Portable rowing pontoons (also known as docks or temporary bridges) are one of many ways to get rowers onto the water. They act as platforms to launch off of and return to from the water. It only makes sense then that rowing clubs invest in pontoons to get the most out of their rowing, right? We’re not talking about any pontoons though, no. We’re talking about transportable pontoons that your club can assemble safely on almost any river in a variety of ways. Built for convenience and safety, they’re full of features to bring better rowing to your club…

Top 5 reasons to get a rowing pontoon

1. 

   Convenience – portable pontoons, and pontoons that break apart into transportable sections, allow you to angle your dock in different ways. This means you can launch perpendicular or parallel to a river bank at your discretion. Also, having a dock break down into chunks (like the Connect-A-Dock) allows for simple relocation, so your pontoon isn’t tied to one area.

2. Jetty height – Rowing ACT, a local Australian rowing association, had to deal with the lowering of their local lake level in late 2011. Because of this all the fixed pontoons and docks were set too high for them to safely use for rowing boats. Soon after they invested in a Connect-A-Dock pontoon and were back on the water in no time. You might be having similar issues with your local lake. See how else Rowing ACT found their personal pontoon helpful. Getting the dock to float at the correct height above the water’s surface to suit rowing boats is a feature already built into the Connect-A-Dock system, unlike stationary jetties.
   

3. Nice and clean – We noticed a recent post on the Google rowing forums group about how some jetties that clubs used became slippery and hazardous if made from certain materials. This is because it’s easier for moss and algae to grow on concrete and wood than plastic.
   

4. Designed for safety – Many portable rowing pontoons feature slip-prevention surfaces that reduce accidents, as well as stabilisation fins to reduce wobbling when water conditions are choppy. Connect-A-Dock also reduces sun heat intake, making it even safer to walk on (especially for those with sensitive feet). Stationary jetties on the other hand are often far less slip-resistant and store heat from the sun, making them difficult to walk on. They can also sway or tilt more because they are built with solid flotation material on the underside.

5. Cheaper than building a stationary pontoon – If your local area doesn\’t have a rowing pontoon to launch from then getting a portable pontoon can be cheaper than building a stationary one from scratch. If not, their customizability and convenience make them worth every cent. To this end you can also hire your pontoon out to other clubs and form a community around more convenient rowing, which make them an even sounder investment.

Space Saver Rowing System supplies Connect-A-Dock to Australian rowing clubs

It’s a modular rowing pontoon that can be built up and taken down with ease, and has features to solve problems beyond the 5 points we mentioned above. See what Rowing ACT thought about it!

So look into portable rowing pontoons for your club and enjoy a safer and simpler rowing environment.