Rachel demonstrates re-entering the boat after a spill (Click for full size)
It’s no secret that we row across perpetually chilly and occasionally rough waters, the San Fransisco Bay. Even a very experienced and careful rower can take a spill into the bay, or suffer an equipment problem. What might be an annoyance when rowing in warm water can become serious trouble in cold water. A well-trained rower can respond to trouble and come out well, but one does need that training.
In this course, developed and taught by OWRC coach Rachel Jackson, you will not only learn how to respond to a capsize or equipment breakdown, or to give aid to another rower in distress, but also have a chance practice these skills and become more proficient. You’ll row with new confidence and greater safety on our beautiful but chilly bay. We highly recommend this course to all rowers.
The three-hour class is taught on a weekend morning. Call the OWRC office to indicate your interest and find out about upcoming dates. The charge for the class is $85. Wetsuits can be rented from Sea Trek close by for $10 (with prior arrangement, get instructions from the staff)
 Participants first watch from a dock (click for full size) |
 Changing an oar on the water (click for full size) |
Outline of the Course:
1. Discussion on Land
- Discussion of equipment, breakdowns and repairs. Oars, oarlocks, seats especially
- Operation of the PFD (Lifevest)
- Discussion of hypothermia symptoms/signs, and precautions
- General safety on the bay discussion. What to do if you have trouble.
2. On the Water Demonstration
Rachel will demonstrate the self-rescue techniques from a boat while the class participants watch from a nearby dock, close enough to discuss the demonstration with her.
- Stabilizing the boat while in the boat
- Removing, switching, recovering an oar without rolling the boat.
- Entering the water safely. Your body’s reaction to cold water.
- Maneuvering around the boat while in the water
- Climbing on hull of an overturned shell to await rescue
- Re-entering the boat to resume rowing
3. On the Water Practice
After the demonstration the participants will join Rachel on the water in a protected area of the marina and practice many of these techniques. Student are encouraged to wear wetsuits (which can be rented from our neighbor, Sea Trek) .
In addition to the techniques described above, the class will discuss and practice:
- Giving aid to a rower in difficulty / recognizing and responding to hypothermia
- Coming alongside another rowing shell
- Rowing with two shells together / Bringing another rower to safety
In addition to the demonstrations and practice, class participants receive a detailed hand-out covering all of the lessons for later review.
