To be authorised as a skipper, members need to demonstrate their competency in the following areas.
Pre Departure
- Prepare the boat for departure (arrive at least 10 mins early)
- throwline and first aid kit
- two paddles
- footplates
- rudder and tiller
- hammer
- bailer
- Assess the ability of crew by conversation
- Assess weather conditions
- Assess and interpret tidal conditions
- Brief the crew on the intended activity
- Ensure that all lifejackets are correctly fitted
- Check the bung is secure
- Request crew sit in appropriate positions with regard to ability and weight
- Support crew in getting correct rowing set up, i.e. sitting position and foot plates
- Brief crew on departing pontoon
Departure
- Secure chains across access gap (if departing east pontoon arm)
- Safely depart pontoon with regard to wind and tidal conditions
- Manage crew to ship oars safely
- Ship fenders
- Gain control of the boat and prepare to row
Rowing
Use correct commands:
- Stroke side / Bow side [or Starboard / Port].
- Make sure crew knows which system you’re using, they know their number and the side they’re rowing
- Crew numbering
- Number 1: bow oar / bow [port] side
- Number 2: stroke [starboard ] side
- Number 3: bow [port] side
- Number 4: stroke oar / stroke [starboard] side
- Come Forward
- Ready / Row
- Row Light / Row firm / Easy / Hold Water / Back Water
Coach crew in basic rowing techniques:
- Matching stroke’s time
- Straight back
- Straight arms / long reach / clean ‘catch’ / long stroke / lean back into the finish (Diagram)
- Demonstrate ability to control two sides of the boat independently including at least one ‘buoy turn’
- show understanding of crew’s abilities and tailor session to suit
Return
- Bring boat safely back to pontoon in control Watch video
- Ensure oars are shipped in good time to avoid damage to oars or other craft
- Ensure fenders are out
- Ensure crew disembark in a safe manner (one person standing at a time)
- Moor vessel appropriately using suitable knots and methods and awareness of hazards – Rafting diagram
- Tidy vessel
- unship rudder & tiller
- cover and lash oars
- stow footplates in clubhouse
- stow lifejackets in clubhouse
- stow paddles in clubhouse
- Record and communicate immediately (by email to admin@rowglasgow.org.uk with DAMAGE REPORT in the subject line) anything which may prejudice the next rowing session, eg a broken pin or damaged life vest
Organising rowing sessions
Skippers are also responsible for setting up rowing sessions using Eventbrite, a popular event management tool. Watch the instructional videos.
