Final call to join the MRA Adult Novice team until Summer 2023

This is a team for athletes with little to no experience in the rowing world.  During these recruitment windows, the team will be switching partly to land-based training to accommodate curious newcomers with no experience as oarsmen or oarswomen.  

Standard practice days are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.  Weekday times are 5:30-7:30 AM.  Sundays are 6:45-9:15 AM.  During peak season, I’ll often add a few Wednesdays.  In addition to participating in one or more land sessions below, new athletes must observe a minimum of one water practice before joining. 

The team runs year-round with the expectation that everyone will miss some time for the usual reasons (work, vacation, illness).  Membership is paid quarterly, costing about $475.  There is a one-time initiation fee of $300.  Extra expenses beyond that relate to travel and racing.

Introductory Session Dates

11/13/22 @6:45AM

11/14/22@530AM

11/19/22@7AM

11/22/22@530AM

11/29/22@530AM

Selection Criteria:

Path One

On all listed dates, there will be an opportunity to take an aerobic fitness test on a spin bike.  For more details on that fitness standard, refer to the summer recruitment announcement.  Standards for autumn will be a few split seconds more demanding.  You'll be invited to join if you clear the aerobic standards and functional movement screens.  

Path Two

Accumulate 25+ boathouse hours over three weeks.  The final due date is Christmas.  During this time, you’ll be invited to work on your aerobic fitness and core strength, along with observing practices.  You might be lucky to find your way into a boat if the practice numbers allow it.

For either path, there is an optional $10 donation per session.  Otherwise, there is no cost for this early participation until you’ve been in the boat twice.  

Alternative

While a private introductory rowing lesson usually costs $100, I will take $40 private sessions for coaching on land.  Consider this a day pass at our gym with some coaching included.  You’ll still need to hit the fitness or the time commitment standards to make the team.  

Please call coach Felix at (510) 316-3035 with questions.  

Happy training!