Boarding and Docking

Boarding the boat

  • Ensure that the boat is securely tied to the dock.
  • Sit on the side of the dock and place one foot on either side of the center board. Ease yourself onto the seat.
  • If you are using water bottles or any tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers, ensure that you lay them in the boat gently. Throwing equipment into the boat can damage the boat.

Pushing off from the dock

  • When all rowers are ready, oars are extended out on the water (for the side away from the dock), and the boat is untied from the dock, the coxswain will call to push off. All rowers should push the boat away from the dock with their hands.
  • The rowers that are closest to the dock may have to push a little with their oars to move the boat away from the dock but they must be careful and push against the rubber matting on the dock to ensure that they do not damage the oar blade.
  • When the boat is away from the dock, the Coxswain will call for all rowers to pick it up and start rowing.
Crews leaving or entering the docking area must take caution and give right away to crews using the practice lanes.

Docking the boat

  • The coxswain will steer the boat toward the dock, calling to ease off so the boat slows down.
  • When the coxswain is close to the dock, they will ask to “let it run.”
    • Rowers on the dock side should lay back gently and allow the oar to move parallel to the boat.
    • In adverse conditions, one or more rowers on the other side can keep their oar out.
  • Rowers should watch for the dock and gently pushing against it to ensure that the boat does not hit the dock.
  • The Coxswain and #1 will tie the boat to the dock.

De-boarding the boat

  • First and foremost, the coxswain must ensure that the stern and bow of the boat are secured to the dock.
  • Rowers should loosen straps and bolts and collect any personal equipment and items.
  • On the coxswains call, rowers should de-board the boat, usually in pairs.
  • To balance the boat when getting out, rowers should stand on the center board, lift one foot or knee onto the dock, and ease themselves out of the boat. Rowers should not stand on the seat as this could damage the seat.