelines and rules.
What Men’s College Rowing Coaches Look For
When it comes to rowing recruits, coaches generally look at the following things in order of importance (give or take a slot):
- 2k erg times
- Academics
- Club or high school experience
- Size
- Technique
2k Erg Times Matter Most
2k erg times are the single most important metric in men’s college rowing recruiting.
Erg scores provide a consistent, objective way for coaches to evaluate strength, fitness and upside across athletes from different regions and clubs. While erg speed doesn’t always translate perfectly to boat speed (especially if technique is lacking) coaches know that technique can be taught.
Think of the erg like the NFL Combine. The top performer isn’t guaranteed to be the best player, but elite results strongly indicate potential. That’s why your 2k erg time is usually the first thing a college coach will review.
Academic Fit
Academics are critical in men’s college rowing recruiting.
Many varsity rowing programs are located at academically selective schools, particularly private institutions along the East Coast. Even a fast rower may not be recruitable if they don’t meet admissions standards.
Strong grades and test scores expand a coach’s options and increase your chances of admission support. For some programs, academics are second only to erg scores in importance.
Club or High School Experience
Rowing experience can play an important role, especially if it comes from a well-established club or high school program.
Coaches value recommendations from trusted programs such as Oakland Strokes, Marin Rowing Association and other nationally recognized clubs. The same applies to international recruits rowing for well-known programs overseas.
That said, not all coaches prefer experienced rowers. Some actively recruit athletic novices with raw power and speed, allowing them to develop athletes from a clean technical slate that fits their system and culture.
If a coach is unfamiliar with your region or competition level, medals and regatta results may carry less weight than objective data like erg scores and academics.
Athletes from established programs often benefit from coach recommendations and known training standards. However, athletic walk-ons and novices are still recruited, especially at programs seeking long-term development athletes.
Size and Physical Profile
Height is a major advantage in rowing due to increased leverage and stroke length. Coaches also value strength and mass, though excessive weight can negatively affect boat speed.
Technique Evaluation
Technique is hardest to assess remotely. Coaches prefer in-person evaluations or camp settings, where they can see how an athlete moves on the water and responds to coaching.
Men’s heavyweight rowing recruiting 2k times
2k Erg Times for Men’s Rowing (Heavyweight)
| Tier | 2k Erg Time |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 6:10s and under |
| Tier 2 | 6:10s to mid 6:20s |
| Tier 3 | mid 6:20s to 6:40 |
| Tier 4 | 6:30s to 6:40s |
Recruiting standards have continued to improve over the past decade as training, data and competition levels rise.
These times represent recruiting benchmarks, not top varsity standards. Most athletes improve significantly once acclimated to college-level training volume.
International recruits are often held to slightly faster standards due to deeper rowing pipelines and experience.
Program Tier Breakdown
- Tier 1: Elite varsity programs capable of IRA Championship finals
- Examples: California, Washington, Harvard, Yale, Princeton
- Tier 2: Consistent IRA qualifiers
- Examples: Wisconsin, Navy, Syracuse, Penn
- Tier 3: Competitive varsity or elite club programs
- Examples: Colgate, Drexel, Hobart, Temple
- Tier 4: Varsity and top club programs
- Examples: Jacksonville, UCSB, Michigan, Trinity
Finding the right fit—athletically, academically, financially and socially—is more important than chasing a specific tier.
Men’s lightweight rowing recruiting 2k times
2k Erg Times for Men’s Rowing (Lightweight)
| Tier | 2k Erg Time |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 6:30s and under |
| Tier 2 | 6:40s and under |
Men’s lightweight rowing has continued to shrink nationally. As of recent seasons, fewer than 15 programs consistently field lightweight eights.
Lightweight rowers must weigh no more than 160 pounds, with a boat average of 155 pounds. This restriction makes recruiting and roster stability challenging for many programs.
Lightweight Program Tiers
- Tier 1: Elite varsity lightweight programs
- Examples: Cornell, Columbia, Princeton, Yale
- Tier 2: Programs that regularly field lightweight eights
- Examples: MIT, California, Temple
Rowing scholarship erg times
There is no guaranteed erg score that earns an athletic scholarship.
In general, recruits in the 6:40 range or faster may be considered for athletic aid at scholarship-granting programs, but decisions depend on multiple factors.
It’s important to note:
- NCAA Division III programs do not offer athletic scholarships
- Ivy League schools do not offer athletic scholarships, despite competing at a high Division I level
For example, a recruit rowing at Yale with a 6:21 2k would receive no athletic scholarship money, though need-based or academic aid may still apply.
This makes early research, open-mindedness and financial planning essential in the recruiting process.
Research a target list of colleges and keep an open mind about which college can offer the best athletic, academic and financial fit.
FAQS
How early should I start the men’s rowing recruiting process?
Most recruits should begin researching colleges and building a recruiting profile by freshman or sophomore year of high school. Coaches often track athletes for multiple years before making recruiting decisions.
What is a good 2k erg time for men’s college rowing?
Elite varsity programs, aim for 6:10s–6:20s (heavyweight). Mid-level varsity or top club programs, target mid-6:20s–6:40. For Lightweight programs, 6:30s–6:40s is good erg time. Faster times generally lead to more recruiting opportunities.
Do you need rowing experience to get recruited?
No. While experience at a strong club or high school program helps, many college teams recruit athletic novices with size, strength and strong erg scores. Walk-on opportunities are common in rowing.
Are there scholarships for men’s college rowing?
Some programs offer athletic scholarships, but Division III and Ivy League schools do not. Many athletes combine need-based aid, academic scholarships and other financial assistance.
Do I need a recruiting video for rowing?
Recruiting videos are optional. Coaches prioritize 2k erg scores, academics and recommendations. Video can help, especially for small boats, but it is not required.
Create a Free NCSA Profile to Get Recruited
The best way to get on college rowing coaches’ radars is to be proactive.
By creating a free NCSA recruiting profile, you can:
- Share your 2k erg times and academic info with college coaches
- Get discovered by varsity and club rowing programs
- Track recruiting interest and communication
- Access expert recruiting guidance for athletes and parents
Create your free NCSA profile today and start building relationships with men’s college rowing coaches across the country.