TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL CLUB

MEMBERS HANDBOOK

1 Introduction

This handbook has been developed to provide you with information regarding the Rowing Club’s rowing programme and the sport of rowing.

It details what you can expect from your experience with the Club, and what will be expected of you as a rower, parent or supporter.

Please keep this handbook in a safe place, as it provides a great deal of important information that you will undoubtedly want to refer to often.

2 ABOUTUS Introduction

At Takapuna Grammar Rowing Club we have a strong and successful rowing history. As one of the first rowing schools in and participants in the early 'Head of Harbour' regattas, almost fifty years ago, we have a proud coaching, rowing and competing heritage.

In addition to the successes that we have experienced in our local and national regattas we have a solid history in assisting in the development of world-class athletes who have gone on to represent New Zealand at the Olympics: , won Gold for New Zealand in the 1984 Olympic Coxless Four, and who won Bronze in the 2012 Olympic Pair.

Our rowing programme is carried out by a dedicated team comprised of voluntary coaches, school staff, parents, committee and our rowing crews. We as a club can only succeed with this very generous support.

Every year we recruit as many students as we can and introduce them to rowing. We are proud to wear the Takapuna Grammar School colours and aim to add a strong scholar-athlete dynamic to our community.

Admittedly, the early mornings and physically demanding training are not for everyone: it’s a big lifestyle commitment but rowing also offers enormous rewards and lifelong friendships to those who make the effort.

We sincerely hope that all of you who accept the challenge of joining the Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club will enjoy your time on the water and your time with our crew members and the coaches. 4 Organisation and Philosophy

We are a not for profit organisation, managed by a volunteer committee of parents and are a fully affiliated club with the Auckland Rowing Association and also with the Secondary Schools Rowing Association.

We pride ourselves on the spirit of achievement by participation, and our club policy is an inclusive one 'all those that want to row, can row' and we welcome all students who wish to participate.

We provide a structured, safe and comfortable environment for students with a wide range of athletic abilities to become highly trained, competitive and successful student athletes.

The core philosophy of the program is teaching the athletes how to achieve excellence through discipline, hard work, and perseverance. Team members will build strength and endurance; develop time- management and self-discipline skills, and the confidence and resilience that comes with being an athlete.

We follow an athlete-centered and coach driven structure, with coaching staff providing a positive environment, one where the rowers want to further develop their skills, build lifelong friendships, and have fun each and every day.

5 Values

We aspire to have a strong community feel between our members and see the following values as fundamental for the interaction between all people associated with our club. Our values are the foundation for the “esprit de corps” that we are striving for.

TAKAPUNA ‘PRIDE’

We promote a team working environment where everyone is Partnership valued, treated with respect and encouraged to contribute to our common goals.

We respect the privilege of rowing and the opportunity to Respect compete against New Zealand's leading rowers.

We encourage individual commitment to the club, and the Involvement importance of fun, enjoyment and friendship towards fellow members. We support each members development of self-discipline, Development motivation and time management to compliment the desire to succeed. We each commit ourselves to achieving our personal best Excellence performance through a commitment to training and competition.

6 Fees

Our fee schedule is structured as an all inclusive model Development Competition Full time that incorporates all costs for the year ahead to ensure that there are no hidden costs or surprises as the season Squad Rower * Squad Rower ** progresses. 1st Crew Member Fee $3,000 $3,750 $2,250 Fees can be paid either as a lump sum or in monthly 2nd Crew Member Fee $2,250 $3,000 $1,500 instalments throughout the season. ***

There is a discount of $150 per crew member for Included in our fees are: fees that are paid in full prior to 31 October. Coaching. The rowing club covers the costs of the coaching team who provide between 7-9 training sessions per week.

Camps and Regattas. The subscription includes all accommodation, transport, meals and event entry fees associated with training camps and regattas. Maintenance. Our boats, trailers, vans/truck, safety equipment and training gear require fuel and regular maintenance to ensure the safety and success of our crews. Plant and equipment purchases such as new boats are the subject of separate fundraising.

NOTES: * If a member of the Development Squad becomes eligible to join the Competition Squad, the parent/guardian will be contacted to ensure that they are happy to accept the additional fee. ** If a crew member is selected to compete at the , or the Nationals there will be an additional fee required to cover expenses associated with attending these regattas. *** Second ( +) Crew member from the same family - discounted fee will apply to the most junior crew member. 7 Uniform

We have a compulsory rowing uniform which must be worn at each regatta or event when representing Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club. This is a registered uniform and rowers are not permitted on the water without it. Rowing uniforms, supporters clothing and accessories can be purchased through the Club.

