Rowers’ Self Assessment

This checklist can be used at any time by all rowers but is recommended to be completed by Newcomers after their R3 Sunday Social row, to help them gauge their individual readiness before progressing to other social or training rows.

Sunday Social rows are structured towards welcoming and instructing Newcomers and beginner rowers in club practice and safety, as well as an introduction to rowing technique. When progressing to other social or training rows, a basic level of competence in rowing is assumed as well as a familiarity with boat commands, safety equipment, and procedures for launching and returning to shore.

If you are not sure about anything please ask. If you need to know something during your rowing session, please ask your Captain or Cox.

COMMANDS

BOAT PARTS

  • Can I name the various parts of the boat? E.g. what do we call the seats?
  • Can I name the parts of the oar?
  • Do I know which side is Port and which side is Starboard?
  • Do I know the bow end from the stern end?

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

  • Do I know how to operate my Lifejacket?
  • Have I been shown the drogue anchor and know when it is used?
  • Have I watched the video on how to deploy the drogue anchor? (Go to https://rowporty.org.uk/rowing-and-coxing-guide/#drogue)
  • Do I know where the bung is located and have I secured it?
  • Do I always carry a phone in a waterproof case when out on a row? (All crew members should have the means to communicate for help in the event of an emergency).
  • Do I know how to contact the Coastguard?
  • Do I wear appropriate clothing for the weather and conditions so that I don’t become a casualty of the cold or heat?
  • Do I always carry some water to drink?

BOAT HANDLING

LAUNCHING AND RETURNING

  • Do I know what the rowing positions are in the boat and their numbering?
  • Do I understand the procedure for preparing to launch and the order of embarking the boat?
  • Do I understand the procedure for returning to shore and disembarking from the boat?
  • Have I been shown how to safely turn the boat at the shore for a subsequent crew?

STEERING THE BOAT

  • Do I understand ‘port turn’ and ‘starboard turn’?
  • Do I understand how to steer the boat on the water – using the tiller and rudder, and using the oars on one side only

WEATHER

  • Do I understand the effect of wind direction and strength on the sea state?
  • Do I understand the difference between an ‘offshore’ and an ‘onshore’ wind?
  • Do I know where to find a suitable weather forecast?https://rowporty.org.uk/weather-and-tides/
  • Do I understand the club rule ‘IF IN DOUBT, DON’T GO OUT’

INFORMATION ON ALL OF THE ABOVE CAN BE FOUND ON https://rowporty.org.uk/documents/

Last updated: 22 January 2020