milestones

Row Like a Girl Invitation

Our inaugural, Row Like a Girl speaker series is around the corner. Join the Rice Crew team and 3 distinguished rowers—Jessica Willey (rower + news reporter), Wendy Lawrence (rower + astronaut), and Torrey Plamer (rower + Olympian)—for some serious inspiration on Sunday, April 12. Tickets are available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1386690. For more information, please see the flyer below:

Driving directions to Rice University are easy—parking and directions can be found at: http://cic.rice.edu/uploadedFiles/CIC/CIC_Programs/GWF/GWICFDirections.pdf

1 Team, 2 Ways to Participate

Most people hear the word "rowing" and think of early mornings, big commitments, getting awesomely in shape, and being an all-around athletic beast or beastess. The sacrifices are well worth it, but we know it's not something for everyone. In fact, only the few can handle a full class load and crew in their lives.

Given the complex schedules that Rice University has, our love for the sport, and the eagerness of our team to invite new members, we've decided to create "1 Team with 2 Ways to Participate." For the resolute, there's fully-fledged, competitive crew. For those that want to "get their feet wet" and perhaps later transition to competitive crew, there's recreational crew. We've broken down the difference below and even provided a nifty graphic (see above) to get you going with your stroke. If you have questions, just head over to our recruitment page and let us know what's on your mind!

Competitive Crew

  • Meet 5 times a week for practice (3 water and 2 workouts a week)
  • M, T, Th, F, S practices @ 6 AM
  • Attend regattas both in and out of state
  • Practice in a set lineup with the same teammates
  • Strict attendance policy and athlete expectations

Recreational Crew

  • 3 optional practices a week (1 water and 2 land workouts)
  • T, W, Th practices @ 6 AM
  • Transition to Competitive Crew at any time
  • Meet new friends in a casual atmosphere while getting fit
  • Come-and-go as you please

The Road Ahead of Us

Repost from row4rice.com/blog.

In a seemingly impossible feat of collaboration, Rice Crew is prepared to break ground on a new home on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou. Through the collaboration of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the Texas Dragon Boat Association, and Row4Rice, we will soon have a dock and shipping container complex able to house both Rice Crew’s shells and Texas Dragon Boat Association’s boats.

Though not in place, the photograph shows the plans for our "facility". At the top center is our new 50' long Accudock dock. To the left of the dock are the two conex boxes to store both Rice Crew and Texas Dragon Boat Association boats. Plans also …

Though not in place, the photograph shows the plans for our "facility". At the top center is our new 50' long Accudock dock. To the left of the dock are the two conex boxes to store both Rice Crew and Texas Dragon Boat Association boats. Plans also include adding a light tower and fence to keep the area well lit and protected from vandalism.

The initial “facility” is going to be rough, gritty, and reminiscent of Rocky IV’s Siberian training barn. It’s a distant cousin at best of what we hope the Buffalo Bayou Rowing Club will one day be, but dreams start with roots and not flowers. Will it be open to the public? Sadly, no. It’s a big liability to take on a public organization to give people free reign on water sports on the bayou but then again that’s Row4Rice’s plan.

On September 6, the three organizations will combine forces, contribute buckets of sweat, and build out the “facility” for use starting Monday, September 8. If you can lend a hand, provide power tools, or send us a word of support, all groups would be very appreciative. Visit the Row4Rice’s subscribe page for more details on the build out date.