Compulsory Recommended Rowing Suit Beanie Cap/Visor Windbreaker Item to be purchased Sports T Rowing Bag through Hoodie Navy tracksuit pants the club White long sleeve training top Sports bra/crop Not Navy blue long sleeved Plain black compression purchased polypropylene top leggings through club 10mm spanner (named) Sunglasses

Uniform prices will be available on our website. Any uniform related queries can be emailed to [email protected].

ROWERS MUST HAVE FULL ROWING UNIFORM FOR ALL ROWING EVENTS 8 Communications

For ease of administration, convenience and speed our primary means of communicating with rowers We will use Facebook for and parents/guardians will be via Email and informal updates and as a means Teamer. We will also endeavour to keep our to share pictures/videos etc website up to date so that there is one place for you to seek out information.

www.tgsrowing.org.nz ‘Takapuna Grammar Rowing Club’ INQUIRIES Official Club page (Public) Any inquiries should be funnelled through one of www.facebook.com/tgsrowing the following established communication channels: Rowing Inquiries: All queries regarding the rowing ‘Takapuna Grammar Rowing’ programme (i.e. training, transport, scheduling, Closed Group for Rowers and Coaches (request to ‘join’) extended absence, injury and crew selection) should, Teamer (& Electronic Forms): Rowers will be in the first instance, be directed through your rower’s www.facebook.com/groups/Takapuna required to acknowledge whether they can assigned Crew Manager. The Crew Manager will either GrammarSchoolRowing resolve or seek out the required information on your attend training sessions, boat loading/unloading, behalf. camps, regattas and other activities via Teamer ‘TGSRC Parents’ (and/or by completing an electronic form or via Closed Group for Parents/Guardians Student Inquiries: All queries regarding a student’s email if this is requested). general well being, behaviour or other school related (request to ‘join’): matters should be directed to the rowing Teacher In Website: Please check our website for up to www.facebook.com/groups/22860875 Charge or through normal school channels. date weekly/daily training schedules and 68090794 calendar. Club Administration: All queries relating to the administration of the club should be directed to the appropriate Committee member or to the Club www.tgsrowing.org.nz 9 Secretary ([email protected]). WHATWEDO Training

Attributes of a seasoned rower are the leg power of a speed skater, back strength of a weight lifter, endurance of a marathon runner, reflexes of a sprinter and the balance of a snowboarder. Our programme includes a year-round, full-body conditioning activity to ensure our crews are 'regatta fit' - the fitter our crews are the more successful they will be.

Our coaching team informs parents and crew members by email in advance as to the training programme for each month, and the information will also be available on our training calendar on our website. Our transport coordinator will liaise with parents to organise a schedule of car pooling and van drivers to transport crew members to any training sessions away from the school grounds (many hands make light work and we can’t provide this service without your support).

All training sessions, whether on or off water, will be on rain or shine so please always attend. Crew members should bring enough clothing, shoes, food and water to cover all eventualities, as it can get very cold out on the water. Full commitment to attend every training session is essential, as is arriving at training sessions on time.

If you are injured or sick, please contact the Head Coach by 6pm the night before a morning session, or by 9 am for an afternoon session. This communication should be via Teamer, however for any last minute issues, a text message is the best option. If you are sick or injured you must make a full recovery before returning to training.

Our coaches will provide all crew members with guidelines and expectations for nutrition, sleep, individual training and the prevention and care of injuries. They will also provide behavioural guidelines. If a rower isn’t adhering to these guidelines the coach may decide not to select them or limit their opportunities. 11 Training Camps

There are compulsory training camps in October and January. These camps prepare rowers for the season ahead. The learning curve is steep and the camps are always very successful from a technical rowing perspective, for team building and crew members personal growth.

The training at both camps is demanding and the crews work on technique and fitness, as well as developing a strong team bond. Our training camps are hard work, but also great fun for both crew members and parents, and provide a great opportunity for all club members to form strong relationships.

Camps are organised by the Committee and Coaches, and we are heavily reliant on parent helpers to assist in a variety of activities. These include van drivers/car-pooling, catering, boat maintenance etc. A group of parent helpers are required on site during the course of the camps, and the camps are also attended by a representative of the School.

