Using Amoskeag Rowing Club's Equipment
- Make sure the boat you want to row is not reserved.
- Select a pair of oars from the club sculling oars rack (back of bay 2)
- Inspect oars; make sure they are a pair; the collars are set equally
for the same inboard, the grips are not torn and the blade is not
cracked or loose. If oars are damaged lean them against the
back wall and make a note on the equipment white board.
- Handling boats
- Select appropriate sized sturdy slings.
- When handling a boat, never allow the hull or riggers to bump or touch anything. All hulls and riggers are fragile and easily damaged.
- Before launching, put the boat in slings and check that the following are in working order:
- Sliding seats move freely on tracks.
- Oarlocks are attached and keepers/gates close securely.
- Foot stretchers are firmly attached on both sides and in the middle. Shoes or clogs are secured to footboard.
---Do not row if the boat is damaged. Note any problems with the boat on the equipment white board.---
- Recreational singles
- Handle one end at a time to better control avoiding hazards
(like other oarlocks). Move to slings to do a pre-row check.
Replace boat the way you found it.
- Club singles which are not rigged
- Whenever there are others around, have someone help you
take out and put away a single. If no one else is available it is
permissible to do so alone, but only if you can comfortably
handle the boat alone; otherwise wait.
- If you are handling the boat alone always place the boat in
slings and roll it over. Do so by lifting the bow or stern with
the other end of the sling. Otherwise there is a chance of
damaging the rigging.
- Replace singles the way you found them.
- Launching - - SIGN OUT IN THE LOG BOOK
- Take your oars and waterbottle down to the river.
- Remember your socks!
- Aqua socks or sandals are a good idea to protect your feet. Walk into the
water deep enough so the boat will float. Be careful of the skeag (fin)
- Put oars into the oarlocks and secure the keepers so the oars will not pop out.
- Put your foot in the center between the tracks, hold the oars
- with one hand lower your butt into the seat, put one foot into
a shoe or clog and push yourself out with the other leg that is
still over the side.
- Pull a bit away from the shore lean over
your oars put on your socks and tie your shoes.
- Handling boats on the water
- Avoid hitting anything with the boat or oars. Damage will result and you might tip over.
- Stay well away, 50 feet or more, from the shore. When the
waterlevel is low there are many submerged rocks and trees.
- Know and follow the traffic pattern for the river!
- Look over both shoulders frequently, every 10 strokes, to
avoid hitting anything. Be especially on the lookout for other
boats. Always stay on the correct side of the river
- Landing
- Always land with the bow of the boat headed upstream.
Take care not to grind the boat or oars on the bottom
- Be sure the seat will not fall out of the tracks when the boat is
picked up and turned over. If it will not stay in the tracks,
bungee or tie it in place or remove it
- Put boats and oars away carefully; don't rush. Carry oars one
in each hand, blades foreward. Please keep the boats clean
- Sculling qualifications
- Be sure you know your level of skill and the equipment you
should and should not use. Novices should not use the club
until they become so qualified
- A rowers level of skill is determined when he or she first
joins the club. In order to advance in qualification, a rower
must demonstrate to the captain proficiency in the following areas:
- Care and safety in handling the boats and oars.
- Basic knowledge of the parts of a boat and the oars and how to check for damage.
- Safe handling of a boat on the water.
- An appropriate degree of rowing skill.
PLEASE ASK FOR ASSISTANCE FROM ANY CLUB MEMBER AT ANY TIME
