By Charles Barksdale, Coach, Austin Rowing Club
If you have been down to the club in the last few weeks you probably have noticed the increase in activity. With Texas Crew, St. Ed’s, and the ARC Juniors back on the water, and competitive ARC crews taking more boats out it is important that we are on and off the dock a quickly as possible.
Here are a few things we can do to reduce dock time:
When going out:
- Go to the bathroom first.
- Make sure your oars are down (staged near or on the docks) before getting the boat out of the racks.
- Have items you are taking in the boat with you ready, water bottles filled etc.
- Shove off from the dock before adjusting pop-outs and foot stretchers.
When returning:
- Take oars off the boat immediately and leave them on the dock or place then to the side of the apron.
- Put the boat in slings and wash it
- Return the boat to its rack and sign back in.
- Then pick up your oars and belongings.
No No’s
- Don’t leave your boat and equipment at the dock or on the apron unattended.
- Don’t yell; we pride ourselves at being courteous at ARC and yelling at a boat or crew to hurry is not productive.
If a rower is expedient it should take them around 2-3 minutes of dock time to get underway and the same when returning.
If we all work together we can increase dock traffic and reduce waiting!
Thanks and See you on the water,
Charles B. Barksdale
Austin Rowing Club
Men’s and Club Crew Coach