Nutrition is a key requirement as training camps can be quite exhausting. All camp attendees are requested to provide their own lunch for the first day and also to bring a container of nutritional home baking that can be used for post training recovery. Catering is provided for all crew members, coaches and parent helpers for all other days, and special dietary requirements can be accommodated if sufficient notice is provided. 12 Daily Training – Indicative Schedule

***Please refer to club website for up to date Schedule*** Indicative Daily Programme - Winter Indicative Daily Programme - Season

Evening Prior Evening Prior 6pm Rowing Confirmations close on Teamer 6pm Rowing Confirmations Close on Teamer 8pm Seats promulgated for next day with Training Plan for each boat 8pm Seats are Promulgated for next Day - with Training Plan for each boat Weather Verified Suitable for Next Day - else ‘Alternate Weather Verified Suitable for Next Day - else ‘Alternate Programme’ Programme’ promulgated. promulgated.

Promulgated Weekdays (except Wednesday) Promulgated Weekdays (except Wednesday) 5am - 5:30am Pre Ops Team 05:00-05:30 Pre Ops Team 5:30am Seniors and Coaches Arrive (Safety Brief then - Boats onwater) 5:30am Seniors and Coaches Arrive - Boats onwater 5:45am Juniors arrive - Boats onwater 5:45am Juniors arrive - Boats onwater 7:10am Boats coming offwater 7:10am Boats coming offwater 7:30am First Boats washed and stored 7:30am First Boats washed and stored 7:40am AT Transport Bus Leaves (most Rowers onboard) or own transport 7:40am AT Transport Bus - Leaves (Most Rowers onboard) 8am Head Coach Drives 1 x Van to School (final Pack-up squad) 8am Head Coach Drives 1 x Van to School (Final Pack-up squad) 8:30am School Starts 8:30am School Starts

Wednesday Wednesday 5:00-5:30am Pre Ops Team 5am - 5:30am Pre Ops Team 5:30am Seniors and Coaches arrive (Safety Brief then - Boats onwater) 5:30am Seniors and Coaches Arrive (Safety Brief then - Boats onwater) 5:45am Juniors arrive - Boats onwater 5:45am Juniors arrive - Boats onwater 8am Boats coming offwater 8am Boats coming offwater 8:15am First Boats washed and stored 8:15am First Boats washed and stored 8:40am AT Transport Bus leaves (most Rowers onboard) or own transport 8:40am AT Transport Bus leaves (most Rowers onboard) or own transport 9am Head Coach Drives 1 x Van to School (final Pack-up squad) 9am Head Coach Drives 1 x Van to School (Final Pack-up squad) 9:25am School Starts 9:25am School Starts

Sunday Saturday 7am - 7:30am Pre Ops Team 7am - 7:30am Pre Ops Team 7:30am Seniors and Coaches Arrive (Safety Brief then - Boats onwater) 7:30am Seniors and Coaches Arrive - Boats onwater 7:45am Juniors arrive - Boats onwater 7:45am Juniors arrive - Boats onwater 8:45am Boats coming offwater 8:45am Boats coming offwater 9:30am Last Boat offwater 9:30am Last Boat Offwater 10am Pack-up (Weekly checks as required) 10am Pack-up (weekly checks as required) 13 Regattas

During the season the Club will compete in approximately 12 regattas, Bring your binoculars, camera, chairs, and some reading culminating in the North Island Secondary Schools (NISS) Championships and material to fill in the time between races. the Maadi Cup (National Secondary Schools Championship). Dates for Our Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club tent is our home regattas and camps will be published on our website. base and a meeting place to catch up with all other club Competition at all levels is fierce and this provides an excellent development members, there are some chairs provided at tent for you to sit platform for young rowers, in both ability and sportsmanship. back, relax and enjoy. Our tent is also used as a base to cater for the rowers. Parents are encouraged to attend the events to support the rowers, with helpers required for transport, catering, boat maintenance and general Crew members will also have a tent or other shelter in the boat organising activities. We have a lot of fun supporting our rowers! park from where they make their final preparations for each race and go through their debrief and immediate post-race nutrition routines. The boat park is equivalent to the dressing room in other sporting codes. It is the place for the rowers to focus on their racing and it is not a place for parents to visit. Accordingly, parents are asked not to visit the boat park during regattas. Once the races are finished, boats and equipment must be loaded onto the trailer. All rowers are expected to stay for any awards ceremony and pack-up. A roster will determine which rowers will be needed to ensure that the boat loading/unloading is undertaken quickly and efficiently. All regatta daysheets and results are published on ‘Rowit’ www.rowit.co.nz. Rowit is a great way to see when a rower is racing and to be able to keep an eye on the results from afar. Ask a returning rower to give you a demo on how it works…

