But even with rowing being a leverage sport, unless you have the VO2 max and work ethic to go with it you won’t make the varsity boat. Now to be recruited, it’s basically genetic for the concept 2 erg score. And to be on a high school boat is helpful. Height alone won’t make you recruitable. And only the top programs have slots and they recruit internationally. Men’s rowing isn’t an NCAA sport. So no amount of parents gaming the system will succeed here (the word gaming just prompted the USC rowing scandal which still upsets me). Sports are just too competitive now and the work required is huge.