From the catch to the release: The push and pull of rowing

Rowing is a sport that relies on precision, strength and control. There’s push, there’s pull and much more leg action than you might expect. It originated in ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Greece and Rome. It was a method of transportation and warfare until it emerged as a sport. In 17th-century England, the first university rowing races began.

Griffin Kroubalkian is the team captain of the Collegiate Arizona State University Rowing team. He is a fourth-year student studying supply management. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, joining a rowing crew wasn’t even a second thought. 

He said he began rowing as a way to stay in shape in college. "We don't have water in Tucson, so I figured, ‘Why not try rowing?" What keeps him coming back is the constant challenge and the camaraderie on every boat.

Rowing demands discipline, not just motivation. 

“The early mornings, for many ASU rowers, are the toughest part. But once you get used to it, it teaches you responsibility and discipline in a way that nothing else will,” he said. 

Kroulbalkian found motivation from the rowers he’s racing with. 

"You have up to eight other people counting on you to show up every day,” Kroulbalkian said. “And that fires you up like nothing else.”

His favorite racing event is Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a huge, highly competitive regatta that attracts crews from all over the country. 

"To compete there multiple times was the honor of a lifetime,” he said. “To edge ahead of other boats stroke by stroke over such a distance. I've been seeking that rush ever since.”

A common misconception about rowing is that it is an arm-based activity. While it still uses the upper body, the legs are the core power for every stroke. Kroubalkian compares it to the squatting motion. 

“Leg muscles provide most of the force that gets the boat moving, with the arm assisting with the oar, providing some additional force,” he said.

This unswerving devotion of the rowers is a constant reminder that the essence of achieving success lies in hard work. It’s not only the inspiring moments that hold the secret to all this, but also the hard work that goes into it every day, along with the joint effort that brings remarkable achievements in this sport. It’s the hard work of every day that provides a path to victory in this sport.

If you’re curious about joining the ASU Club Rowing team, message the Clubs Sports Team on their Instagram! Tryouts typically take place at the beginning of each semester. 

Check out my episode of Nancy Tries: Rowing! You can also find it on the Student Life Instagram page.