Update to Water Restrictions and Updates to Coached Sessions:
*Please Comment Name to Acknowledge Read

With the help of a small group of highly experienced rowers, I have been testing the water conditions this week. This has included rowing across boat classes – 4x, 2x, and 1×. This was necessary to determine the skills athletes must possess to safely navigate current conditions based on both coach and athlete feedback. I also personally tested the conditions in my 1x to confirm this feedback. 

Based on this assessment, I’m pleased to say that we are moving to Hazard Yellow conditions with some exceptions. The water temps have warmed, the flow has decreased, and air temperatures are leveling out as we move further into spring and early summer. That said, the recent deluge of rain has brought with it debris in the river, some of which could cause significant damage to boats and put rowers’ safety at risk. In addition, there are many hidden swirling eddies due to recent conditions. These can, without notice, cause a significant change in the directionality of the boat. Generally, these are not a major concern for highly experienced river rowers, however they can be alarming and dangerous for people who are still building skills.  

As we are regularly seeing a combined water and air temperatures at or above 110 degrees, decreasing flow and lower water levels, this would generally move us to lift restrictions and move to Green (closer to ideal state). With the swirls, debris, and precautions needed based on experience, we’ll retain some restrictions of Hazard Yellow. Please note that the river is going to peak again on Tuesday. This means these restrictions may go back to Orange or change within yellow in the meantime. As is our might river, our plans must remain fluid. You MUST read the updates, it won’t always be listed on specific event notices.

The updated guidelines as of Friday, May 24 include:

Athletes with greater than 5 years of experience AND who are able to confidently handle a 1x and row a 1x on the river are able to utilize club-owned boats without the restriction of a coaching launch. In addition, these athletes must have a minimum of Level 2 bowlisting, with the majority retaining Level 3. The majority of any team boat in this group must meet this criteria (e.g. at least 3 of 4 in a 4x and everyone in a 2x). These skills are necessary to navigate without the safety net of a coaching launch. These athletes are encouraged to row in groups and to keep all boats within 250 meters of one another. Please exercise caution in assessing the river prior to launch and during any outing as debris and swirls remain an issue. Any coach or captain can render a decision not to row and those in attendance must adhere to this guidance. Private singles are allowed but please exercise extreme caution and all single rowers are highly encouraged to launch only in groups of 2+. All boats must be signed out in the log book listing all athletes in the boat.  Athletes not meeting the requirements above (level 1 now or level 2 but cannot row a single on the river independently THIS IS DIFFERENT THAN A LAKE) must be accompanied by a coaching launch. No singles are allowed and the 4-oar rule must be observed. All boats must remain within 100 yards of a coaching launch.  Club-owned boats are categorized by level restrictions and this has also been published in the Newsletter section. No athlete can utilize or bow a boat outside of their restriction level, regardless of whether the session is uncoached or coached, unless express consent is provided by a coach or club director. Please be mindful that while it is still fast water with debris, damage risk is significant. This means don’t take the highest level boat for your weight class unless that’s the only boat available. Example: you’re the only hwt double going out… Take Hill If you have questions about whether your experience matches the criteria set forth above, please consult Craig or Betsy. As the remainder of our coaching staff arrives with the conclusion of the collegiate season, expect to see many more coached practice opportunities starting next week. These sessions will be specifically designated with the target audience or if open to any athlete and we appreciate your adherence to the intent. 

Masters Practice:
These are open to all masters.

Open Practice:
These are open to all open rowers competing at Nationals/NWIRA or as approved by Steve Whicher.

Masters Endurance Practice:
These are open to all rowers who are working on fitness, technique, or wishing to get additional coached time on the water.

Masters Select Practice:
These are open to all Masters rowers competing at Nationals/NWIRA, minimum skill of being able to take a single independently (bow list level 2), or as approved by Craig Dodson.

If you have questions about whether it is appropriate for you to attend a session, please reach out to the appropriate coach for that session prior to signing up.

Again, before you can row under these guidelines please comment your name to acknowledge you read the restrictions.