How long to make it onto a varsity crew?

[HLin NC]

It took me 5 as I didn't understand the process. Originally I was part of a 300+ member association. There were veteran guys getting 5 games on the field and 5 ECO's per season that was considered a decent season. I made the incorrect assumption that I would be moved up when my local clinic thought I was ready and just assumed that the numbers ahead of me were holding me back.

Finally, in year 4, a friend approached me one night and asked if I wasn't interested in moving up. I said "sure I am" He replied- "well the guys don't think so." Apparently I had not done the pre-requisite Friday night ride-alongs with some varsity crews for them to judge my social skills.
A couple of Friday nights and I was in.

The association I'm now in usually moves one up in year 3 if qualified. I have seen some thrown into action in year 2 if we have a heavy Friday that needs covered.