So you want to row in college, eh? Well, sit down by the fire and listen to some advice from your old uncle Shmoop.

First of all, you'll want to get familiar with the ergometer. It's an indoor rowing machine that measures the amount of energy that the rower is expending. Rowers who live in areas that get colder will likely be cozying up to these all winter long. If you're in a nice, warm climate, then you might spend more time in the water, depending on your coach's training techniques.

This is your future. Embrace it. (Source)

Unlike other sports where previous experience is an absolute must (cough football cough) rowing crew tends to include spots for walk-ons or people who haven't rowed previously…if they can show a level of athleticism and a decent erg score (source).

You'll want to research the weight class you're interested in. Lightweight teams have strict rules about rower's weight, whereas open weight (for women's teams) or heavyweight (for men's teams) require only that you can row your arms off. Whether there's water involved or not.

If you happen to be a rower with multiple championships under your belt, a rowing resume, and erg scores in the top 20% of your age bracket, then why are you even reading this? Go visit the schools you're interested in and attend a development camp, if you can.

None of this will guarantee you a spot on a Div-I or Div-II team, but if you really want to row, there are ample opportunities.