Sculling at DMRC
River Guide
2016
DMRC policies for sculling
The following is a selection of information for the sculler wishing to row a single or a double (bow seat) on the Des Moines River. While working with an instructor on the river, students must continue to follow the policies outlined in the club’s Beginner’s Guide. If a review is needed, a copy of the Beginner’s Guide may be obtained from the Sculling Coordinator. Members are encouraged to read all club guidelines in full, located at desmoinesrowing.org under “Club Documents.”
Once your instructor certifies that you have mastered the knowledge and skills required, you will be allowed to use the club’s singles on the river. Please see below for a list of boats you may use. Rowing in the bow seat of a double or a quad is a separate certification.
The club has many policies that cover scullers on the river; they are designed to keep you safe, so please read through this guide carefully.
Checking wind and weather conditions for sculling:
Assess the weather conditions before rowing. Do not row if a lightning storm seems imminent or visibility is poor.
- Check wind and weather conditions by using the link on the right of the home page for desmoinesrowing.org. When you move to the river, use the link for current river levels on the same home page.
- You must wait 30 minutes after last hearing thunder or seeing lightning before launching.
- If you spot lightning while on the water, use the nearest suitable dock and seek shelter ASAP.
- In hot and humid weather, hydrate generously and frequently, and use sunscreen.
- Don’t row in white cap waves. Smaller boats are advised not to row when winds are over 13.8mph.
- Do not row when the water temperature (Fahrenheit) plus air temperature (F) is less than 100 degrees; the risk that immersion in cold water will lead to cold shock, swimming failure, or hypothermia is increased.
- You may check river levels by using the link on the right side of the home page for desmoinesrowing.org. Inexperienced crews should not row when river levels are in excess of 17 feet. Experienced crews are advised not to row when river levels exceed 19 feet. It is not recommended that anyone row a single if the river is above 15.5 feet.
DMRC’s safety policy:
This can be found on the DMRC website under “club documents.” Please read it in full.
What boats am I allowed to use?
Rowing Shells by Skill and Weight
Skill: Novice (first year), Intermediate (second/third year), Advanced (fourth year)
Weight: Lightweight (under 140 pounds average), Midweight (141 to 180 pounds average), Heavyweight (over 180 pounds average).Weight categories represent manufacturer-stated recommendations for performance, not club restrictions on use.
Intermediate Shells
This category consists of shells designed for intermediate skills. Shells in this category may be limited to the second and third-year rowers who can sharpen their skills in these shells. Novices may not use these shells.
In the case of sculling shells, only scullers who have passed the Sculling Proficiency test may use the equipment.
• Jack Taylor 1x: midweight - trainer
• Peinert 1x: midweight
• WinTech 1x: midweight
• WinTech 1x: heavyweight
• WinTech 1x: lightweight
• Meredith 4x (coxless bow requirement): midweight
Advanced Shells
This category consists of racing shells meant for use by fourth-year rowers and above. Use of these shells by Novices and Intermediate rowers may only be permitted with advance approval from the rowing director. In the case of sculling shells, only scullers who have passed the Sculling Proficiency test may use the equipment.
• Dawn Taylor 1x: midweight
•David Hurd 1x: lightweight
•New K-2/2x (coxless bow requirement): midweight
• K-2/2x (coxless bow requirement): midweight
• Raven 4x (coxless bow requirement): lightweight
Waves, Weather and Light conditions
As a single sculler, you need to do whatever you can to stay out of trouble because you are the most vulnerable boat afloat. Be aware of waves and weather - and the motorboat traffic on the river. Scullers are always encouraged to row with a buddy or a launch. Don’t row alone.
When you see a boat with a threatening wake, move away from its course. As the first wave comes near, turn parallel to it so the boat will lift evenly. Keep both blades in light contact with the water and let the handles move upward and downward as the wave passes under you.
If a motor boat is approaching from the stern, change course 30 to 40 degrees away from the projected course of the vessel until its wake nearly reaches you, and then turn back toward the motorboat in order to meet the wave parallel to it. Rowing diagonally away gives you more time to put distance between you and the boat wake than if you have turned at right angles. In the wake, stop rowing and hold the oar handles loosely as your boat rises and falls.
Use your bow light so that you are visible to all others on the river when light conditions are not favorable.
Don’t row in the dark. Check times for dawn and dusk before rowing. When it is dark, it becomes impossible to spot river hazards.
Traffic Patterns on the River
Always use the starboard side of the river. It is dangerous to stray into the middle of the river or over to the other side. Boats who have the right of way may not be able to see you around a bend in the river. If you plan to stop for any period of time, be sure you are in a place where your boat will be visible to all other boats on the river.
A general rule is to use the starboard-most span of the bridge you are approaching. There are, however, some exceptions. Keep in mind that boats going downstream have much less time to react or make course adjustments, and boats going upstream have the option of stopping to avoid hitting a bridge or a collision with another boat.
University Ave: Use the starboard span. Boats going downstream have right of way through the center when necessary. It is permitted to use the center span going upstream, but you must yield to downstream traffic. The center span should only be used going upstream if you are certain there is no downstream traffic.
Second Ave: Use the starboard span. Boats going downstream have right of way through the center.
Sixth Ave: Use the starboard span.
Railroad: The starboard span going upstream is often too shallow. Use the center span going upstream. Use the starboard span going downstream.
Euclid: Do not use the starboard span going upstream; there are submerged hazards. Use the center span going upstream and the starboard span going downstream.
River Hazards
Review the aerial photos carefully. You are responsible for knowing where the sandbars are, the accepted traffic pattern, and safe river levels.
The sandbar across from the boathouse becomes a problem when the river is down to 13 feet.
The stop point up river is 300 meters above Euclid when the river is below 15 feet but higher than 14 feet.
River hazards change frequently. As a single sculler, you are responsible for finding out how the river has changed and for reporting any changes you notice. Please be sure to check in with more experienced scullers frequently about the state of the river. Report any new hazards to the safety director and the sculling coordinator.
Photos of the river at a very low level and aerial photos of sandbars will be provided by your instructor. You may also request them from the sculling coordinator.
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