Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join?

The best times to join are in September or January. If you join in September you can see what it is like to be on the water before winter training starts. If you join in January you are guaranteed to be in shape by the spring racing season. If you are interested please contact Coach Kendrick at skendrick@madisoncountryday.org

Can anyone join?

Crew is open to all 8th-12th graders. Our team is open to all shapes and sizes. Your attitude is more important than your body shape!

Is previous rowing experience required?

No rowing experience is necessary to join crew. Those new to the sport will be taught to row from the ground up. Crew is a great "walk-on" sport!

Do I have to participate in both Fall and Spring seasons or can I sign up for just one?

No, you do not have to do both. You can join on a season-by-season basis but we do not race in the fall. Our fall season goes from the first week of school until Halloween and it meant to work on technique as well as introduce new rowers to the sport. Our spring season starts after winter break finishes at the end of May.

Where do you practice?

We practice on Cherokee Marsh and the Yahara river right behind the school.

What is the time commitment for crew?

MCDS rowers practice 4 days a week from 3:30-5:30 pm. Starting in April we have regattas or fundraising commitments almost every weekend until the end of May.

How much does it cost?

The fall season is $150 and the spring season is $600. Just our racing shells cost between $10,000 and $15,000 each, so it's a good deal! Fees go to pay for equipment, equipment maintenance, travel fees, as well as coaching. We do several fundraisers throughout the season to raise money for the team as well.

Why does it cost so much? How is the money spent?

Crew has its own budget and supports most of its operating expenses from the fees and fundraising. Income from these sources is used for purchasing, maintaining, and storing equipment; insurance, regatta and travel fees, coaching stipends, and administrative needs.

Here are a few examples to illustrate why crew is so expensive:

  • A new eight person boat costs anywhere from $15,000 and up.
  • A new four person boat costs anywhere from $11,000 and up.
  • Oars cost $200 each.
  • A cox box is about $700.
  • A launch costs about $1000.
  • A motor for a launch costs about $1200.
  • Other items we must pay for include equipment maintenance, insurance, coaching fees, regatta entry fees, administrative expenses, etc.

Rowing is an expensive sport both in terms of cost and time but the rewards are great! You and your parents will learn that the "whole" must participate in order to win. The organization behind the team is directly proportional to how well that team performs. Parents support their kids by encouraging their kids not to miss practice, they encourage their kids to condition hard and eat well, and they participate aggressively to insure success in fundraising so the equipment and facilities can be upgraded (constant and ongoing). Parents also willingly volunteer, sharing responsibility for the success of the program and insuring that vital tasks are completed.

When are fees due?

Barb Spurlin will bill you for the fall or spring season as soon as she knows that your child is committed.

Do I have to pay the fees all at once?

No, please contact MCDS's business manager, Barb Spurlin if you need to make special arrangements, or call 608-850-6000.

Can I try crew before I commit?

Definitely! Come to practice for a week. Be warned - most students usually love it after 1 day.

Are there any expenses in addition to the initial cost?

Yes, there are occasionally expenses for a meal while we are traveling to and from a race. In addition, optional team apparel, such as sweats, jackets, etc. is extra.

Must parents do anything besides paying the bills?

Yes. Parent involvement is critical to the success of the program. We encourage parents to help with at least one fundraising activity as well as join us at as many regattas as you can make it to. Support of, and participation in, fund-raising is especially important. These activities not only make it possible to have a crew program but also provide a way for parents to be involved in their children's lives and get to know other MCDS Crew parents.

What equipment do I need?
  • Uniform-These are ordered as a team in January and are covered in the fees you pay.
  • Close fitting shorts or tights for practice that won't get caught in the equipment i.e. Spandex are great!
  • Fleece and synthetic clothing for the water.
  • Socks are needed to keep your feet comfortable in the foot straps in the boat
  • Water bottle

Is crew safe?

Safety is a priority. Every student who comes out for crew watches the United States Rowing Association's safety video entitled "Ready All, Row". All athletes are required to take a swim test as well.

Can you get injured?

Rowing is a very safe and low impact sport but injuries can happen in any sport. The most common injury is blisters on the hands. Rowers should keep blisters clean by washing hands after rowing and using band-aids and tape to keep blisters clean and protected. Rowers will be less prone to blisters as they gain more experience and they develop calluses. Rowers may experience sore muscles (especially at the beginning) but should feel better after a day or two. If pain continues or gets worse then let your coach know so they can modify training if necessary. Problem areas are usually the back and knees and preventive steps in training are taken to help reduce the possibility of injuries.

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. Synthetic materials such as fleece and polypropylene are best.

Why does practice go over the ending time?

Please be aware practice will "go over" often especially for the novice as they learn to care for the shells, launch, etc. There is a lot involved in putting them away and problems arise. We also never know what will happen out on the water with wind, equipment issues etc. Coach does the best job she can to get the kids out on time.

Will practice be cancelled for bad weather?

Rowing takes place in almost all weather conditions. If the weather is too bad to row (high winds, thunder and lightning, rain plus cold) the team will work out inside. Rowers should be prepared to row in light rain by bringing a rain jacket, layers of clothing, and dry clothing for after their turnout.

How will I know if practice is cancelled?

Coach Kendrick will email parents as soon as she knows practice will be cancelled. All athletes will be notified and will be expected to contact parents as soon as they can.

What level of fitness is necessary?

Although rowing is an extremely strenuous sport, there is no minimum level of fitness necessary to join the crew. Workouts for novices are designed to ramp up gradually, giving the rowers a chance to gain strength and endurance without overstress. Generally, rowers do not compete in their first race until they have undergone several months of training and conditioning.

What is a coxswain? Can I be one?

A coxswain is the person who steers the boat, encourages the rowers, and acts as an on the water coach. Coxswains are usually of a smaller build (120lbs or less). If you are interested in coxing we would love to teach you about it! Come try it out!

When are the regattas?

Regattas are usually on Saturdays, sometimes Sundays.

As parents, what should we bring to a regatta?

Label everything possible with your last name!!

  • Lawn chairs
  • Blankets
  • Rain gear
  • Sun screen
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Dress in layers
  • Extra clothes for a dry ride home
  • Book to read
  • Maps/directions
  • Coach's cell phone number-608-239-7107
  • Football, deck of cards for siblings.
  • Plastic bags (for wet clothes)
  • Wipes (for icky bathrooms or sticky hands.
  • Towels
  • Race schedule printed from website