Hudson River Rowing Association Programs FAQ

Registration/Program Capacity
Lessons/Programs
Weather, Apparel, Amenities, etc
HRRA Community Equipment
General/Office Questions

Registration - Lesson/Program Capacity
Lesson, Program-what's the difference?
Sculling Lessons at HRRA require a minimum of 36 hours of rowing experience and are limited to 1 or 2 hour sessions scheduled with the instructor. Programs run from 6 to 10 weeks per season and meet 4 to 6 times per week for 2 to 3 hours each session.

I don't know how to row, what program should I register for?
People who have no rowing experience in rowing shells with sliding seats should register for one of HRRA's Learn-to-Row or Rowing 101 clinics in the spring, Junior Learn-to-Row clinics in the summer or for our Adult Novice program in the summer.

Are there physical requirements or restrictions?
All rowers need to know how to swim and tread water for up to ten minutes. Swimming tests are required. Though rowers are often tall, people of any height can row. Coxswains are often smaller than rowers and many larger rowers cannot fit in the coxswain seat. There is a lightweight rowing category for racing and there is no weight minimum for rowers in general. The boats do have weight limitations and heavyweight rowers should not exceed approximately 250 pounds. Rowing is a vigorous physical activity that requires the ability to lift heavy items, a wide range of movement and the ability to compress your body to your legs - a good rule of thumb is if you can touch your toes you are good to go!

It's been awhile but I know how to row already, do I have to take any lessons?
Lessons and programs at HRRA cater to all individuals of different levels of skill of rowing. If you believe that you should not have to take any sculling instruction you may work with a HRRA instructor who will best advise you as to the best course of action. HRRA requires individuals with sculling experience to take at least one certification lesson to familiarize themselves with the traffic pattern and hazards of the Hudson River.

Individuals who would like to join the sweep programs can either take one of our Learn-to-Row clinics as a refresher or join in our intermediate program. The intermediate coach will assess your skill level over two weeks and will either allow you to continue with the Intermediate group or recommend further instruction at the Learn-to-Row or Novice level.

Once I have completed a Learn-to-Row or Novice program what is the next step for me if I want to continue rowing?
If you are an adult rower you will be encouraged to join the Adult Intermediate team to further develop your skills or you can begin taking sculling lessons. Juniors are also welcome to join the HRRA Junior Intermediate programs or encouraged to join their respective school rowing programs. Athletes can stay in the Intermediate programs indefinitely, but rowers who wish to progress to a more competitive program are welcome to try out for the advanced programs after three seasons of rowing (including Learn-to-Row).

I'm a coxswain, do I have to pay?
In 2006 Coxswains will not be required to pay for program participation, but they are required to pay the yearly membership fee and fill out all paperwork required for the program they are registered for. Coxswains will be responsible for their hotel and travel expenses as well as USRowing membership where applicable.

When can I sign up for lessons and programs?
HRRA's on-water season runs from March to mid-November each year and sculling lessons are offered June through August. Winter erging programs are available January through March. Program registration starts 6 weeks prior to each season's programs and Lesson sign-up begins in May.

Can I register for a program online?
YES! You can register for all of our programs, clinics and events at www.regattacentral.com. We will still accept registrations through the mail but in all cases only paid and complete registration forms will be considered for placement in lessons and programs. Further, we cannot hold spots in programs for individuals. Please complete a registration form online and pay with a check or credit card or through the mail with a check. You may also drop it off in person at the mailbox in the boathouse lobby. You will receive a notice via phone or email either confirming your placement in a program, or informing you that you are on a wait list for your desired program and program packets will be mailed, emailed or handed out on the first day of a program. Please see Programs for more information a list of session dates for all Lessons and Programs.

Are there spots available in the lesson/program I want?
Our RegattaCentral registration system shows how many spots are left in any program ~ please check online to see if a program is open. HRRA's volunteer staff is inundated with registrations and phone calls. By the time we are able to get back to you about the status of a program, it will likely be full. Therefore, please do not call the office to check on the availability of a program. Your best option is to register online or send in a registration form and payment as soon as you know which program you want. To determine who fills any given class, we go by the online registrations and then the postmark of each mailed registration. The sooner you can get a registration to us, the better your chances are of getting in! We do not deposit checks for wait-listed registrations. We will only process your payment once you are confirmed in a particular class.

Why was I placed on a waiting list?
Many rowing programs at HRRA are extremely popular. Each program has a finite capacity determined by coaching and equipment availability. If a program reaches its capacity, we compile a wait-list of subsequent registrations, arranged in the order in which they are received. Should registrants drop out of a full-capacity program before its starting date, we will begin adding names from the wait list until the program is full again. To be added to a wait list, simply submit a registration form and payment as usual.

What do I do while I'm on the waiting list?
The HRRA staff will contact you by phone or email the minute we are able to accommodate you in a program for which you were wait listed. There is no need to call the office to check on your status on the wait list. We are very conscientious about contacting people as soon as we know there is room for them. Sometimes a spot opens just before or shortly after the start date of a program - we appreciate your patience, and will notify you immediately if we can fit you into a program. If we are unable to accommodate you in a program after it is underway, we will return your registration, and ask you to try for another term's programs.

