The CRI Competitive Men’s team is a year-long coached program giving experienced rowers aged 21 and older the opportunity to train seriously, receive top-notch coaching, and compete locally and nationally. 

The team participates in roughly eight events a year, providing rowers with a chance to compete in eights, fours, and small boats.

Team Members

Athletes on the team are expected to have a minimum of two years rowing experience, ideally including at least one year of competition. Members range in age from early 20s to late 60s. All are dedicated athletes looking to refine technique, increase speed, and make connections with other passionate rowers. If you don’t meet these criteria, but are eager to start rowing (or get back on the water after a hiatus), you are encouraged to participate in CRI’s recreational programs.

Schedule

The season runs from late March through the end of October, and a full-season commitment is requested. Coached practices are on Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 5:00 – 7:00 am. The coaches maintain a Google Group, with an e-mail list, calendar, training plans, lineups, etc. Athletes are expected to train six days per week when possible. Individual training assignments will be provided. Athletes with little or no sculling experience will have the opportunity to scull in a team setting early in the season to develop increased proficiency; the long-term goal is for all rowers to become certified to pass the CRI Captain’s Test and scull independently.

Racing

CRI’s Men’s Competitive team competes at approximately six local New England regattas and a few larger races requiring travel, with sprint regattas in the spring and summer and head races in the fall. The standard masters’ sprint distance is 1K, and head races range from 2.5 to 3 miles. Highlights of the season include Masters Nationals and the Head of the Charles Regatta. Team members are expected to contribute to the cost of race fees and boat transportation.

Tryouts

Initial tryouts for the season will occur over a two-week period starting in the middle of March. For those interested in trying out for the team, please be in touch with the CRI office, which will provide you with the coach’s contact details. Athletes will be evaluated on rowing technique, overall fitness (as measured primarily by ergscores), and a willingness to work hard. All interested athletes should register for the tryout period; athletes who are selected for the team will then register for the remainder of the season. Skilled coxswains are welcome.

Winter Training

Want to improve your chances of getting on the team? CRI offers a number of excellent winter training classes in which many team members participate. Other team members come into CRI on their own to use the ergs and weight room or take the opportunity to cross-train. Regardless, the expectation is that athletes will start the season fit and ready to go.

Volunteering

CRI runs a large number of programs, does a great deal of outreach, and has a state-of-the-art boathouse to maintain, none of which would be possible without the support of members through volunteer hours. Each member is required to volunteer 12 hours/year to help keep the organization running smoothly. Members also have the opportunity to participate in the wider CRI community.

Interested?

The team is always looking for new members, both rowers and coxswains. Please contact the Competitive Men's Head Coach, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..