[RRC] Spring sculling update

[John K .Brown]

April 7, 2008

To RRC Scullers:

As we move into another Spring and return to the water, it is time 
for a general update and reminders -- whether you are an experienced 
sculler or a new club sculling graduate.

Scullers who rent racks: please make complete and accurate entries in 
the sculling log.  The RRC board of directors has been charged by our 
landlords (VRA) with enforcing the rule on 40 rows (to retain your 
right to rent a rack).  Please make my life simpler by using the log 
correctly and keeping accurate tallies.

Club scullers (ie those using club boats): complete and accurate 
entries into the sculling log also serve many useful purposes for the 
club.  Novice club scullers (those with less than a year's experience 
on the Rivanna) may again row on their own after April 1.  The water 
remains cold into late April, however, so hypothermia is still a real 
threat.

These news items affect scullers in particular, all are developments 
since last Fall:

--Rack locations for many boats are new this Spring, with four RRC 
singles grouped together.  Consult the sheet of rack assignments on 
the scullers desk. 

--RRC is getting a nearly new lightweight club single (a Peinert). 
It should arrive in April.

--We will be making/installing a new set of Y-racks outside - to wipe 
down boats.  Volunteers sought to help on this, tied to the annual 
RRC workday.  Details coming.

--For anyone using any RRC club equipment outside of a coached 
program: effective with the new membership year (ie after May 15, 
2008) the club has begun a new Club Equipment Use Fee of $40/year. 
It is the same fee regardless of frequency of use, and it applies to 
sweep or sculling usage.  These monies will help maintain and upgrade 
our boats.  To pay this modest fee, look for a new form - Club 
Equipment Use - on the RRC website, and send it in with your 
membership and waiver.

--For the 2008-9 membership year, the club dues will be $170.  Please 
go to rivannarowing.org for the membership form and liability waiver. 
No pay, no forms, no row.  So please mail in your dues and forms, so 
that our volunteer treasurer need not track you down.

--The new combination storage program for private singles (on an 
outside rack in summer, inside the RRC sweep bay the rest of the 
year) will start in late May -- outside.  There is still room for a 
few more boats.  Rent to VRA is $250/year (vs. $400 for inside 
storage) plus RRC membership.  Contact me at jackbrown at virginia.edu


All rowers, new and old, may profitably review the Guest Rower Form, 
Use of Club Boats, and the 10 Commandments on Club Sculling -- all 
attached here.  (actually I found I could not send these attachments; 
the server did not like the message size.  Please write a personal e 
mail to me if you need to consult these documents - 
jackbrown at virginia.edu).

ALL GUEST ROWERS MUST ALWAYS: have a sponsor present, sign the 
liability waiver, and pay the fee (if using RRC equipment).  A guest 
is anyone who is not an RRC member.

Graduates of Learn to Scull who have passed the captain's test may 
scull in RRC club boats after April 1.  Novice scullers should try to 
go out as a group (of two boats, at least), as you can help each 
other stay in lane, avoid hazards, etc.  Older hands around the club 
(like me) are also happy to row with new scullers.  This is a good 
way to push yourself and to learn where the hazards of the river are.

Some key points about Spring rowing:

1.  Follow all the regular procedures to reserve boats and to use 
them (signing out, etc). When going out, use both the scullers log 
book and the white board.

2.  All novice scullers should row in afternoon/evening, rather than 
in the morning -- as the boathouse, dock, and water are filled with 
UVA rowers and coaches in the morning.  Novices who must row in the 
morning can do so after 8 am, but the afternoon really is much 
better.  Note that UVA is also out in the afternoon, but so is the 
sun, normally.

3.  At any time, please give the UVA rowers priority in getting on 
and off the dock.  Also move your own boat quickly on/off the dock.

4.  In any kind of limited visibility (including fog), YOU MUST HAVE 
AT LEAST ONE WORKING LIGHT SHOWING.  Two is better.  Scullers in club 
boats are urged to buy their own lights, although RRC does have some 
bow lights on the desk.
	NOTE - lights and lanes are the most important safety rules 
we have -- be sure to stay on the right side of the water as you 
travel in either direction.  Violating these rules can jeopardize 
lives and certainly will jeopardize your access to rowing. 

5.  Sometimes the UVA coaches need, for training purposes, to use the 
water in special ways: racing 3-4 eights abreast or putting out many 
pairs (boats that are difficult to steer).   The UVA coaches will 
advise RRC rowers of unusual uses/circumstances, and all RRC rowers 
must steer clear in these cases.

6.  In case of any damage to club boats, follow these procedures:
--leave a note on the boat, so the next rower is aware of the problem 
and won't try to use a damaged boat.
--leave a note on the white board - again this serves as notification.
--send e mail (DUNECHEF at EARTHLINK.NET) or call Joe Vanischak 
(589-1439), our new equipment manager.  Describe the problem.
--you can also notify me at jackbrown at virginia.edu

--remember that the person damaging a boat is responsible for the 
cost of its repairs. 
--inspect a boat carefully before you take it out.


The Spring members meeting is coming up fast (April 20 at 4 pm at the 
boathouse).  The board has designed another great summer of RRC 
programs, so this is the right time to step up and help out.  2007 
was a great season, and we need new blood to continue the success.


-- 
John K. Brown

Associate Professor
Department of Science, Technology and Society
PO Box 400744
School of Engineering and Applied Science
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA  22904-4744

(434) 924-6177 - office voice
(434) 924-4306 - office fax

jackbrown at virginia.edu
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://listserv.bnsi.net/pipermail/rrc-announce/attachments/20080409/061e8e60/attachment.html