Novice 101: Welcome to the World of Rowing

Welcome to the crazy and wonderful world of crew - part sport, part day at the beach, part traveling road show. There are a ton of things that go on in front of and behind the scenes to make this all possible, and it's easy to get overwhelmed by it at first. 

The content of this section has been suggested by former novice parents like you who had to slog through their first seasons without the benefit of these valuable informational tidbits. So, to foster greater community understanding, we give you, in no particular order and with only contextual assistance with the vernacular, the ins and outs of rowing.

Crew Safety

Any discussion of rowing is predicated upon safety. We're on the water, it can be dangerous, and people have died in pursuit of the sport. We do everything we can every single time we go out on the water to prevent harm to the rowers and to the boats, and we're good at it; we sleep well. Coach launches are mandated to be with each boat on the water, and always carry a full complement of safety gear, including megaphones, flotation devices, hypothermic blankets, first aid, signaling equipment, and cell phones.

All rowers watch the USRowing Safety Video prior to their first trip to the water, and all novice rowers are required to pass a swim test.  All coaches are certified in CPR and First Aid and have their NY State boating license. 

We do everything in our power to stay on top of the water, not in it. This is true for any rowing club or event.  It is rule number one sport wide, and it is treated with the utmost seriousness.

That being said, we will row in almost all conditions except high wind and lightning. Inherent dangers include, but are not limited to:

• Hyperthermia

• Hypothermia

• Dehydration

• Ejection from boat (VERY rare)

• Various cuts and bruises from improper handling of equipment

• Various injuries resulting from repeated improper technique

• Infected blisters

• Illness due to sharing of water bottles

With proper attention to detail, all of these can be avoided. Here's a little something you can do for the most notorious of them – blisters.

• Wash hands with warm water and soap after every practice.

• If a blister develops with a large bubble, insert a sterilized needle at the base of the blister and drain it pressing the blister flat. Don’t peel away the top layer of skin if you don’t have to.  It will help form a callus.

• If the blister is small don’t drain it.

• If the blister pops at practice, carefully trim the excess skin of the blister.  Place a damp warm tea bag on the site. The tannins in the tea will help toughen up the skin.  Leave the blister uncovered so it dries up. 

• If the wound is large or in a bad spot you can use bandages to protect it while rowing if it is in a spot that a bandage will adhere to. Bandages that move around can make the wound worse. 

Season Overview

Regattas

Results of our workouts and the crew experience

Some Final Advice