Union College crew teams practice six days a week during the fall and spring seasons, with the exact schedule varying by experience level and water conditions. The varsity squad typically rows from 5:30–7:30 a.m. on weekdays, while novices practice in the late afternoon (4:00–6:00 p.m.); weekend practices are usually shorter and held mid-morning. Below is a breakdown of how the schedule works, what changes by season, and how to find the current week’s times.
Background: The Union College Rowing Program
Union College in Schenectady, New York, has a competitive club-level crew program that competes in the National Intercollegiate Rowing Association (NIRA) and the New York State Collegiate Rowing Association. The team rows out of the Boathouse on the Mohawk River, which is about a 10-minute drive from campus. The program is student-run with coaching staff, meaning the schedule is set each term based on class availability, water levels, and race dates.
The team is open to all students, regardless of prior experience. Novices (first-year rowers) typically join in the fall or winter and learn the basics before racing in the spring. Varsity members are those who have completed at least one season or have prior rowing experience.
Typical Weekly Practice Schedule
While the exact times shift each term, the general structure remains consistent. Here is a typical week during the spring season (March–May):
- Monday–Friday: Varsity practice 5:30–7:30 a.m. (water session or erg workout). Novice practice 4:00–6:00 p.m. (technique drills and erg pieces).
- Saturday: All-team practice 9:00–11:00 a.m. (longer water rows, race pieces).
- Sunday: No official practice – optional open erg time at the boathouse.
During the fall season (September–November), the schedule shifts slightly: morning practices start at 6:00 a.m. because of sunrise times, and afternoon practices begin at 3:30 p.m. to allow for more daylight. Winter training (December–February) is mostly on indoor ergometers at the gym, with shorter practices (about 90 minutes) scheduled around class times.
How to Find the Current Schedule
The most reliable way to see the current week’s practice times is the team’s official communication channels:
- Check the Union College club sports website – the crew page usually posts a weekly practice schedule.
- Join the team’s email list – the captain sends out a detailed schedule every Sunday evening.
- Follow the team’s Instagram or Facebook – they post any last-minute changes (e.g., weather cancellations).
- Ask the coach or a current member – they can give you the most up-to-date information.
If you’re a prospective member, the best first step is to attend the fall informational meeting (usually held in September) or email the club president via the college’s club sports directory.
Seasonal Variations and Race Days
Practice schedules change dramatically on race weekends. Regattas are typically held on Saturdays or Sundays, and the team will travel to venues like the Head of the Charles (Boston), the Dad Vail Regatta (Philadelphia), or local races on the Mohawk River. On race days, the schedule might include an early bus departure (e.g., 5:00 a.m.), a pre-race practice at the venue, and then the actual races. The team usually returns late in the evening.
During the week leading up to a major race, practices may be shortened to reduce fatigue – often just 60 minutes of light rowing and starts. After a race, the following Monday practice is often a recovery day with easy erging and stretching.
Choosing the Right Practice Time
If you’re new to the team, you’ll be assigned to the novice practice time, which is easier to fit around a typical class schedule. However, you can request a switch if you have a class conflict. Here are factors to consider:
- Morning vs. afternoon: Morning practices are more intense and require early rising, but they free up your afternoons. Afternoon practices are more relaxed and better for night owls.
- Class schedule: Most students avoid 8:00 a.m. classes if they’re on the morning practice schedule. Check your class times before committing.
- Other commitments: If you have a job or club sport, you may need to choose a practice time that doesn’t conflict.
It’s okay to try one time for a week and then switch – the team is flexible, especially for novices.
Common Problems and How to Handle Them
One common issue is weather cancellations. The Mohawk River can be unsafe after heavy rain or during high winds, and the coach will cancel practice with at least a few hours’ notice. Check your email or the team’s social media before heading to the boathouse.
Another issue is time conflicts. If you have a class that ends at 4:00 p.m. and practice starts at 4:00, you’ll be late every day. Talk to the coach – they may allow you to arrive at 4:30, or you can switch to the morning practice.
Finally, some students worry about the early mornings. It’s a real commitment, but most rowers adjust within two weeks. If you’re not a morning person, consider the novice afternoon practice instead.
Costs and Equipment
Union College crew is a club sport, so there are fees to cover regatta travel, equipment maintenance, and coaching. The team fee is typically around $300–$500 per season, but the college’s club sports office may subsidize a portion. This fee covers:
- Use of the boats, oars, and ergometers
- Coaching stipends
- Travel to away regattas (bus, gas, lodging for overnight trips)
- Entry fees for races
You’ll need to provide your own athletic clothing (spandex or shorts, a water bottle, and layers for cold weather). The team provides life jackets and splash gear. If the fee is a hardship, the club offers a limited number of scholarships – contact the club president confidentially.
Safety and Water Conditions
Safety is a top priority. All practices have a coach or safety launch boat on the water. Rowers must wear a life jacket during any practice when the water temperature is below 50°F (10°C) or when the coach deems it necessary. The Mohawk River can have strong currents and debris, especially after storms, so the coach checks the river level and weather forecast before every practice.
If you fall out of the boat (a rare event), the safety launch will pick you up. The team practices capsize drills in the spring so everyone knows what to do. Always listen to the coach’s instructions – they have the final say on whether conditions are safe.
Template: Weekly Practice Schedule Planner
Use this template to plan your own weekly schedule around crew practice. Fill in your class times and other commitments to see how you can fit in practice.
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30–7:30 a.m. | ||||||
| 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | ||||||
| 12:00–4:00 p.m. | ||||||
| 4:00–6:00 p.m. | ||||||
| Evening |
Sample (fictional): Monday 5:30–7:30 a.m. – Varsity practice; Tuesday 4:00–6:00 p.m. – Novice practice; Saturday 9:00–11:00 a.m. – All-team practice.
Alternatives to the Regular Schedule
If the fixed practice times don’t work for you, there are a few alternatives:
- Erg-only membership: Some students join the team but only attend indoor erg workouts (usually in the evenings) and don’t race. This is less common but possible if you talk to the coach.
- Recreational rowing: The college’s outdoor recreation program sometimes offers a separate, less competitive rowing group that meets on weekends only.
- Independent workouts: If you have a conflict for a week, you can do a workout on your own (e.g., run, lift, or erg) and let your coach know. The team expects you to make up missed practices, but it’s flexible.
If you’re considering joining, the best way to learn the schedule is to attend a practice or two as a guest. Contact the team via the club sports office to arrange a tryout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior rowing experience to join?
No. Most novices start with zero experience. The team runs a dedicated novice program in the fall and spring that teaches you everything from how to hold an oar to race strategy.
How early do I need to wake up for morning practice?
If you’re on the varsity morning schedule, you’ll need to wake up around 5:00 a.m. to get to the boathouse by 5:30. It’s tough at first, but many rowers find it makes their day more productive.
Can I balance crew with a part-time job?
Yes, but you’ll need to plan carefully. Many rowers work jobs that have flexible evening hours, or they choose the afternoon practice time. Be upfront with your employer about your practice schedule.
What happens if I miss a practice?
Missing one practice is fine – just let your coach know in advance. If you miss multiple practices, you may be asked to do a makeup workout or you might not be eligible for the next race. The coach will explain the policy at the start of the season.
Are there any tryouts or cuts?
No. The team is open to all Union College students. Everyone who wants to row can join, though race lineups are based on skill and attendance.
Is there a winter practice schedule?
Yes, from December to February the team practices indoors on rowing machines (ergs) at the gym. The schedule is usually shorter – about 90 minutes, three to four times a week, with times chosen by a poll to fit most members’ class schedules.