More than you ever wanted to know about our new Emulex sponsored rowing barge, OneCommand. And if you can’t find your answer here, contact us with your questions!
Q: What does a training barge look like?
A : A training barge is like a double-wide 8-person rowing shell with a platform down the center that runs all the way from stern to bow.
Q. Does a barge need a launch?
A. Since the barge cannot capsize, it does not NEED a safety launch, although one will accompany it on most outings so the coach can get a different view of the rowers.
Q. Are the traffic patterns different for a barge?
A. No. All rowers on Lady Bird Lake should follow the same right-hand-rule traffic pattern, and the barge is as good a place as any to learn these rules.
Q. Is it deeper than a regular 8+ shell?
A. No. The barge is very similar to an eight-person rowing shell, yet far more stable, since it is wider, with a flat bottom.
Q. Does a barge need a coxswain?
A. The barge has a rudder in the stern to assist with steering. This can be managed by the coach, or by a coxswain.
Q. If you don’t need a launch, where are the coaches?
A. Coaches can walk up and down the platform and offer individualized attention to new rowers, or they can coach from a launch. Because a training barge is very wide, it is very stable, eliminating the “fear factor” for new rowers and allowing them to concentrate on proper technique and timing.
Q. Are the techniques the same for learning to row on the barge?
A. YES – this is what makes the barge so great! You learn rowing technique without having to worry about balance, making the transition to the eight much easier.
Q. How does the training barge fit in with ARC’s mission?
A. Our mission at ARC is to promote the sport of rowing in Texas particularly around our own communities. This Barge will be instrumental in helping make rowing available to a greater percentage of our community.
Q. What’s the difference between the Barge and a regular 8+ shell?
A. The barge is STABLE.
Our coaches will be able to teach proper rowing technique, including power application and timing, to all new students much more effectively and efficiently on a set boat. For example, a coach can take out eight brand new rowers on a windy day without a single volunteer and have a productive lesson. The barge also allows us to expand our audience to those who might not be ready to plunge right into a racing shell for a variety of reasons, including disabilities and age (both ends of the spectrum). Our ITR curriculum committee is working right now to incorporate the training barge into all Intro to Rowing and sessions.
A training barge also gives us much more flexibility in providing introductory rowing experiences for people who just want to get out on the water and try something new on a one-time basis. We are confident that once they try rowing, they will be hooked!
Q. Who is Emulex?
A. Emulex Corporation is a leader in converged networking solutions for the data center. Clients include Dell, HP, LSI, IBM, Compellent, Apple, Cisco, and Samsung. They are based in Costa Mesa, California, have multiple offices worldwide including remote employees located in Austin. Emulex employs nearly 1650 people worldwide. Visit http://www.emulex.com for more information.
Q. Why did Emulex decide to support ARC and purchase this barge?
A. ARC is part of Emulex’s broad “What’s in Your Community” public relations campaign. The company’s goal is to increase visibility and support the community through innovative sponsorships outside the technology realm. ARC’s partnership with Emulex includes branding rights on oars and the barge, which will be named after Emulex’s award-winning management framework, OneCommand. Emulex will also be a featured sponsor on all regatta marketing materials, including t-shirts and banners.
Q. Where does the training barge come from?
A. OneCommand was manufactured by Stillwater Design, based in Chelsea, Massachusetts. This is also the maker of ARC safety launches. Visit http://www.stillwaterdesign.com for more information.
Q. Who can take out the training barge?
A. Once OneCommand is delivered, all of our coaches will get to know her. Over time, ARC will train volunteer coxswains so that they too can use the barge for ITR and LTR lessons.
Q. Where will we store OneCommand?
A. OneCommand will be moored in the water along with the launches. She will be covered to protect her from the elements, and there will be bumpers to prevent scratches.
Q. Should OneCommand have a christening?
A. Absolutely! OneCommand’s christening will take place during the Head of the Colorado Regatta, Saturday, October 29. The Barge Committee is busy planning this special event, along with a series of pre-christening roll-out events. If you would like to help, please contact Lisa Allan (lisanallan@gmail.com)
Q. Will OneCommand be interviewed for the ARC blog?
A. Yes, of course. Along with a proper christening, she will also have an interview making her an official member of the ARC family. I’m sure she’ll have lots to say as she becomes and integral part of our family and culture – so stay tuned!
Q. How can I take a ride on the barge?
A. Volunteer for any learn-to-row outing, including outreach and corporate outings. If your crew would like to take it for a spin, you must make arrangements with the ARC Equipment Director.
Q. Why does it matter if the boat is stable or not, we have to learn how to set the boat anyway?
A. It’s much easier to learn how to set the boat AFTER you have overcome some of the anxiety of being on the water, and AFTER you know the basics of the rowing stroke. This allows for balance to be a skill that’s learned on it’s own, not an impediment to learning proper rowing technique.
Q. What programs get to use the barge?
A. Any program can use the barge under a coach’s supervision, although Intro to Rowing Classes and other beginner programs will have scheduling priority.
Q. It looks pretty cool, can we reserve it for other stuff if we want?
A. The barge is an ideal way to introduce rowing to your non-rowing friends, family, and co-workers. Contact Sara-Mai Conway for details on arranging a private learn-to-row session.
Q. Is the barge going to be another boat in the reservation system we can reserve? How does that work exactly?
A. Not initially. Please contact the ARC Equipment Director if you are interested in rowing the barge with your crew.
Q. Does the Barge use special oars?
A The barge has its own oars that are specially rigged because the barge is heavier and slower moving than an eight – however, these are the same C2 oars that all other crews use.
Q. Can we use the Barge oars for regular practices and regattas?
A. Yes, the barge oars will be available for general club use. However, because they are rigged differently, they may not be ideal for your crew. Please contact the Equipment Director prior to taking out the barge oars.
Q. Who came up with the name OneCommand?
A. Emulex collaborated with the ARC board on the name. As it turns out OneCommand is the name of a family of products Emulex manufactures and sells to OEMs, and customers worldwide.
Q. Do volunteers need special training on how to support the various outreach and training activities associated with the barge?
A. YES, ARC volunteers that are working with the barge will receive special training on how to best steer, and utilize the barge as a teaching tool.
Q. Where & how do I sign-up to support the Barge and its various outreach programs?
A. Just answer the next call for volunteers! You can sign up to volunteer for Intro to Rowing Classes, corporate and outreach programs on the ARC Online Scheduler. Just click the “Volunteer” tab after you have logged in as a member.
Q. I have some ideas about other outreach programs for the barge. Who do I tell?
A. Please share your ideas with Rob Johnson, ARC’s Outreach Director, or Sara-Mai Conway, ARC’s Director.
Q. This seems like a pretty cool thing, are there vary many of them around?
A. Although you will find barges at several boathouses around the country, ARC is very excited to be the only club in Texas with a barge!
Austin Rowing Club is hiring for the position of Regatta Volunteer Coordinator.
