There are also opportunities to try rowing in four-oared shells (or ‘fours’). Some more advanced rowers might want to try sculling (each rower has two oars) in a single or double scull. During each fall season, approximately one hundred of our students travel five miles by bus to our boathouse, located on the ‘Mighty’ Merrimack River, and row four times a week. Our emphases in the fall are on teaching novices the fundamentals, refining the skills of the experienced rowers, and having fun.

In the spring the emphasis is on racing. For each team, we have two varsity level eights and one junior varsity eight (three girls boats and three boys boats) that race against other schools each Saturday. A fourth and fifth boat focus primarily on instruction and training and have just two or three interscholastic racing opportunities. Competitive rowing requires discipline, commitment, and considerable physical and mental effort; but the personal rewards, the close friendships that develop, and the team victories are well worth it. Andover Crew is a strong, competitive high school rowing program, and the young women and men who row here work hard to keep it that way. As a result, our athletes are recruited enthusiastically by the coaches of prominent collegiate rowing programs.

Most people who have tried rowing at Andover will tell you that there is something unique and special about crew. Some will talk about the intense competition and the challenging workouts, or the extraordinary camaraderie that develops among teammates, as eight rowers and one coxswain strive to become a single, harmonious unit. Still others will describe the beauty and grace that are created when all eight oars are moving together in perfect unison, and the boat feels like it is gliding effortlessly across the water. The Andover crew program provides rowing opportunities for all kinds of people. We welcome anyone who feels that he or she might have an interest in the sport.