9 Ways to Start the Rowing Season Right
A Rowing Club Manager\’s Checklist
It\’s that time of year when the northern hemisphere starts winter training and the southern hemisphere schools begin their summer programme. Collaborating with coach Rebecca Caroe of Rowperfect, we have pulled together a check list of things to do for a rowing club at the start of the season:
- Sweep out the boathouse – dusty and dirty it is and spick and span it will be
- Put away those riggers lying on the floor between the boat racks. Maybe get a hanging rack for wing riggers.
- Service ergos – you can do it yourself instructions for C2 and for RP (page 12-13)
- Service boats – make a list of minor repairs needed for each boat. We used a check-list for every club boat.
- Service cox boxes – contact details for NK repairs and Coxmate repairs. It may be time to consider purchasing a rowing electronics security and recharging modular box to keep your expensive coxing equipment safe and charged through the rowing season.
- Check the rigging – span, pitch, heel restraints, oarlocks aren\’t too worn, make sure slides won\’t cut anybody if they have lost their rubber end stoppers.
- Buy an indelible marker and re-label things – oar lengths (use white electrical tape around the shaft and write the length:inboard), seats (name of boat and seat number), label the racks so the correct boat goes on the correct rack.
- Coxing wires, coxless boat steering wires, steering shoes – check they all work and wires move freely- add WD 40 lubricant if needed.
- Coaching boat motors – get it serviced, check the oil.
Club tip: Reward the hard work of your club members with a barbeque afterwards as a bit of a social- the committee can pay for the food and members can bring their own drinks. It\’s a great way to keep the rowing club community feel alive.
