A note today to touch base on a few items of concern. This will be revisited on Thursday evening and again on Saturday morning until all of you are fully aware of the issues at hand.
With the nicer weather and the long hours, we are beginning to see the program numbers steadily increase on the water. It is therefore essential to review the traffic patterns while out there. First, make sure that you and your crew launch from the dock with enough space to prevent others crews being affected. Meaning, don't launch unless things are clear. Period! Secondly, while on the water your bowman or coxie has full control of your boats maneuvering and prompts for course correction. Rowing the boat yourself without being prompted is not your roll (unless there is a safety issue of course). Thirdly, once you complete your length of the course, make the turn ASAP and align yourself back in the traffic flow. Meaning, do not sit at one end or another for an extended period of time OR sit perpendicular to the course. This is a major traffic "snarl-er-upper" and a potential safety hazard as well. Complete your length, file into the line up to turn (do not cut across ahead of other boats), complete your turn and get going on your next length. Clear?
Along with the increased presence of our members on the dock and on the water it is essential that you handle your boats with the proper skills. There is a rule to live by while in contact with your equipment..."no expensive noises". Make sure that you are handling, using and storing the shells AND oars with care. Our equipment is very costly stuff and it is a privilege to use. Some of our gear is the same stuff that our national team uses and is virtually a few sheets of paper thin. Can you imagine what a light impact will do to the hull of a boat? Oars, should be treated the same while on the water. Do not let your oars cross each other. There really isn't an excuse for this other than not paying attention or an emergency stop. Be fully aware of what position you are in (physically in the boat) so that you can stop or react or row without hesitation. Clear?
Dock space is becoming less and less available during peak times. It is therefore necessary to get on to the dock quickly, in the water quickly, load up quickly and launch asap - referencing the afore mentioned safety, of course. Exchange your pleasantries etc while waiting for your crew mates to arrive.
Lastly, EVERYONE should know the workout before launching. No excuses. Sprint season training is here, executing workouts to their fullest is essential.
