Rattlesnakes, record-breaking temperatures, and rowing in Arizona, where a vibrant rowing community thrives with high school programs at Brophy Preparatory and Xavier Preparatory, along with options like Tempe Junior Crew and Tempe Town Lake Club Rowing.

The Big Picture

Despite the arid environment, Arizona is witnessing a growth in the sport of rowing, with dedicated athletes and coaches transforming Tempe Town Lake into a rowing hot spot.

By the Numbers
  • Tempe Junior Crew membership costs around $1,200 biannually, covering equipment and storage, with separate travel costs.
  • Xavier Crew has 36 athletes paying $295 monthly, with each competition costing up to $600 for travel.
State of Play
  • Arizona's rowing community is expanding, attracting teams from across the country to train on Tempe Town Lake.
  • Despite limited training locations and costs, the passion for rowing in Arizona remains strong, creating a tight-knit and welcoming community.
What's Next

As rowing gains traction in Arizona, there are hopes to solidify and further establish the sport within the desert community, potentially leading to more opportunities and recognition for rowers.

Bottom Line

The Arizona desert proves to be an unexpected but thriving hub for rowing, showcasing a passionate and dedicated community overcoming challenges to grow the sport and nurture aspiring athletes in a unique setting.