Boat Usage Policy

The Boat Usage Policy provides guidelines and direction to Winnipeg Rowing Club (WRC) coaches and members on boat use and maintenance.

Boat Assignment & Usage Guidelines

In order to row a WRC boat you must:

  • Be a WRC member in good standing in a membership category that includes club boat use, or be fully registered in a WRC non-member program
  • Have received instruction in care and use of equipment.
  • Have the approval of the appropriate program coach or coordinator.

Boat assignment is at the discretion of the WRC coaches and program coordinators. The following should be used as a guideline in determining which equipment is appropriate for crews and members:

  • Size and weight of individuals: Rowing shells are built to support specific weights. Using equipment designed for a lighter crew may cause serious damage to the boat.
  • Rowing experience and competence: The equipment should be matched to the crew’s rowing ability.
  • Commitment to training and racing: Athletes and crews training for the WRC should be given priority based on the program schedule.
    1. Club Competitive: Members who have demonstrated strong rowing and bowing skills who are training and racing for WRC. Boat assignment should be based on rowing experience and competence.
    2. Recreational: Members who are rowing for fun and fitness. Boat assignment should be based
      on rowing experience and competence.
    3. Independent: Independent members are eligible to row WRC boats based on their rowing experience and competence. All Independent members should obtain approval from club coaches to book a boat. Priority will be given to athlete groups during their regular scheduled time slots.
    4. HS / Novice: Includes participants of High School, Novice programs The Rowing Instructor or Program Coordinator will assign boats to participants in consultation with the WRC Coaching Committee.
    5. LTR / CRC: Includes participants of the Learn-to-Row and Community Rowing Challenge and other similar programs including, but not limited to Youth Rowing Camps. The Rowing Instructor or Program Coordinator will assign boats to participants in consultation with the WRC Coaching Committee.

Crews made up of members from mixed programs will be assigned equipment after program assignments have been determined and will be based on coach discretion.

Boat Assignment Chart

Weight class and rowing experience should be taken into consideration when coaches assign boats.
For a guideline to which boats are open to the various membership classes or programs see the Boat Use Table.

Boat Repairs, Maintenance and Handling

The responsibility of boat care and maintenance fall to those crews that row the boat. It is important that your crew take the time to fully review the boat each outing to ensure that all bolts are tightened, all equipment is safe, and general repairs are made in a timely manner. All repairs should be done on the tarmac, not on the dock.

Replace missing or worn parts if the part is available. If not, do not row the boat as further damage is a possibility, and DO NOT strip parts from another shell.

Should equipment need repair after usage, it is your responsibility to notify the WRC Vice-President, Boats and Equipment, the Club Administrator, or your Coach directly to report damage and/or missing parts on the boat damage log and to follow-up to make sure the problem has been resolved. Crews are encouraged to participate in all maintenance and repair.

Please ensure that your boat is dried off with a towel after each row and washed on a regular basis. All rowing shells must be returned to the appropriate rack, facing the right direction and stored in a safe, secure manner.

Remember that a damaged boat does not only affect your crew, but also those other members who use that equipment.

Accidents happen but negligence will not be tolerated.

Regattas

All competitors are responsible for helping load and unload shells and equipment for regatta trips. Loading of, equipment for regattas takes place the evening before departure, unless otherwise announced.

Coach Boats/Safety Boats

Operators of all motorized coach boats must be at least 16 years of age and have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

The coach boat operator must ensure that their boat has:
• One personal lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board
• A watertight flashlight
• A sound-signaling devise (such as a whistle)
• A paddle and bailer
• A ladder