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Welcome to Stockton Rowing Club's Frequently Asked Questions
- What kinds of boats do you row?
- What equipment do I need?
- How fit do I need to be?
- How old do I have to be for the Junior Crew?
- Is rowing safe? What are the common injuries?
- What does it cost?
- How do I join?
- Can I try it out before signing up for a clinic?
- When are the next Learn to Row and Introduction to Rowing clinics?
- What can I expect after I become a member?
- Do I have to row at 5:30 in the morning?
- Do you row in all weather?
- What if I don't want to row through the winter?
- How long before I'm good?
- Can I join the racing team?
- Are there traveling commitments?
- What if I don't want to race?
- I want to learn to row a single. Can you teach me?
- What is a coxswain?
- I'm interested in coxing; can I join the club?
- OK, I'm ready to try it. How do I sign up for the next clinic?
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Q: What kinds of boats do you row?
A: The boats (or shells) are basically of two types and reflect the two forms of rowing: sweep and sculling. The term shell is often used in reference to the boats used because the hull is only about 1/8" to 1/4" thick to make it as light as possible.
Racing boats vary from 18.3 m (60 ft) for an 8-oared shell to 7.3 m (24 ft) for a single scull. The large rowboats of the past have been transformed into long, slender, and light keelless shells, built on a wooden or fiber framework, and equipped with seats that slide back and forth. The rowers' feet fit into shoes, called footboards, that are fixed to the boat's bottom.
In sweep rowing, each person uses one oar (about 12 1⁄2 feet long) - both hands are on that oar. Sweep oar boats must have an even number of rowers (same number on each side). Sweep oar boats include pairs, coxed fours, coxless fours, and eights. In sculling, each person uses two oars (each about 9 feet long) - one oar in each hand. Sculling boats include single sculls, double sculls and quad sculls.
Q: What equipment do I need?
A: Stockton Rowing provides all boats and oars. You will be expected to provide your enthusiasm and good attitude as well as the following:
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lightweight shirt are essential in summer
- In winter, you need long tights or fleece, and tops that can be peeled off in layers as you warm up
- Close fitting shorts or tights that won't get caught in the equipment, i.e. bike, dance, rowing or similar shorts
- Socks or clean aquasocks are needed to keep your feet comfortable in the foot straps in the boat
- Water bottle
Q: How fit should I be?
A: “We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes
Rowers come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Lack of experience is the rule, not the exception. The benefits to the athletes go beyond that of ordinary team sports. Rowing instills discipline and teamwork, teaches perseverance, and builds confidence.
Rowing is a great low impact workout that benefits the entire body, and can be strenuous. You should consult with your physician before participating. Please be aware that the eight person boats can be heavy. Part of your rowing experience is to carry boats to and from the water, so you must be able to do this. You should be able to swim 200 meters and to float for at least five minutes.
Q: How old do I have to be for the Junior Crew?
A: Team SRC Junior Crew are ages 13-18 or grades 7-12.
Q: Is rowing safe? What are the common injuries?
A: Rowing is a safe and low impact sport but injuries can happen. The most common injury is blisters on the hands. Rowers should keep blisters clean by washing hands after rowing and using band-aids and tape to keep blisters clean and protected. Rowers will be less prone to blisters as they gain more experience. Some people wear lightweight baseball batting gloves to protect their hands and it is a good idea to leave your rings at home.
Rowers may experience sore muscles (especially at the beginning) and should feel better after a day or two. If pain continues or worsens, let your coaches know so they can modify training. Problem areas usually are the back and knees and preventive steps in training can help reduce the possibility of injuries.
Q: What does it cost?
A: The Introduction to Rowing program fee is $225. After the clinic, participants can row for free the following month. After that month you can become a dues-paying member of SRC.
Junior Season fees: Please contact coach Tom McGurk, 471-0159
Q: How do I join?
A: If you would like to learn, Stockton Rowing runs Introduction to Rowing classes. SRC members, enthusiastic rowers and volunteer teachers, coordinate and teach the clinics. Our clinics are designed for adults with no previous rowing experience. We also have Junior program options. The curriculum focuses on boat handling skills and rowing technique.
Clinics begin with land-based classes followed by on-water sessions. The land classes include safety videos, basic rowing terminology and theory, and will use rowing machines (ergometers, or Ergs) to introduce the rowing stroke.
During the on-water sessions, the new rower learns to lift, carry and place the boat into the water, follow a coxswain's commands, maneuver the boat and row as a team. This gives you the basic theory and practice of rowing. From here you are able to join SRC as a full member.
We also offer private or small group lessons. If you have sweep or sculling experience and would like to explore opportunities with Stockton Rowing Club please call or email: Pat Tirone 952-5642, or email learntorow@stocktonrowing.org
Q: Can I try it before signing up for a program?
A: Yes, one day a year (usually in June) we celebrate National Learn to Row Day. This free session gives attendees a taste of rowing with ergometer (rowing machine) demonstrations, boathouse tours, and on-the-water instruction. Alternatively, if you would like to take a private lesson before registering for the clinic, please send your name, address and phone number to Pat Tirone, or email learntorow@stocktonrowing.org.
Q: When is the next Introduction to Rowing clinic?
A: Our next clinic has yet to be announced.
Stockton Rowing Intro to Rowing class
What: Adults interested in learning how to row (no experience required)
Where: SRC Boathouse, 4950 Buckley Cove Way, Stockton 95219. A map will be provided when registration has been complete
When: to be announced
Why: We love rowing! Don't you want to hear what the buzz is about? The best rowing water in Northern California! Get in shape!
