AUGUSTA ROWING CLUB

Why row?
Rowing is a full-body exercise, is goal-oriented, and is a great way to connect with others.  And you get to see a different side of Augusta from the Savannah River! The Augusta Rowing Club is a good choice whether you're rowing competitively or recreationally, or want to make friends in the community.

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What types of rowing are available at ARC?
We have both Sweep (single oar) and Sculling (two oar). Normally you will start out in an 8-person sweep boat, but our goal is to get everyone proficient to where they can confidently take out a single by themselves and enjoy rowing. At that point you can row in any boat that may be available.

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What happens during practices?
On clear days, we get on the water! After a warmup on the erg, oars and boats are taken out and the main bulk of the practice happens on the water. The first half of practice is dedicated to skills and technique, with the coach on a motor boat (called a "launch") instructing through a megaphone. The second half is mock races, covering distances, or other training. After rowing, all equipment is brought back up to the boat house, cleaned, and put away.

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What are the practice times?

Juniors:
Mon, Tues, Thurs 4:30pm-6:00pm;
Saturday 8:00am-10:00am (Winter Saturday 9:00am-11:00am).
 

Masters:
Tues, Thurs 6:00pm-8:00pm;
Saturday 8:00am-10:00am (Winter Saturday 9:00am-11:00am).​

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Are practices mandatory?
The more you are at practice the better you will perform. And at least some level of commitment is required to participate in regattas; details can be discussed with the coach.​

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What do I need to wear?
Basic athletic clothing is appropriate for rowing. Don't wear anything too loose as the extra material can get caught in the seat runners as you are rowing.​

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What do I need to bring to practice each day?
Yourself and a good attitude. You may also want to bring a hat, a water bottle as well as sunscreen and bug repellent.

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Do I have to know how to swim?
Rowing is a water sport and having basic swimming skills is recommended. For full club membership, a swim test is required that entails treading water and donning a life vest. 

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Do I have to buy any equipment?
All the required equipment is provided by the club. Eventually, if you choose to race with the team you will need to purchase the team racing uniform.​​​

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What is an "erg"?

An erg is a rowing machine, much like you see in the gym. We use them for training, conditioning, and form.

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What is a "cox"?
A coxswain, or "cox" for short, is a little bit cheerleader, a little bit coach, a little bit jockey. They steer the boat and tell the rowers what to do. They do not row while they are coxing.​​​​​

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What is the role of parents? Parents serve multiple valuable roles within our program. Primarily, managing everything at the regatta except for physically racing--setting up tents, bringing food and water, reminding kids where to be. Also parents help organize social events, volunteer at regattas, and of course make sure their kids make it to practice!

 

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RACING & REGATTAS
 

Who races?
All members in good standing with the club are eligible to race.​

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What is the difference between the fall, spring, and summer seasons?
Fall and Spring seasons are the racing seasons, when regattas happen. Summer season practices are more about conditioning and building strength and skills for the Fall and Spring seasons. ​

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What is the regatta schedule?
Fall is the head race season. Over 5 kilometers, dozens of boats participate in timed trials--the fastest time wins. Spring regattas are like what you see in the Olympics. Boats line up and start at the same time, and the first across the finish wins. Augusta Rowing Club hosts several regattas throughout the year!​​​​​