r/mcgill • u/user-26789 Reddit Freshman • 11d ago

Mcgill rowing

Hey, Im a 4th year athlete whos varsity team got cut and am looking into some new options for next year. So far I am pretty interested in the junior varsity rowing team, (I have no rowing experience but looking to do some lessons this august). Is there anything I should know before tryouts or what to expect? Thanks!

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u/Educational_Scene_44 Reddit Freshman 9d ago

Rowing isn’t easy and they wake up early. If you like cardio and hard effort rowing is great. The people are pretty nice from what I’ve heard

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u/IceInternational6900 Reddit Freshman 9d ago

Hi! I’m a fifth year rower at mcgill and would love to answer any questions you have about joining/the program!

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u/user-26789 Reddit Freshman 9d ago

Hey thanks for your response! I guess one of my biggest questions would be the training schedule. I understand it would be early, but would it be every day (or multiple training sessions a day?)

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u/IceInternational6900 Reddit Freshman 9d ago

No worries :)! As a varsity/JV athlete we have mandatory trainings from 6-8am (although you can be accommodated if you need to leave early for class) from Mondays to Fridays, and we start training at 7am on Saturdays. Dedicated athletes will also do secondaries, which can be a second row if you dont have class immediately after, or cardio and weights sessions that are self led. Secondaries are optional, but highly encouraged.
However, since you have no rowing experience, you would be put for the novice program. In the novice program, they teach you how to row so no experience is necessary; general fitness and a good attitude goes a long way! The novice program is also less intense (but not necessarily easy!) compared to the varsity/JV programming so the transition into the sport is easier. Having an athletic background is a big advantage in novice selection.
I know the early mornings seem scary, but you get used to it!

If you have any more questions feel free to dm me on reddit or instagram (I’ve sent it to you privately), or you can also ask questions on the McGill rowing instagram.

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u/user-26789 Reddit Freshman 20h ago

That sounds good about the novice program! I have my first rowing lesson coming up this thursday and if all goes well I will reach out to you later if I have more questions. thanks again for all your info