Cleveland State University Rowing Team

Viking Crew is a Cleveland State University's Club Sports Team. We are not a varsity team, therefore we are not controlled by CSU's Athletic Department, but are under the CSU Recreation Center's competitive club sports. Practices:

We meet at the Cleveland Rowing Foundation Boathouse, which is located at 1003 British Street, Cleveland, in the flats. When you come, just ask someone for Cleveland

State, and they should point you in the right direction. First regular season practice is the first day of classes in fall, and the first day after spring break in the spring. We do have off-water conditioning before each season. Row or Cox?:

Each boat has 4 or 8 rowers, and one coxswain. You will be welcome to try either position (rowing or coxing). Rowers will row; they learn the stroke,

Coxswains do not row. They control where the boat goes and what the rowers do. They keep everything in the boat coordinated and organized. Their commands are heard and must be obeyed throughout the boat. During races, they can help keep the boat motivated and enthused. Coxswains tend to be lightweight and small in stature (like jockeys in horse racing)

NOTE: There is also a “lightweight” category for rowers who weigh less than 160 lbs. (men) or 135 lbs. (women), in case you’re smaller, would prefer to row. In races, rowers and coxswains are recognized and awarded equally in victory. Competition:

We typically have four regattas each season; three are out-of-town. We typically go Friday night, sleep somewhere, race Saturday, and get home by 6PM. Typical competition includes all colleges throughout the Midwest. We occasionally compete at the national level as well. We try to keep the calendar up to date. Fall races are 5Ks (15-20 minutes) and fall season is the first ~8 weeks of fall semester

Spring races are 2Ks (6-8 minutes), and the season is the second ~8 weeks of spring semester. Over spring break, we usually go out of town for Spring Training. The cost for this trip is just enough to cover gas, food, lodging and boat rentals. This is optional, but a very good time if you’re able to make it. The Team:

The team has been around since 2000. We’re a self-run club sport. We have some great people on the club, and will be very welcoming and available to help as you get started. Most people on the team learn the sport while on the team. Most rowers learn the sport in college. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the boathouse! Feel free to reach us if you have any more thoughts or questions.