After a false start last week, the Crimson crews took to the water this week for the beginning of the spring rowing season.

With the opening of the lightweights' racing schedule little more than four weeks away, the oarsmen face an intensive training period. The first lightweight race will be on April 18, followed a week later by the first heavyweight contest.

Eighteen crews have been rowing from Newell Boat House, but the number will be cut shortly to about 13, as the various squads pare down for practice over spring vacation. Currently the crews are out on the Charles six days a week.

Both the lightweight and heavyweight varsities are stocked with men returning from last year's very successful boats. Last spring's lightweights won a great victory in the Henley Regatta on the Thames River, and the heavy crew was second in the East. Furthermore, last season's freshmen should provide an outstanding group of newcomers.

The late opening of the Charles may impose a serious strain on the crews, however, because of the short time available to get in shape. But indoor practice during the winter may have toughened the oarsmen enough to overcome their belated start.