Rowing FAQs

Question: I noticed the practice schedule is in the handbook; does it ever change?

Answer: Yes. Practice changes are sometimes made due to anticipated weather conditions, upcoming competitions, scheduling conflicts or Plant early dismissals. Any scheduling changes will be communicated by the coaches via email as soon as possible. Please be sure that PHRA has your correct contact information.

Question: How do I connect with other parents for carpooling?

Answer: There is no formal carpooling system.  The best way to meet other parents and inquire about carpooling is by visiting with parents at practice pick ups or attendance at monthly Parent-Athlete Meetings.

Question: There are so many rowers on the team. Why is practice attendance so important?

Answer: Although we have over 95 rowers on the team, because each boat holds either 8 or 4 athletes if even one person is missing, the others in a boat cannot practice. If everyone attends practice, there's that much more possibility that everyone will get on the water. Rowing is indeed a team sport.

Question: Why are quality running shoes so important to rowers?

Answer: Cross training is a key component to the physical fitness needs of a rower. Our coaches highly encourage running and generally have their rowers run at every practice. 

Question: I am confused when I hear the words Frosh, Novice or Freshman. What is the difference?

Answer: A Frosh is a true Freshman (9th grader). A Novice is any athlete new to rowing (Freshman thru Senior). All Freshmen are Novice, but not all Novice are Freshmen! Some races (regattas) will allow an all-Freshman team, while others will instead allow an
all-Novice team.

Question: I don’t see references to Junior Varsity in the sport of rowing. Is there a JV team? And what does 1V or V1 mean?

Answer: 'Junior Varsity' and 'JV' are not terms used in rowing. Instead, you will see the term 'Novice' used for what might normally be classified in other sports as 'JV'. 'V' is rowing language for 'Varsity'. There is one Varsity team, and one Novice team. Within Novice, there is but one 'Novice' category. Within Varsity, however, different rowers race in different events - based on skill and oftentimes size. For example, the 1st Varsity (1V) is a team's top boat. Each team has 1V Men's and 1V Women's boats. The 2nd Varsity boat (2V) is a team's next tier of rowers, and so on. Plant Crew 1V will race other crew's  1Vs, and so on. In Plant High Crew, every rower has the opportunity to compete in races each season. In addition, each boat competes on its own AND as part of the entire team because awards are given in both individual and full team categories. What other high school level sport boasts this kind of opportunity to each of its team members?!

Question: I hear we travel out of town for some regattas. How does this work?

Answer: There are 3 types of out of town trips (local, in-state and overnight trips).
All athletes travel together on charter buses for most regattas. Local and most in-state trips do not require overnight stays. Overnight trips are coordinated by the coaches and PHRA Board members. Details on all trips are sent by the coaches and/or Board members via email prior to each trip and the website will post that information, too. Local trips are typically in Sarasota, Orlando, Gainesville or Melbourne. The team always travels together. Parents interested in making their own travel plans to overnight competitions can refer to the Events Calendar. There you will find links to the large non-local regattas which in turn will provide information on events, hotel accomodations, directions, you name it.

Question: I hear the terms 'rowing', 'crew', 'Plant Crew', 'Plant High Rowing Club', 'Plant High Rowing Association', etc. I'm confused why there are different terms and names referring to seemingly the same organization?

Answer: The Plant High School Rowing Club is an Interest Club and the teens choose to become members through the school. It is led by PHS Faculty Liaison, Ms. Lindsay Tait. Not all Rowing Club members choose to row; however, all rowers must belong to the Rowing Club. Each rower is a member of the sports team referred to as Plant Crew. The non-profit organization which supports Plant Crew is called the Plant High Rowing Association, or PHRA for short.

Question:  What is an erg?

Answer: An erg is an ergometer, or indoor rowing machine. This piece of equipment helps athletes with both rowing technique and endurance. Coach Abel is a big believer in building skills thru the use of ergs. They are used extensively by our team. PHRA owns 18 ergs that are currently housed in the downtown Tampa temporary training facility on Twiggs Street. [Interested in purchasing an erg for home use? Coach Abel states that in his opinion a Concept 2 is the best machine for the money.]

Question:  Plant's rowing team doesn’t 'cut' athletes. How do the coaches determine who rows at a regatta, and in which boat?

Answer: The most effective rowers are those who are most physically fit and technically proficient. Once these athletes are identified, coaches work to find the fastest combination of 8 rowers and coxswain. Because PHRA owns 10 boats, the team is able to not only practice many athletes at the same time, but also take multiple boats to all of its various competitions. This allows all teens the opportunity to gain competitive racing experience, even as Freshmen.