This week, members of the UF crew team will have the endurance, the equipment and the motivation to row the distance. They’ll only be missing one thing — water.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Thursday, the team will suit up and head to Turlington Plaza to participate in Row Across Florida, Florida Crew’s annual fundraiser. Using indoor rowing machines, known as ergometers, members will simulate the distance it would take to cross the state, said Will Maxwell, president of the team.
Nearly 80 men and women of both the varsity and novice teams will each row a 10k to raise money for more practice and racing equipment.
While last year’s event raised about $8,000, the team increased that goal to $20,000 this year. Maxwell said as more novice rowers join the team, there is a need for more equipment.
Row Across Florida also serves a dual purpose as the team’s main recruitment event. As last year’s recruitment chair, Maxwell said about 40 to 50 students stopped by the table on Turlington Plaza during the event to find out how to get involved.
When Alberto Salazar saw Row Across Florida on Turlington Plaza, he developed a sudden interest in the sport. His dad had told him rowing was a great workout, so he decided to give it a shot.
This year, Salazar will join his fellow varsity teammates on the ergometers as he experiences the event from the recruiting side. While he thinks students will enjoy watching the event, he said the real action happens out on the lake during races.
“That’s the best part,” Salazar said. “You can see every stroke. You’re pulling ahead, then they’re pulling ahead. You get an adrenaline rush.”
