What is Crew?

Rowing is a sport where team members (the Crew) row a lightweight boat, called a shell, as fast as it will go. At LRA, either four or eight rowers, each with a single oar, power a shell, which is steered by a coxswain (pronounced cox'n).

Success is measured not by the ability of one or two superstars, but by the willingness of everyone in the boat to work hard and in unison. Learning to make a boat go fast takes time, dedicated training, and both physical and mental discipline.

As a parent once put it, "The beauty of Crew is that you do not have to be a behemoth or 'natural athlete' to excel. It is a sport where dedicated training, good coaching, and teamwork all come together. Balance and precision are much more valuable than brute strength. It also has become a great sport for females. A great opportunity for college scholarships. And finally, it is a beautiful sport to watch. A bunch of healthy and happy kids who are proud of what they are doing is wonderful to see. And it is a 'sport for life'. Once it is in your blood, either as a Crew member or a parent, it does not go away."

What is LRA?

Lyman Rowing Association. The Rowing team at Lyman started in 2005. We are a small, but enthusiastic group of rowing fanatics looking to grow Lyman's Crew team and the sport in eastern Seminole County for years to come.

Rowing is a club sport at Lyman High School. As a club sport, the team members provide the financial support for the team and its activities (racing, travel, purchasing equipment, coaching, etc.) by way of monthly dues, fundraising and community, corporate and individual donations.

We are a 501c3 tax exempt organization.

Who can join LRA and how?

All academically and physically eligible students at Lyman High School are welcome to come out for the team. An informational meeting for prospective team members and their parents will be held shortly after school begins in the fall. Dates for all meetings and forms for joining will be posted and made available here on the website.

Those who wish to join must complete and submit the following:

• School's physical form
• Registration package
• Emergency Card
• Compliance with County's 2.0 minimum GPA requirement

What is the first year like?

As a novice, rowers will spend the fall season learning the fundamentals of the sport - terminology, how to carry and care for the equipment, and of course, how to row.

What are the practices and races like?

Crew is a full year sport running from September through May and split into a fall and spring seasons. During the fall season, the focus is on developing cardiovascular fitness and increasing strength and endurance, while continuing to make technical improvement. Practices are at the boat house on Lake Kathryn on Marion Lane off 17-92 in Casselberry, 150 Marion Lane.

The spring season is our primary competitive season. As such, practice time is geared to technical refinement and specific race preparation. Competitions begin in February and continue through May, with practices held weekday afternoons and some Saturdays and competitions held most Saturdays throughout the spring season (check the schedule for more details).

How much does Crew cost?

Dues are collected at the monthly parent meeting held the second Monday of each month. 2011-2012 dues per rower are $155 per month for 10 months for a total of $1,550 for year; there is an additional fundraising commitment of $250 that must be worked off via car washes, concessions and other group fundraising opportunities by April 1st. Additional costs will also be incurred for uniforms, other clothing and trip fees for away races.

Don't let the dues requirement scare you away from this great sport, there are many fundraising opportunities scheduled throughout the year to put towards dues.

Still interested?

Contact us! You can talk to the rowers at school, all are very open to newcomers and want to help you join. Or, you can check the website for parent meetings and other functions to come and meet the rowers, parents, coach, and Board members. We will also be available at Lyman’s Club Night and Light Up Lyman. If you have any questions you can contact us (need address) as well. Hope to see you soon!