14 Regatta and Camp Packing List

*** PLEASE ENSURE ALL ITEMS ARE NAMED*** • Sleeping requirements vary by location, usually a pillow, bottom sheet and sleeping bag. • Rowing uniform – rowing cap/visor, rowing suit, hoodie, sports T, socks, navy blue long sleeved polyprop, 10mm spanner, rowing bag, etc. • Training gear – shorts, t-shirts, socks. • Casual/warm clothes for evenings and relaxation time. • Running shoes. • Rain coat and Beanie. • Personal toiletries, including any medicines. • Sun block. • Hair ties (all long hair must be tied up when rowing) • Blister prevention and treatment: 1 full roll of 3.5 cm wide strapping tape. As most strapping tapes contain zinc oxide, choose another product if you react to zinc oxide tapes. • Betadine or Crystaderm antiseptic cream. • Towel(s) – 1 over a weekend, 2 for weekend plus camp. • Water bottle(s). • Rowers are to provide their own supply of recovery sweets, chocolate (or flavoured) milk drinks, Powerade, Powerade powder, etc as required. Please include this with their personal packing. • Baking and laundry money (amount requested will be advised prior to the camp/regatta) • Mobile phone and charger (optional). *** PLEASE ENSURE ALL ITEMS ARE NAMED*** 15 CLUB ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Committee

The Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club Committee is formed annually to coordinate the delivery of our objectives. Consisting of up to 14 members, the Committee organise the various required activities including accounts, fundraising, maintenance, training camps, transport, communications and generally assist in the conduct of the clubs operations. Committee Members and our Executive Officers are elected by Club Members at the Annual General Meeting. The committee has the following established roles (see our club’s Website for elected members/officers): Executive Officers: President [email protected] Vice President [email protected] Treasurer [email protected] Secretary [email protected]

Committee Members: Head Coach [email protected] Health & Safety & Ops [email protected] Events [email protected] Camps [email protected] Transport [email protected] Uniforms [email protected] Accounts [email protected] Sponsorship [email protected] Grants [email protected] Teacher in Charge

You can contact any of our Committee Members via their club email address to discuss any issues pertaining to the management of the club. Fresh ideas and new parent participation is always welcome. 17 Coaches

Our goal at Takapuna Grammar School Rowing is to ensure all athletes and participants enjoy a safe and rewarding sport, and our coaches are central to this. Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club has built an effective and relevant coaching education programme, and aims to ensure that we have qualified coaches to undertake this. Every Coach is intent on allowing each student the opportunity to achieve his or her true potential, at whatever level that may be. Key activities include: • Design, plan and implement training sessions aimed at improving confidence and technique in required areas for our rowing crews. • Regatta crew selection and accompany the rowers to all regattas/camps. Rowing coaches volunteer and sacrifice their • Encourage and motivate rowers both individually and as a personal time team. for the benefit of our rowers. • Attend to First Aid requirements. It is very important that we respect and Each Coach owes a duty of care to his or her charges and is to TAKE GOOD CARE OF OUR COACHES!! ensure that safety is a priority in any activity associated with rowing. Injury prevention is paramount. 18 Club Captains

Club Captains and Vice Captains will be selected by way of voting prior to the end of season Prizegiving ceremony. The Captains/Vice Captains (normally, two females and two males) are drawn from the U18 crew. They must embody the spirit of the club and lead by example and be role models. The role of the Club Captains (& Vice Captains) is to support the coaches and rowers and as such they are deeply involved in the running of the club.

The skills and personal characteristics of a Club Captain/Vice Captain include: • Being well organized, motivated and willing to take time to carry out the role. • Have the respect of their peers and the ability to delegate and motivate. • Have an ability to work closely with others. • An ability to set an example to fellow rowers as an athlete and also as a leader.

