[RRC] Fall Sculling Update

[John K .Brown]

September 3, 2008

To RRC Scullers:

As we move into another Fall and UVA rowers return, 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 
ability to rent a rack).  I will not be sending out a warning letter 
to those of you who currently have low totals -- keeping track is 
your responsibility.  But please make my life simpler by using the 
log correctly and keeping accurate tallies.

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.  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 until the coming of cold weather.  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 Fall rowing:

1.  Follow all the regular procedures to reserve boats and to use 
them (signing out, etc).  Before you just take a boat, check the 
reservation book to ensure that it has not been reserved by someone 
else

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.  Observe the required traffic pattern at the dock and on the water 
-- meaning launch and leave the dock heading downstream, stay to the 
right side of the water.  (If you want to go upstream, you launch 
facing downstream, clear the dock area, then cross over when there is 
no traffic.)  When returning, dock your boat heading downstream.

5.  Days get short early, and 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. 

6.  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.

7.  Report any damage to club boats or problems immediately to Joe 
Vanischak, equipment manager.  You can reach Joe at 
dunechef at earthlink.net or his phone -- 589-1439.  Also leave a note 
on the boat or the white board so that other scullers do not use a 
damaged boat inadvertently.

8.  When cold weather comes (hard to imagine), experienced rowers 
must follow the four-oars rule (meaning that a single sculler -- two 
oars -- must always be in sight of another single sculler -- two more 
oars).  In cold weather novice rowers should stay off the water 
entirely.  An erg piece is much better than hypothermia.


The Fall members meeting is coming up fast.  The board seeks your 
input.  We will have some board vacancies, so this is the right time 
to step up and help run your club.  It has been 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
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