Couldn't you just squeeze me into the class I want?
HRRA's goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable rowing experience for all. We keep this goal in mind as we establish capacity limits for programs. Once a program hits its maximum enrollment, adding more participants would create a shortage of equipment and compromise the coaches' ability to conduct their program safely and effectively. We're excited that our programs are gaining popularity, but in most cases, we must limit program size.

Are HRRA Junior programs run by local school teams?
The Junior programs at Hudson River Rowing Association have no official affiliation with local schools or clubs. Often, coaches of school teams rowing out of the HRRA Community Boathouse are on the HRRA coaching staff. HRRA programs are open to ANYONE, however, spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis without regard to scholastic or club affiliation in other seasons.

Programs
What is the Refund/Credit policy?
Membership fees are non-refundable. If you withdraw in writing from an Intermediate or Advanced sweep program within the first week you may receive a full refund of program fees. You must withdraw in writing from a learn-to-Row Clinic within the first 2 practice sessions to receive a full refund. After this grace period, refunds will not be given except for medical or emergency reasons that must be provided in writing and with accompanying paperwork (ie. note from doctor). In these cases refunds will be prorated. Please allow up to 6 weeks for refunds. Sculling lessons are negotiated individually with the sculling instructor and refunds are at his/her discretion.

Where do my program and membership fees go?
Membership fees provide about 15% of our operating budget and cover HRRA administrative costs such as insurance, professional memberships, special events and community activities. Our programs and events represent 85% of our expenses and break down as follows:

Equipment (acquisition,insurance, operations and maintenance) –32%
Truck operations (insurance, maintenance, gas) – 4%
Coaching – 13%
Away Regattas(race fees and regatta support) – 11%
Discounts/Scholarships – 5%
Program Administration (boathouse fees,printed materials,postage etc..) – 19%
Hosted Events – 1%

Over the past ten years HRRA membership and program fees have also subsidized the HRRA Community Boathouse Project - by participating in our programs and becoming an HRRA member you help support this waterfront project that benefits the entire rowing community and the entire Hudson Valley.

Why are there attendance requirements for certain programs?
Rowing on a team requires a certain level of commitment to the others in the program and missing more than 20% of the practice session compromises the abilities and progression of the team. For programs such as Learn-to-Row or Novice, HRRA requires mandatory attendance during the first three days of each new session. We established this policy to ensure that all participants are familiar with basic boat handling techniques and safety concerns before they launch onto the river. Additionally, we recommend that participants attend at least 80% of any of our program's sessions. If you cannot attend the first week of any given session, or know you will not be able to meet the minimum attendance recommendations, please discuss this with your coach or please consider another one of our programs or schedule individual lessons with a sculling instructor.

I am going to miss a couple of sessions during the program, do you prorate the program fees?
No, we don't prorate the fees.

I want to row but may have difficulty paying the fees all at once, do you have a payment plan? HRRA is always willing to work out a payment schedule or offer scholarship opportunities for eligible individuals. Please contact us about either option.

Can I make up my absences by attending another program?
Unfortunately due to coaching and equipment limitations, we cannot allow participants to attend programs other than those in which they are confirmed participants. Coaches may offer make up sessions according to their own schedule, though they are not required to do so.

What are the age classifications?

Junior
A junior is a competitor who will not attain the age of 19 during the season year, or who is and has been continuously enrolled in secondary school as a full time student seeking a diploma. A junior 16 is a competitor who will not attain the age of 17 during the season year. A competitor's age is determined as of December 31 of the current year.
For competition in Canada:
Junior B-A rower and coxswain will be classified a Jr.B until December 31st of the year they reach the age of 16. For a 2004 Canadian Regatta, an athlete born in 1987 or later shall be eligible for Junior B competition.
Junior A-A rower and coxswain no longer a Jr. B shall be classified a Jr. until December 31st of the year in which they reach the age of 18. For a 2004 Canadian Regatta, an athlete born in 1985 or later shall be eligible to row Junior.

Adult
An Adult is a participant over the age of 19. All Adults over 19 are eligible to participate in our adult Learn-to-Row, Novice and Intermediate programs. Adult Advanced programs accept rowers 21 and over, however, the teams attend many Masters races whoch only recognize Masters rowers who are 27 or older. HRRA advanced teams often race in open events to allow our open age athletes to race. A competitor's age is determined as of December 31 of the current year.

Coxswains - coxies in a junior program must follow the age rules. Coxies for adult programs may be any age - we encourage junior coxies to register for our adult teams.

Weather, Apparel, Amenities, etc.
It's raining-do we still have practice today?
Yes -Instructional programs at HRRA meet rain or shine as scheduled. If lightning, wind or other weather factors are severe enough - participants will not be permitted on the water, and will have an alternative indoor instructional class - but class will not be cancelled. If you feel the weather prevents you from safely getting to HRRA, please let your coach know you will not be attending class.