The Club Captains will: • Support the coaches. • Speak at school assemblies on behalf of the Rowing Club when necessary. • Get to know all members of the squad and support them in their rowing. • Organise end of season gifts for the coaching staff. 19 Parents

Ways parents/caregivers can help: • Arrive to regattas and training on time. • Helping/reminding your rower to respond to teamer. • Encouraging your rower to eat and sleep well. • Ensuring all uniform is clearly named. • Support fundraising activities. • Helping out at regattas/camps – setting up tents, BBQs, bringing food, etc. • Monitoring your rowers, health and well-being – please let us know early of any problems. • Volunteering to assist with transport (driving a van/towing a trailer/carpooling etc) • Volunteering to assist in the kitchen/laundry at camps and regattas. • Joining our ‘ops teams’ to ensure on-water training sessions run smoothly. • Helping at club working bees and assisting with maintenance.

The Boat Park Rule. One important rule asked of all rowing parents is to stay clear of the boat park and boat marshalling area. These areas are heavily congested and for obvious reasons access is restricted to coaches and rowers. Clubs can be fined if parents flout these rules. Rowing is very much a family affair, and there are many ways The only exception is those parents who are assigned designated boat parents can help; transport, cooking, maintenance, pastoral park duties. care and encouragement are all vital... Look after the Coaches! Another reminder…coaches are our most important and scarce resource. Please remember they are volunteers and we need to treat them with due respect. 20 Coxswains

The Coxswain, also called the Cox, is in charge of the crew of the boat. The Cox acts as the coach's assistant and they are responsible for crew safety. A strict coach-coxswain-rower hierarchy applies at all times and rowers are required to follow the instructions of the Cox. Being in the boat, the Cox has a feel for what the crew need and a good view of technical errors. The Cox needs to translate the coach's concerns into practical calls. A Cox must be positive, a good motivator and very encouraging.

The role of a Coxswain in a crew is to: • Keep the boat and rowers safe at all times by properly steering the boat (according to the river or regatta rules and safety for the crew). • Be in command of the boat at all times. • Coach the crew when the coach is not present. • Provide motivation and encouragement to the crew. • Provide feedback on the crew's performance both in and out of the races. • Make any necessary tactical decisions. • Organize and direct the crew at all times, including when putting the boat away etc.

21 Rowers

Rowers are to: • Be punctual to training and regattas. • Respond to teamer by 6pm the day prior to a training session and as required for regattas and other club activities. • Contact your Coach if you are going to be late or absent. • Maintain and care for all equipment and facilities, treating boats with great care and keeping the shed tidy. • Treat all coaching and associated staff, including transport/bus drivers and parents, with respect. • Ensure you have the correct clothing, including water bottle, towel, hat and shoes for all training sessions and regattas. • Row and train to the best of your ability at every training session and in every regatta. • Maintain a high standard of sportsmanship towards fellow Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club Crew Members, and those from other schools. Be gracious winners AND gracious losers. • Get adequate rest and follow nutritional and dietary guides. • Work hard to maintain academic standards, balancing training commitments and study. • Take PRIDE in being a Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club rower. Wearing correct uniform and cheering on your teammates in their races is integral to this.

22 POLICIES Health and Safety

The personal safety of our rowers, both on the water, in training and in transit is taken very seriously.

Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club’s health and safety policy aligns with Takapuna Grammar School and ’s health and safety policies and standards. All members will need to familiarise themselves with these requirements. A health and safety briefing will be given at the start of the season and a full programme of health and safety is embedded into our activities to ensure compliance and safety of all participants.

Failure to follow safety policies and procedures is a very serious matter and may be grounds for suspension of member privileges or expulsion. If you have any concerns or observe any unsafe practice please contact any coach or committee member directly.

24 Complaints Procedure

Parental/ crew member concerns and complaints may occur in the life of sports clubs and most informal complaints are handled with much success, drawing upon effective relationships and an “open-door” approach to resolving issues. The club complaints procedure is as follows: • The rowing club will maintain a complaints register. • If any communication with the club is for the purpose of conveying a complaint the first point of contact should be through one of the existing channels, i.e. Crew Manager, Head Coach, the Teacher in Charge or the Club Secretary. • If the matter is regarded as serious, direct contact should be made with the President or Vice President of Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club. • The Club will endeavour to return calls within 24 hours of the initial contact. • Complaints will be escalated through to the school if the nature of the complaint falls within the school’s area of responsibility and the club feels the matter will be best handled/resolved by the school. • When a complaint is received, it should be appropriately investigated, a decision made as to any resulting action which may be necessary, and the result of the investigation and subsequent action communicated to the parties involved. The Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club complaints procedure is intended to supplement existing Takapuna Grammar School policies and is not intended to replace existing school grievance, disciplinary or appeal procedures which are already in place. 25 ROWING TERMINOLOGY Boat Terminology

