How much athletic ability will I need?
Athletic ability is desirable, but it is not necessary. Average physical fitness and/or good health would be basis for starting this sport. The majority of the youth that start this sport are between the ages of 15 and 16.

Do rowers get scholarships to college?
Yes, rowers frequently receive athletic scholarships. Nearly every year, our club will have one or more graduating seniors who receive a scholarship. Many of our former rowers had been able to attend universities around the country on scholarship.

Who do you compete against and where?
You will generally compete against other junior clubs as well as high school rowing programs. These teams are usually in the southeast region, but they may be from anywhere in the country. Regattas are generally open to any program.

When do I compete?
This is a year round sport that is divided into two seasons. The fall season starts in September and ends in November. These races are against the clock over a distance of 5000 meters. The spring season starts in March and ends in May. These races are sprint races over a distance of 2000 meters against as many as six other teams at one time.

What happens at a regatta?
Generally, the rower will arrive early in the morning well before their scheduled race. Equipment will be rigged and/or checked. You will warm up and stretch. Coxswains will weigh in. Depending upon the regatta format, there may be a semifinal race and then a final race. Regattas can last until late afternoon. Remember, this is a team, so will be numerous races that the Augusta Juniors will enter throughout the day.

What does "junior" mean?
Junior, by definition, means anyone who does not turn 19 during the current calendar year. It may also refer to someone continually enrolled in a secondary school and has not received a diploma or completed the 12th grade.

What does "varsity" mean?
This means that you have rowed for one full year.

What does "novice" mean?
A novice is some one who has rowed for less than one full year.

Who is steering the boat?
The coxswain steers the boat. These individuals generally weigh less than 120 pounds in order to keep the boats competitive. They are responsible for race strategy and very often determine whether a boat wins or loses.

What are the practice schedules like?
Practices are five days per week. Generally, they are four days during the week from 4-6pm and Saturday mornings before 10 am. This is a competitive sport, so attendance counts. Please understand that even though this is a club, we conduct our program with the same rules and expectations of a varsity high school sport.

It's raining, do we still have practice?
Be prepared to occasionally practice in rain. This will be at the coach's discretion; however, some regattas will be run during rain.

What do I wear?
Clothing that is too baggy, will not work in the boats due to moving parts. Clothing should reflect the seasons and the daily weather. It is better to dress in layers that can be easily removed during practice.