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Frequently Asked Questions
Boating Home
1. Can anyone take a rowing class?
Yes. The adult classes are open to anyone ages 18 and above who have
graduated from high school. The junior rowing program is geared towards participants ages 13-18.
2. Is there a competitive Junior Rowing
Program?
Yes. We have a competitive junior program that operates from
September to May. The athletes compete throughout the west coast as well as on
Tempe Town Lake. You can learn more about our program at our
junior section of the website. During the
summer we offer a junior program geared towards fun on the water; the basics of
rowing, kayaking and other water recreation activities to help athletes stay in
shape during the summer months.
Practices are five days per week. Generally, they are five days during the week
from 4-6pm. This is a competitive sport, so attendance counts. Please understand
that even though this is a club, we conduct our program with the same rules and
expectations of a varsity high school sport.
3. What is the float test?
The float test is a very simple test that is done the first day of
class for all new rowers. The class will meet at local pool for the test and a
safety video presentation. The test is a 10 minute float in which participants
must get in the water wearing shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt. (Men can wear
swim trunks and a long sleeve t-shirt, women can wear a swim suit underneath
shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt. The participants will then need to stay afloat
for 10 minutes and put on a life preserver while in the water. The float can
include treading water, swimming the length of the pool, floating on their back,
etc.
4. What is the difference between rowing and
sculling?
Sculling is essentially a form of rowing. Within rowing there are two
types, sweep rowing and sculling. Sweep rowing is when the rowers are rowing
with a large group (up to 8 people) and each rower only has one oar. Sculling is
typically when a rower is in a boat by themselves with two oars. Although there
are sculling boats for 1, 2, and 4 rowers. The Learn to Row 1 class
focuses on sweep rowing and the Learn to Scull class is the intro class for sculling.
Our program requires that all new rowers begin with Learn to Row 1 before moving
on.
5. How do I get to Tempe Town Lake Marina?
All of the rowing classes operate at the Tempe Town Lake Marina
located on the north side of the lake across from the ASU Stadium. Click here
for a map.
6. What should I wear?
General rule of thumb is nothing too baggy. Rowing garb is the same type of
clothing as cyclists and runners. Tights and spandex are ideal, but shorts,
sweats or comfortable pants are fine. Layering is also good for the colder
months.
7. Do I need to provide my own equipment?
No. All of the equipment is provided by the rowing program. All
rowers need to bring is a positive attitude and a bottle of water.
8. Can I come down and rent a boat to take
on the lake?
Rio Lago is the private boat rental company on Tempe Town Lake. More
information can be found at
www.riolagocruise.com
9. What if I already have rowing experience,
do I need to take Learn to Row?
Depending on your experience you may be allowed to bypass Learn to
Row. Contact Alicia the rowing coordinator at 480-350-8069 to discuss your
experience and what class might work best for you.
10. What if I have to miss a class?
Do to the teamwork nature of rowing it is important to come to as
many classes as possible. Rowers depend on other rowers to fill boats for a
complete class. By missing a class you are missing valuable information as well
as maybe preventing the class from filling boats.
11. When do the classes typically run?
Tempe Town Lake Rowing operates on an almost year round basis. We
offer classes starting in mid January and they run until the end of July. The
classes begin again in September and run until early December. The Learn to Row
and sculling classes run on a 6 week cycle so there is almost always a new class
around the corner.
12. How do I register?
Registration can be done a few ways. There is online, fax, mail in,
or walk in to one of the many recreation centers in Tempe. You can register
online or download a registration form at
www.tempe.gov/brochure
13. Do you offer private lessons?
We do offer group events for schools or businesses.
14. What if there is bad weather?
We always encourage rowers to attend class no matter the weather. If
it is windy and stormy at your house it may not be the same at the lake. If the
weather makes rowing unsafe your instructor will have an alternative activity
such as technique work on land or rowing videos at our main office.
15. Are there any kayaking classes?
We do offer beginning kayaking classes as well as monthly moonlight
kayaks on Town Lake. Check our schedule
for what is available.
Have more questions for us? Please give us a
call or send an email.
Alicia Stuebner
480-350-8069
alicia_stuebner@tempe.gov
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