CLCR Guide for Masters, Captains, all Rowers

https://coventrylakerowing.com/how-to-sign-up/

Go to US Rowing and, if you are not already a member, join the basic individual membership ($25.00) and please make sure you SIGN THE WAIVER. Your registration with a CLCR program is not complete until you are registered with US Rowing and have signed the waiver.

1. Put in Coventry Lake Community Rowing Inc. for Club or Team Name
2. Our Club Code is H4YWA.

Basic ($25 per year) is for a seasonal rower, Learn-to-Row ($10 per year) can be the initial membership level as a new member or for private lessons, etc.

Join our Master's Buddy GroupMe:

https://groupme.com/join_group/59973996/va7sgAzw

Selecting a boat. Choose a boat that is appropriate for your skill level, size, and the current conditions. Do not attempt to row boats you are not familiar with without supervision— you may end up damaging the boat or injuring yourself! Consider the following when selecting a boat:

• Size: Each boat has a weight range, and it’s important to row in a boat appropriate for your size! When you’re too light for a boat, you sit higher out of the water and will likely have difficulty balancing; on the other hand, if you row in a boat that is too small it will sit lower in the water, making it harder to row. See the specific guidelines for each boat below. 

• Skill level: Captain’s privileges are granted for specific boats/boat types (i.e. rec boats or racers). If you were granted captain’s privileges in a rec boat (aero or zephyr), you have been cleared to row in the rec boats but should not take out a racer/other advanced boat without supervision. If you were granted captain’s privileges in a racer, you are free to row in that boat or any of the rec boats (rec boats may be a good option in poorer conditions). 

• Conditions: Wind, boat traffic, temperature, and other factors will also determine which boat you should select. In rougher conditions, rec boats may be the better option for most rowers!

Check the weather! Boats should not launch if there are thunderstorms, whitecaps, or impaired visibility! If you’re unsure about conditions, stay on the safe side or reach out to Pam/another coach for input before heading out.

Recommended apps (but you can pick your own):

• WIND: https://www.windy.com/?41.333,-72.306,5 
• WEATHER: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/storm-radar-weather-tracker/id1216396545

 Consider the following guidelines:

• Avoid thunderstorms! Check the radar/forecast for storms before going out; do not plan to go out if there are storms forecasted in the area. If you are at the lake and you suspect bad weather or hear thunder in the distance, check the forecast; seek shelter immediately if you see lightning or hear thunder nearby. If you are out on the water and observe thunder or lightning, head back to the dock or row to the nearest shore where you can safely dock and get off the water. 

• Rain and other precipitation. You can row in the rain, just avoid heavy downpours (it’s actually quite pleasant to row in light rain/drizzly conditions; the water is usually flat and there’s hardly any boat traffic)! Also consider other factors such as temperature and wind; if rain is accompanied by windy conditions or colder temperatures, avoid going out. 

• Check wind speed and direction! Both the direction and speed of wind are important considerations as they create varied conditions on the lake. For instance, WNW winds are the worst on our lake because they come right down the middle but E or W winds that come across the lake can be manageable depending on speed and/or if you stay close to the appropriate shore (ex: the left side of the lake may be calmer with winds from the south). See the diagram for what different wind directions look like on our lake:

• • If unsure about conditions, take out rec boats rather than racers (these will be more stable). Bigger boats (quads, fours, and eights) will also be steadier in poor/windy conditions. 
  • Concept2 oars (blue blades) may be better in windy conditions— they’re slightly heavier than the Crokers (white blades), so they don’t get picked up by the wind as easily! 
  • Be mindful of winds that may push you into the shore or other lake hazards! If you are not confident in your ability to turn quickly and row strongly under windy conditions, do not go out! 
  • Do not go out if there are any whitecaps!  
  • In addition to looking at the general weather forecast, you may also find it helpful to get an app like Windy or Windfinder for wind forecasts (these apps will also usually provide additional details like wind direction/gusts and can be helpful for visualizing wind direction and its effects on the lake)! 

• Check the calendar for conflicts and sign out boats before heading out! 

• • Group classes and other programming will be listed on the google calendar along with the boats they will be using (ex: youth summer programming uses all rec boats & racers, the adult novice group uses all rec boats). Check for conflicts and boat availability before adding yourself to the calendar/going out! Please be mindful of other members and group programming; make sure you return to the dock in time if there are people using the boats after you. 
  • If there are incoming groups or rowers you can ask if they’d like the boats to be left out, but don’t assume and never leave boats unattended on the dock/in the water. If leaving boats out for the next group, make sure to run the oars in and secure/tie the boat to the dock if needed. If it’s windy or there are wakes, stay with the boat until you hand it off. 
    • Note: When leaving boats in slings, avoid submerging the bow/stern of the boat, especially for extended periods of time (this leads to water getting into the boat). If you hear water when carrying a boat, you can open the port holes or plug to allow water to drain out. 
  • When creating a calendar event, include a) the time/duration of your row, b) the names of the individual(s) who will be rowing, and c) the boats that you will be using. Make sure to update the calendar with any changes! Editing access should have been granted for the email you used to register, please contact Pam if you cannot add events!

Patriot’s Park access. Depending on when you go out (time of day and season), the main gate by the senior center may be open. If it is, you can enter there (let the attendant know you’re with CLCR/the rowing team) and park in the senior center parking lot. If you get there early in the morning and/or the main gate is closed, you can use the other entrance by the community center. Please close and lock the gate behind you if you open it! 

Please park in an available lot, leaving spaces that are closest to either the Senior Center/Lodge or Community Center vacant so patrons that are going into those buildings can do so.

Equipment access and use. Please respect our shared equipment; see the guidelines above under reserving a boat for equipment usage and storage! If you notice an issue or suspect damage to equipment, please email coach@coventrylakerowing.com or mention in the Groupme as soon as possible. Do not use equipment you suspect is damaged!

• Life vests (both low profile and standard versions) are located in the blue box along with the log book, basic tools, and first aid supplies. Personal belongings can be stored/locked in the blue box while you are out on the water. Please make sure the oars and blue box are locked before leaving the lake.
• Tools are in the blue box if you need to tighten anything.
• Fill out the LOG BOOK with your name, date, and boat you are taking.
• Do not forget a life vest. Life vest must be WORN from Oct 1 - May 31 as it is the law

Complete a visual check of the area before leaving. Make sure all boats are tied down and all equipment is put away properly, even if you were not the one who used it last! Review the following:

• Oars should be closed and locked with combination lock reset. Make sure oars are paired up properly; Concept2 oars are marked port (red) and starboard (green) on the oar shaft, Croker pairs are marked with tape. See below:
• The blue box should be locked and reset, life vests and other equipment should be returned to the box. 
• Boats should be tied down with two straps (one on either end) to ensure that they are secure. Not too tight! See the diagram below for correct technique and common issues. 

Note: The aeros should be put on the black trailer opposite one another (stern to bow) so that the riggers don’t overlap.