FAQs (Rowers)
1) What are the requirements to row in the Regatta?
In order to row in the Royal St. John’s Regatta, you must have a team of six (6) regular oarspersons, and a certified Coxswain. Most teams have a sponsor to provide financial support as well. Up to two spares would be ideal in case someone cannot make a practice or in case anything goes wrong Regatta Day, but is not required. A coach or manager would also be ideal, but is not required.
2) How do I start rowing?
There are many ways to get involved with rowing. The best way would be to contact our Technical Coordinator, Brent Payne, as he will be putting together crews throughout the summer. We also have bulletin boards here at the boathouse that many people use to notify that they are looking for crews, rowers, coxswains, etc.
3) What is the “Learn to Row” program?
The Learn to Row (LTR) program is a free program that the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee puts off to teach newcomers the sport of rowing. For more information on the LTR program click here.
4) What is Discovery Day Regatta?
The Discovery Day Regatta is a practise regatta held towards the end of June. For new and experienced crews, it is a chance to experience a race scenario before time trials and Regatta Day. For more information on the Discovery Day Regatta and to get race schedules and results click here.
5) What are Time Trials?
The date of the Time Trials will be determined each year by the Regatta Committee (July 9th, 2011). The purpose of the Time Trials is to determine the make-up of each Regatta Day race based upon the times rowed by the crews participating in the Time Trial
heats. For each Regatta Day race, the team with the fastest time will be assigned Stake 1, the second fastest assigned Stake 2, and so on until the slowest team is assigned Stake 5. For more information on Time Trials and to get race schedules and results click here.
6) How do I book spins?
In order to book a spin, you must call the booking line (576-8058) at 12pm to book for the following day. When you call you will be placed in a cue, and you can book your practice time once one of our staff members answer. Practices run during the week from 5:25am-8:00pm, and on Saturdays run from 7:10am – 11:15am. Each practice time slot is 35 minutes long. If the time you are looking for is already booked up, you have the option to go on a waiting list for that time slot.
7) What if I don’t have a Coxswain?
If you cannot find a coxswain, our Technical Coordinator, Brent Payne, is available to take crews out for practices until you can find one. Brent can also help your crew find a coxswain! You also have the option of putting an ad on the bulletin board, as some crews have found coxswains this way!
8) How Do I become a Coxswain?
In order to become a Coxswain, one must be nineteen (19) years of age as of December 31st of any year in which the rowing event is held. One then must take a short Coxswain Course put off by one of the Committee members, held multiple times each season.
9) Can I row with more than one crew?
Any oarsperson, rower or spare, is only permitted to register and row with one (1) crew
10) When is registration due?
The Regatta Committee will determine an appropriate date for the deadline. In order for any crew to participate in Discovery Day, they must have their registration paid before this date. Otherwise, it is due before Time Trials. For registration costs click here.