Masters Level 1

Level 1 Goals: 

The overall goal of Level 1 is to be able to do all of the basic things from commands to boat handling to rowing without having to think about it too much. Things should be starting to come more naturally by the end of Level 

Safety: 

• A solid grasp of safety while rowing on the Lower Fox River

  • Rowing (erging and on water): 

  • Solid grasp of body position while rowing and can execute boat handling skills without prompting

• Can confidently lead an on-water row

Equipment: 

• Can take the lead in basic equipment handling and care

Specific Boats: 

• Can comfortably row Otter

• Starting to get comfortable in a team boat

By the end of Level 1, rowers should be able to:

• Comfortably row Otter on their own

• Comfortably lead an on water row

Level 1 Session Attendance Options & Boat Usage: 

Session Attendance Options:

• All Masters & RowFit sessions offered

• Can row independently under the boat usage conditions below

• Can access the rowing center during Open Gym times

Boat Usage:

• Can reserve Oarboard for independent rows

• Can reserve other singles for independent rows with coach approval

SAFETY

• Be able to identify river landmarks up to the Del Mar Marina

• Wet Launch & Wet Dock

• Understands who is responsible for each boat that is on the water

• Complete the Basic Safety Certification (You only need to complete this one time. If you have already completed it, this can be signed off. If you have not completed it, you must complete it to finish Level 1.)

• How to check and use each piece of equipment, properly put it away and/or charge it when done

  • PFD

  • Walkie Talkie

  • Stroke Coach (how to use it, properly lash it to the boat)

  • Lights (be aware of lighting requirements and how to place lights on boats)

• Help with PFD checks over winter season

ROWING

• Be contentious and consistent in marking attendance in iCrew and minimize last minute cancellations

• Understands and is able to follow commands given in any boat

• Know how to set foot stretchers in a sculling boat and sweep boat (understand what the difference is between the two)

• Know and be able to execute 4 basic drills in any boat and on an erg

  • Stationary Tap Drill (finish)

  • Pause Body Over

  • 3 Part Pause

  • Double Swing

• Help teach at least 2 learn to row clinics

• Know how to read and follow a workout plan

• Can back and river turn proficiently in a team boat (without thinking about it too much)

• Can hold a stroke rate on an erg for at least 2’

• Can change stroke rates on an erg within 6 strokes (row for 2’, change stroke rate and row for 2’)

• Can row next to or behind a Level 3-5 rower on an erg and follow them consistently for at least 3’

• Can row on slides with a Level 3-5 rower at stroke for 3’ following consistently

• Has been introduced to bow seat (has been in bow at least 2 times with coaching)

• Has been in stroke seat at least 2 times

EQUIPMENT 

• Know how to properly put a boat on a rack and strap/bungee it

• Know how to properly put a boat on blocks and strap it

• (Also know when it is appropriate to put a boat on blocks and why we might put boats on blocks and strap them)

• Has been introduced to rigging and derigging boats

• Has been introduced to loading boats on a trailer for a regatta

• Know how to make a boat reservation in iCrew

• Know how to use iCrew and the damage reporting section

• Launches

  • Know how to pump out the water after it rains

  • Know how to put gas and oil in the launches

  • Know what equipment is available in the launches

BOAT SPECIFIC

• Safely get Otter out of the boatyard and into the water independently, then put it away properly

  • Set foot stretchers in Otter

  • Set up Otter to row

  • Oars & Oarlocks

  • Foot Stretchers

  • Safety equipment

• Properly get in and out of Otter independently

• Steering, turning, backing, docking in Otter

  • Can execute basic steering (stopping and checking on one side or rowing harder on one side to turn the boat - understand which way the boat will turn)

  • Can back for at least 10 strokes

  • Can execute a river turn confidently

  • Can confidently dock

• Be able to execute the rowing stroke in Otter for at least 3’ continuously

• Can do the following in Otter

  • Reach the walkie talkie and use it

  • Reach your water bottle and take a drink

  • Remove a layer and stow it in the boat

• Set up a team boat to row (scull and sweep - 4x and 4+/8+)

  • Oars & Oarlocks

  • Foot Stretchers

  • Safety equipment

  • Other equipment (stroke coach, cox box)

BOAT SPECIFIC

• Read and sign off on the Safety Overview (https://team.sweepsandsculls.org/club-info/safety-overview) (This needs to be read and signed off at the end of each level.)

• Teach someone how to row on an erg.

• Lead a rowing session on the water confidently (you do not have to be the bow rower or coxswain, you just have to lead the session):

  • Be comfortable with all commands

  • Get a boat off of any rack and put it in slings

  • Know how to set foot stretchers

  • Know what equipment to take and how to check it, how to use it and how to properly stow it in the boat

  • Know how to properly handle your boat on land

  • Know how to properly handle your boat on the dock and in the water (can execute boat handling skills without thinking about it too much)

  • Know how to keep the boat in a safe place on the river during your row

  • Get the boat off the dock and back to the rack and take care of the boat properly