What do I wear?
The basic guidelines are these - LAYERS - dress appropriately for the weather, including a windbreaker or Gore-Tex shell if necessary, but make sure you can shed layers when you begin to warm up on the water. DIRTY - your rowing clothes will get dirty. If you have shoes, pants, anything that can't get dirty - don't wear it to the boathouse. COMFY and SNUG - your clothing should allow you to move freely and be comfortable. Baggy pants, shorts and shirts, however, tend to get stuck in the sliding seat upon which you will row. Your best bet is a pair of shorts or leggings similar to cycling pants, and a shirt that can be tucked in.

Are there showers/locker rooms at the boathouse?
Yes. Shower and locker room use is restricted to rowing lesson/program participants and tenant members. We advise all rowers to bring a lock and use lockers on a daily basis to ensure security of their personal items. HRRA is not responsible for items lost or stolen from the boathouse. Although rare, there are instances of theft of items left out in the locker room and lobby areas. Please take measures to protect your belongings.

HRRA Community Equipment
I own my own single - can I store it in the HRRA Community Bay?
A limited number of storage racks are available for single and double sculls owned by HRRA members. All rowers with personal shells must pass a certification test and pay any applicable membership, storage and access fees prior to storage within the facility. Rack space is assigned on a first come, first served basis. We do not have temporary storage, annual contracts only.

Can I put together a four or an eight and take out an HRRA shell?
No, HRRA reserves all eights and fours for our rowing programs and they are not allowed to be used outside of an approved HRRA program. All fours, quads and eights are required to be accompanied by an approved coach in a safety launch.

How do I gain access to the HRRA small shells?
HRRA sculling equipment can be reserved for private use and racing using the reservation log in the boathouse. Rowers must be an HRRA member or approved guest, have paid all applicable program and membership fees and be certified by an approved HRRA Sculling instructor. Scullers who would like to combine to practice in a quad must contact the program staff to coordinate use of the boat, which is used for our regular programs, as well as provide a certified launch driver to accompany the boat during practice.

Can I reserve a boat ahead of time?
Yes, you can reserve a boat up to two days prior to an outing. You must reserve in person, no phone or email reservations are accepted. You must reserve a boat for racing two weeks prior to the race and coordinate with the program committee to transport the shell to the race.

Can I use the HRRA ergs and fitness equipment?
Yes, HRRA members are welcome to use our fitness equipment during open rowing sessions throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons. Priority for equipment goes to scheduled programs in the case of bad weather conditions. During the winter season the equipment will be used only for scheduled programs - athletes who wish to use the equipment during this time should sign up for one of these programs.

Can I use the rowing tanks?
Yes, HRRA members are welcome to use the tanks during open rowing sessions throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons. Priority for the tanks goes to scheduled tenant programs in the case of bad weather conditions in the spring, summer or fall. During the winter season the tanks will be used only for scheduled programs - athletes who wish to use the tanks during this time should sign up for one of these programs.

Do you rent motorboats?
No. Hudson River Rowing Association motorboats are used as safety and coaching vessels. All other motorboats belong to the rowing teams that use HRRA for storage. All HRRA motorboat users must be certified.

How do I become a certified sculler or motorboat driver?
Scullers become certified through one or more lessons with the HRRA Sculling Instructor or by providing proof of competency from another recognized rowing club. The Instructor will determine what boats the rower is permitted to row in unsupervised.

HRRA Motorboat operators must attend a Motorboat Orientation and complete at least 4 hours of supervised motorboat handling.

General/Office Questions
Are the HRRA Community Bays staffed on a regular basis?
Yes and no. Our program staff is composed of volunteers who work predominantly out of their own homes. To contact them directly it is best to email or call and allow a week for a response. Our coaching staff are on site during regularly scheduled practice sessions and available through phone and email.

Why can't I reach a real person on the phone?
The Community Boathouse is equipped with a phone line for emergency purposes and to handle all calls pertaining to HRRA programs and Boathouse operations. A voicemail recording does not mean we are ignoring you! Our web site and voicemail are designed to help answer your questions, but customers are encouraged to leave messages or email us when they haven't found the information they need. Our volunteers are conscientious about returning calls, and barring extenuating circumstances, can usually answer your questions within two to three business days. Leaving a daytime and evening number increases our chances of returning your call efficiently. If you need prompter service contact your coach or email us.

Who do I contact in case of emergency at the Community Boathouse?
For emergency situations, you can call 911 from the main lobby phone. HRRA recommends that all coaches and unsupervised scullers carry cell phones with them while on the water. Please program the local fire department number in to your phone to ensure a quick response. St. Francis hospital is 5 minutes away.

Can I use the HRRA Community Bays and training facility whenever I want?
No. Juniors must be accompanied by a member parent or participate in an organized rowing program either through HRRA or one of the Community Boathouse tenants.

Adult HRRA members may use the facility whenever it is open, which is during regularly scheduled programs. These open hours will be posted in the community bay on a monthly basis, but are generally weekday mornings from 5am to 8am, weekday evenings from 4pm to dusk and weekend mornings from 5am to 10am. Scheduled tenant or HRRA programs have priority access to the tank room, meeting room and HRRA fitness equipment.

Do you rent out the Community Boathouse for functions and parties?
Yes. HRRA rents the facility to HRRA members for private events. All activities must be approved by the Boathouse Committee and contract regulations must be followed.