Cost: $100 deposit required. Full tuition is $225.
Coaches: Level 1 Certified coaching and other SRC coaches.
Includes: Coaching & FREE Official SRC t-shirt.
To make ensure your spot in the boat please preregister by mailing your payment, payable to Stockton Rowing, Inc., 3133 W. March Lane, Suite 1040, Stockton, CA 95219.
Please visit our website for more information: www.stocktonrowing.org. If you are interested in joining SRC, and are unable to fit this clinic into your schedule, please send your name, address and phone number to Pat Tirone (email learntorow@stocktonrowing.org) to receive information about private lessons or small group clinics.
Q: What can I expect after becoming a club member?
A: Graduates of the Intro to Rowing program who continue as SRC members will find the first few months filled with learning, fun and friendship. As a new member, your training continues on the water and in Erg and coxswain classes. As a new member you can participate in any of the specialty events and clinics offered and may choose to take a Sculling lesson.
Q: Do I have to row at 5:30 in the morning?
A: No! Although some of our groups row in the early morning, others row at a more “reasonable” hour. The turnout schedule (arrival times) we follow is listed below. Please allow 2-3 hours total, keeping in mind that equipment must be brought to the dock from the boathouse before practice and put back in its place before your turnout is over. Please be on time, be flexible, and let the coach know if you have time constraints.
Competitive and recreational rows are coached and instructional. If you are interested in rowing in these sessions, you should sign up at least a day in advance so the row captain has a seat for you. Depending on the weather and seat availability rowing days are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Monday and Thursday after work (6 pm).
The Masters Crew - To row with this crew, we recommend:
- You are able row to the Klammath Ferry without stopping.
- You should be able to do a 1000-meter erg piece in 5 minutes or less
SRC's Junior Crew practices Mon.-Fri., 4-6 pm
Q: Do you row in all weather?
A: Rowing takes place in almost all weather conditions. If the weather is too bad to row (high winds, thunder and lightning, rain plus cold) your group will work out in the boathouse. Rowers should be prepared to row in light rain by bringing a rain jacket, layers of clothing, and dry clothing for after their turnout. When the racing team travels to regattas, coaches may not be available to coach rowers remaining at home. In this case, you will be encouraged to work out in the boathouse to continue your improvement.
Q: What if I don't want to row through the winter?
A: A seasonal recreational rowing membership (May 1 to Oct. 31) provides an opportunity for individuals who prefer rowing in the fairer weather. Experienced rowers and rowers who complete SRC's Intro to Rowing program are welcome. Seasonal recreational rowers will enjoy all the benefits of memberships. Fees are $210.
Q: How long before I'm good?
A: Rowing requires coordination, dexterity, balance, flexibility and understanding of the stroke mechanics. Some people pick up the basics quickly, while others need more time. You will see improvement after every practice, and continue to learn your entire life. To improve to a competitive level requires aerobic capacity, strength, endurance and power. At the learn-to-row stage, we request that you be patient, since it is a team sport and there will be a range of abilities in every boat. Participants may be asked to take a turn at “coxing” occasionally. Sitting in the coxswain's seat provides a great view of the crew's timing and technique.
Q: Can I join the racing team?
A: Members are eligible to join a racing team. Qualification is determined by a combination of a 1000-meter erg test and the coach’s evaluation of your skills in the boat. It may take from three months to a year before you acquire the skills necessary for a racing team. Members are encouraged to make their goals known to the coaches.
Q: Are there races I can compete in?
A: Because we have one of the best rowing venues in the western United States, we host one of the many rowing regattas on the West Coast. We travel to several Bay Area and Northern California regattas.
Q: What if I don't want to race?
A: This is OK! Our experienced recreational rowing program is designed for people interested in rowing for exercise, fun and the joy of being outdoors.
Q: I want to learn to row a single. Can you teach me?
A: Yes. We have private and small group lessons that focus on learning to row a single scull. This is a good option for those who are not interested in or cannot fit the Intro to Row program in their schedule. Please contact us through www.stocktonrowing.org and we will have an instructor contact you.
Q: What is a coxswain?
A: A coxswain is the person who directs the boat, either sitting in the stern or reclining in the bow. They act as the on-the-water coach and steer person (has no oar). SRC is always looking for people around 125 lbs, who like to be competitive and can think on their feet. The coxswain seat in a boat can be the most important during a race. The rules of racing specify that the coxswain must be in the boat when it crosses the finish line, meaning that any of the rowers can fall out of the boat (this rarely happens) and if the coxswain is still in the boat the race will count.
Q: I'm interested in coxing; can I join the club?
A: Yes! If you would like to train and compete with a fun group of oxygen-loving people, while basking in the appreciation of your teammates, this job is for you. Coxswains direct as many as eight rowers, and share an exciting ride when the crew clicks together under their guidance. Coxes are typically women weighing less than 120 pounds or men under 130 pounds, but we can be flexible about this. Call us - we need you on our team!
Q: OK, I'm ready to try it. How do I sign up for the next clinic?
A: Our next Intro to Rowing program
What: Adults (18 years +) interested in learning how to row
When: to be announced
Where: SRC Boathouse 4950 Buckley Cove Way, Stockton 95219 (west end of March Lane, past Ladd’s Marina)
Why: We love rowing! It’s a great workout and a boatload of fun!
Cost: $100 deposit; Full tuition is $225.
Coaches: Certified Level I coaching and other SRC Coaches
Includes: 20+ hours of Coaching & FREE Official SRC T-shirt.
Any questions please call or email: learntorow@stocktonrowing.org
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