Where & how to row?

Question
Hey, I am about 5'3 ,weigh 120 lbs, and currently participate in Varsity Swimming and Soccer. I have always wanted to join a rowing team but I wasn't sure of how to. I am a Junior in high school who lives in Manhattan. Does anyone know of places to start? What kind of exercises should I do in order to be prepared as I've heard rowing is very physically demanding? I also plan on applying to Yale and a few other Ivys next year and being able to row for their schools would be amazing so I am prepared to work my butt off. Thank you!
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Answer
In order to row, you are going to need to find a Juniors program somewhere in your area.  The easiest way to do this is going to be through Boathouse Finder's website.  The address is www.bhfinder.com.  All you have to do is put in your location and that you are looking for a junior/high school program, and it will give you a list of boathouses in your area.

The best workout for rowing is using what is called an erg or a rowing machine.  It simulates what it is like to row in a boat.  The program that you join should have ergs at their boathouse that you can use.  Until you join, you have two other options.  You can either buy one either secondhand or direct from Concept2 or you can Google "Concept2 Indoor Rower Finder" which will take you to a site that will help you find rowing machines that are available for public use much like the previous website helped you locate a rowing program.

Unfortunately, I think you are getting into the sport a little to late to be able to row at an Ivy League program.  Ivy League rowing programs are the best of the best, and all of their rowers have been rowing for many years by the time they get recruited.  You can always contact their coach about possibly walking on, but your chances are still very small.