internationals

In general, there are two moments within a year at which you can sign up for Skadi.
First, there is the official period during the Eurekaweek in the summer after which you can truly call yourself a Skadiaan.
Then there is also the HIP (Half-yearly Introduction Period) starting in May. During this period you can already get familiar with Skadi, its members and of course rowing. At the end of this period you can decide whether or not to sign up during the official term in the summer. You can find more information regarding the HIP under the header ‘Half-yearly Introduction Period’ in the text above.
Since there are typically more applications for enrollment than there are spots in our association, a daily lottery system has been put in place. You will be entered into a lottery in order to confirm your enrollment. This means that the earlier you sign up, the more likely you are to be given a spot.

Skadi is much more than just a rowing club! Alongside rowing and coaching, there are plenty of opportunities to join various committees. Skadi organises numerous annual events such as the Gala, a Skitrip and multiple (inter)national rowing competitions. On top of this, you can get to know Dutch ‘gezelligheid’ in our ‘Societeit’, where you can enjoy a weekly ‘borrel’ (traditional evening) on Tuesdays and parties on Thursdays. Finally, Skadi, similar to other Dutch student associations, has numerous ‘disputen, ‘verticalen’, societies, and Skadi houses. Something for everyone!

Forming your crew is entirely up to your preferences regarding what you want to do at Skadi. If you decide to follow the ‘wedstrijd’ (competitive) track, you will be chosen based on your motivation, strength, and talent. With the guidance of professional coaches, you will row with a crew best suited to your abilities. If you decide to opt in for the recreational track, you will be able to form your own crew. With the crew that you form in your first year, you will be able to compete in various races and regattas in either a boat for 4 or 8 rowers, with the addition of your coxswain (the person steering and guiding the boat!). Later in the year there are also opportunities to try out rowing in a single scull (a boat designed for one person).

As a ‘wedstrijd’ (competitive) rower at Skadi, you will be a part of the top tier athletes within the association. Together with your crew, you will push yourself past your limits; training in the boat, Skadi’s own gym, and on the ergometer in order to beat the competition. As a competitive rower, you will be led by the best coaches and row in a superb fleet. You have got one common goal: crossing the finish line first at national competitions such as the Varsity and international regattas such as the Henley Royal Regatta. Undergoing this kind of experience and rowing at a high level will build and cement friendships for life. 

Are you unsure whether ‘wedstrijd’ (competitive) rowing is something for you? Fill in our interesseformulier and come into contact with one of our current rowers. No prior rowing experience is necessary in order to become a ‘wedstrijd’ rower. 

Are you an experienced rower and wish to train and compete at a high level? There are endless opportunities within our ‘wedstrijd’ rowing sector. Being placed with our older, more experienced competitive rowers within our senior groups or moving into coaching or coxswaining are options. For further queries please send us an email to cln.[antispam].@skadi.nl.

Within the ‘competitie’ (recreational) sector, you will be much more flexible to train as much as you would like. As a first year at Skadi, you will compete in national races, of course having the freedom to train however competitively you like, from every weekday, to a biweekly basis. Have exams, or stuck in a stressful period? You can always opt to row a little less.

Within the recreational sector Skadi also offers ‘Club’ and ‘Top’ levels of rowing. This entails that you will be rowing in some of the best boats within the recreational fleet, rowing at the highest level of our recreational sector, where Skadi has been among the top clubs for the past decade.

Are you unsure whether ‘competitie’ (recreational) rowing is for you? Fill in our interesseformulier and come into contact with one of our current recreational rowers. There’s also the ‘Afroeiperiode’ at the beginning of September in which you’ll come into contact with what it’s like to follow this track. No prior rowing experience is necessary in order to become a competitive rower. 

Most boats require a coxswain, otherwise known as a ‘stuurtje’. As the cox, you’ll be in charge of the boat. Feeling any changes in the boat, and providing feedback to your crew, you will be the motivator for the rowers, tasked with guiding the boat and crew to victory. Coxswains can be the deciding factor between a gold or silver medal and tend to be of smaller and lighter build.

Skadi can be as much a part of your life as you make it. It’s great to combine with your first year as a student, as you decide how much you would like to commit to the association. Rowing is great to combine with your studies, as it helps build structure and a schedule. You can find support from your crew and other members even opting for study advice and tutoring!

Before the start of the school year, there will be an introductory weekend known as the ‘KISS’. You will be physically active and get to know the traditions of Skadi!

Being under the age of 18 is no problem when it comes to membership! You will have access to all of our facilities including our ‘Societeit’, keep in mind that you will have to wait until you are 18 before being served alcohol. Skadi is just as great for anyone 18+ as it is for anyone younger than 18.

Internationals are more than welcome at Skadi! Joining Skadi is a great way to get introduced into Dutch student life with its unique cultures and traditions. Rowing allows you to experience this student culture, meeting many other students, and enjoying a wide range of rowing as well as social activities. There are no requirements for joining, but as an international you do have to keep in mind that the main language used at Skadi is Dutch, so you will have to be willing to learn the language and immerse yourself into Skadi’s traditions. If you have any questions regarding rowing at Skadi or joining as an international, fill out our interest form. 

Are you an experienced rower and wish to train and compete at a high level? Send us an email to cln.[antispam].@skadi.nl and we will match you to one of our members who can answer your questions about rowing competitively at Skadi!

Please note that in order to become a full member at Skadi, a Dutch bank account is mandatory. 

Of course! Skadi is a student rowing association, as long as you are following higher education, you are more than welcome!