Crew vs Rowing: Explained

Crew vs rowing is one of the most-asked questions in the sport. Short answer: they refer to the same activity in almost every US context. "Crew" is the casual and academic term used at most high schools and colleges. "Rowing" is the formal term used by international federations and World Rowing. Both work for team apparel. Bear Grips Pro Shops handles team apparel under either label.

Where the Word "Crew" Comes From

"Crew" originally meant "the group of people who work a boat" — the same root as the word for a ship's crew. In the US, the term carried over into academic rowing in the 1800s when Ivy League schools formed the first US rowing programs. Harvard called its team "the crew," Yale called its team "the crew," and the name stuck for most American collegiate and scholastic rowing programs.

The word "crew" remains the default term in US scholastic and collegiate rowing. Most US high schools and colleges call their rowing program "crew." The boats are called "crew boats." The members are called "crew members" or "rowers."

Where the Word "Rowing" Is Used

"Rowing" is the international and formal term:

• World Rowing (FISA). The international governing body uses "rowing."
• Olympic and World Championship events. Listed as "rowing" on the schedule.
• USRowing. The US national governing body uses "rowing" in its name.
• Masters and club programs. Adult rowing clubs more often call themselves "rowing clubs" than "crew clubs."
• International events. The Henley Royal Regatta uses "rowing." Head of the Charles uses "rowing."

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When Each Term Fits Your Team

• High school program: "Crew" is the typical name. "Lincoln High Crew" or "Lincoln High School Crew."
• College varsity or club: "Crew" is the typical name. "Yale Crew," "Princeton Crew," "Boston University Crew Club."
• Adult masters or club program: "Rowing" is the more common name. "Cambridge Boat Club Rowing," "Potomac Rowing Club."
• Junior rowing program (under USRowing umbrella): Either works. Most lean "crew" for scholastic-affiliated programs and "rowing" for independent junior clubs.
• International or Olympic-bound athletes: "Rowing" matches the international terminology.

Apparel Direction for Crew vs Rowing Teams

The term choice carries into the apparel:

• "Crew" apparel. Leans casual, heritage prep, school-spirit. "[School] Crew" on the chest, "[School] Crew Team" on the back. Cotton tees and cotton pique polos pair naturally.
• "Rowing" apparel. Leans formal, international, sport-identity. "[Club] Rowing" on the chest, sometimes with the international flag or USRowing emblem. Performance polyester and athletic-cut tees pair naturally.
• Mixed program. Some programs use both terms. The school program calls itself "Crew" but the alumni program runs as "Alumni Rowing." Both work in the same Pro Shops store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "crew" the same sport as "rowing"?

Yes. In US contexts, "crew" and "rowing" refer to the same activity. "Crew" is the casual and academic term; "rowing" is the formal term.

Do high schools use "crew" or "rowing" for their team name?

Most US high schools use "crew." Some independent junior rowing programs use "rowing." Either is correct.

Do international rowers and Olympic athletes call it "crew"?

No. International federations and Olympic events use "rowing." "Crew" is largely a US-specific term.

Which term should I use on my team apparel?

Use whichever name your program uses. If the program is called "[School] Crew," put "Crew" on the apparel. If the club is called "[Town] Rowing Club," put "Rowing" on the apparel. Match the apparel to the team identity.