Men’s and Women’s Club Crew
Have you ever seen a rower gliding down the river and thought, “That looks like fun”? Or maybe you rowed in high school and you want to continue improving your stroke and compete without the commitment of a varsity sport? Or maybe you’d like the chance to play an important role on a team without the physical exertion? If any of these descriptions fit you, you could be perfect for club crew!
Crew is a full-body, low-impact sport you can participate in your whole life. Rowing is well-known as one of the best cardio and strength workouts there is because it utilizes your whole body without placing too much stress on any area. In “sweeps” rowing, each rower has one oar and the crew works as one unit with precise timing to move the boat with speed, grace and power. “Sweeps” boats are steered and commanded by a “coxswain” who does not row, but sits in the bow or stern of the boat. In “sculling,” each rower has two oars and works alone or with 1-3 other rowers to move the boat. In all but singles rowing, athletes must work intensely together, often in silence, to move the boat efficiently.
A side benefit of rowing is immersion in the life of the river. The home of Lasell’s Crew Club, Stoller Boathouse, is on an idyllic, protected section of the Upper Charles River that is teeming with animal and plant life, and the water is usually as smooth as glass.
Rowing is both an intellectual and meditative sport. Some rowers enjoy the mental puzzle of trying to find the best stroke; others prefer let their bodies take over and do the work without the brain’s interference, guided by the sounds and rhythms of the boat. And if your competitive side should kick in, we have outlets for that too.
Crew is an excellent platform to get fit, have fun in nature and with friends, and clear your head. And watch out—it’s easy to get addicted!
Head Coach: Djuna Perkins, dperkins@lasell.edu
Captains: Kaitlyn Gargas, Madigan Bailey, Michael Maruk
Watch Below to See What a Typical Practice Looks Like!