For the novice rower and parents, understanding what rowing is all about first requires learning a new language….fortunately, the vocabulary of rowing is not long and it is in English! Key terms and phrases to know are provided over the next few pages. Please take some time to become familiar with them. It will quickly enhance your understanding of the sport and your ability to converse knowledgeably about it. Rowers seat positions:

Stroke: Rower at the back (stern) – sets the pace / rhythm for the boat. Coxswain/Cox: Can be at the front (bow) or back (stern) of the boat – steers the boat and calls race tactics. Strokeside: Typically on the left side (rowers right side) – rowers with their oars on the same side as the stroke. Bowside: Typically on the right side (rowers left side) – rowers with their oars on the opposite side from the stroke. Bowseat: The number 1 seat at the front (bow) of the boat. The seat that crosses the finish line first. 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 Seat: Count seat from the front (bow) of the boat.

27 Understanding the Boats

There are two types of boats (shells/skiffs):

Sweep in which each rower handles one long oar. Sweep boats can have two, four or rowers; Name Crewed By Abbreviation Description Eight Eight rowers and a Cox 8+ Four Four rowers (Cox’less) 4- Four Four rowers and a Cox 4+ Pair Two rowers 2-

Sculling in which each rower uses two smaller oars or sculls. boats can have one, two or four rowers. In addition to below, Octuple/Octi (8 rowers and cox) may also be raced for crews that are under 15yrs.

Name Crewed By Abbreviation Description Four rowers Quad 4x (cox’less) Four rowers and a Quad 4x+ Cox Double Two rowers 2x Single One rower 1x

28 Coxswain Commands

These are a collection of terms that are used by the coxswain, coach or person in the boat responsible for directing the crew. “Easy Oar” or “Easy” STOP ROWING! Sit in the finish position and hold your hands straight out in front of you. “Touch it up” Short rowing strokes to maneuver the boat in the forward direction. Normally done with arms only, pulling the blade towards your body. “Touching” is very important for regattas to align the boat at the start of a race (done with one hand at a time to point the boat in the right direction). “Back it down” This is the reverse of touching also used for maneuvering the boat. It may need to be done with one hand at a time or both hands to go backwards (very important to avoid crashes). “Check the boat” or “Check it” This is where the rowers dig their oars in the water to stop the boat quickly. This is also very important to avoid crashes. “Finish position” This is the position where the rower takes the blades out of the water. Can be used as a starting point for the crew when training. “Catch position” This is the position where the stroke starts and is the position where racing starts from. 29 Rowing Terminology

Blade. This is the wide, flat section on the oar at the head of the shaft, also known as the ‘spoon’. This term is often used when referring to the entire oar. Bow Side. Side of the boat to your left when you are rowing. Button. Plastic fitting tightened on the oar to prevent it from slipping through the gate and to adjust the gearing of the oar. The yellow plastic piece on the Croker oars.

Canvas. The decked over section of the bow. This term is also used to describe how far a crew was in front or behind another, i.e. “That crew must have only won by half a canvas!” Coxswain (Cox). The cox sits at the stern or bow of the boat. They steer the boat, direct and motivate the crew during the race. Collar. The protective plastic piece of the oar that sits in the gate. The bright pink piece on the Croker oars. Crab. This is a problem encountered by a rower when their oar fails to be released from the water at the end of the stroke. It is caused by improper squaring or feathering, and is a common problem with new rowers. 30 Rowing Terminology

Feathering. The process of rotating the oar in the fingers to make Gate. Used to be called an oarlock and is used to the blade parallel to the water’s surface. fasten the oar to the boat.

Foot stretcher. An adjustable bracket to which the rower is Rating. How fast you are moving up and down the secured by putting their feet in the shoes or clogs. slide. This is measured in Strokes Per Minute, or SPM. For example a rating of 16 is slow, a rating of 38 is fast.

Rigger. The big metal thing that connects the gate to the boat hull. It can either be a wing rigger, which is one large, almost wing-shaped piece of metal, or a conventional rigger, which is almost like a wire frame.

Slide. The track that the seat moves on.

Squaring. The process of making your blade perpendicular to the water’s surface.

Stroke Side. The side on your right when rowing.

31