Posted by rebecca caroe Rowperfect, a resident of another community, on Nov 29, 2012 at 6:14 pm

Delighted to see such a fantastic community spirit flourising around our beautiful sport of Rowing. Rowperfect salutes all the coaches and hopes you continue your good work inspiring activity and competitive sport in youngsters.

Posted by Paly Alum, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on Nov 30, 2012 at 8:53 am

The Social Network movie highlights rowing.

Does crew row before and after school? Why the 5AM practice?

Posted by Katherine, a resident of Mountain View, on Dec 6, 2012 at 6:27 am

People should know that NorCal also has a "recreational" program which requires less time commitment. It sounds like a good starting place for students who are not sure if that can, or want to, commit 20+ hours per week.

Posted by Allison Frykman, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Dec 6, 2012 at 10:59 pm

@Paly Alum: Rowers love flat water, and the water is much flatter in the morning, as it gets windy in the afternoons. Morning practices also allow practices between teams to be staggered so they can share equipment, and they leave an afternoon or two per week for athletes to take care of other things like tutors, clubs, and doctors appointments.

@Katherine: Yes, thank you! We do have a recreational program for middle school students and for high school students who aren't ready to commit to a full-time training program. No experience is necessary to try it out! www.norcalcrew.org.

Posted by Paly Alum, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on Dec 6, 2012 at 11:26 pm

@Allison: Thank you for your reply - something I have wondered about for years! I have tried peddle boating at Shoreline in the afternoon and even though it was only a bit breezy, we couldn't even peddle all the way back to the dock! So now I understand the early morning hours.

What exactly are the hours that Paly students row for the serious and the recreational?