2008 Summer Rowing Programs at Oyster Bay Boathouse

• Adult Beginner Sculling
• Junior Beginner Sculling and Sweep
• Competitive Summer Rowing

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Adult Beginner Sculling at Oyster Bay Boathouse

A few prerequisites are necessary for participation in this program:  You must know how to swim, being able to tread water for a minimum of twenty minutes without a flotation devise, you will need to move a minimum of thirty pounds over 200 yards, and have a reasonably good level of fitness. 

Follow links below for registering purposes. Your registration will not be confirmed until the day you start.  Complete your registration and show up on time for your session’s first class. 

Session Dates and Registration

Information

Please contact Coach Troy Smith for further information.    

All participants must submit:  USRowing Release of Liability Form  Bring this form with you to class.

For those with no previous experience this course is an introduction to basic rowing.  Sagamore aims to increase its membership through adult programs like this.  You will learn if rowing is right for you. 

Although rowing can be learned in a day, it is not quite as natural as most imagine.  Some of the “boats” used in the program are competitive racing shells.  Formal instructions in the use of the racing shell will be given as well as technique for making them move smooth and efficiently. 

At the completion of the session the instructor will discuss with you options to join the Sagamore Rowing Association.  Sagamore’s adult members are a mixture of competitive and recreational rowers of all ages.  Generally they all benefit from the cardiovascular workout.  The typical adult member rows for about 30-45 minutes nonstop at least four days a week.  Most members can lift the 30+ pounds needed to carry equipment to and from the water.  A typical rowing session last about two hours from the time you arrive at the boathouse and the time you leave.  Part of the time is allotted for carrying equipment and proper cleaning before re-storage in the boathouse.

Directions to Oyster Bay Boathouse

The Boathouse is located near Beekman Beach and the Water Front Center in Oyster Bay.  The Address is Building H, #3 West End Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771.
Off the LIE use 106/107 north
Stay on 106 (106 verse to the right when the two hwy split)
Left at Lexington Ave. (Hess station on this corner)
Left at W. Main St. (the road becomes a T)
Right at Larrabee Ave. (first light)
Go over train tracks after going approximately. 2 blocks on Larrabee Ave
Left onto West End Ave. (street is not marked so it is the first left after the tracks)
Boathouse is a large blue metal shed just ahead.

Questions about Summer Rowing Programs at Oyster Bay Boathouse can be directed to
Coach Troy Smith 516-810-1490.

Frequently asked questions about Adult Learn-to-Row in Oyster Bay:

What do I wear?
Seasonal clothing is fine.  You need to bring old shoes or sandals for wading into the water, however please come to class wearing some kind or running or tennis shoe because this will be more comfortable when we use the machines.  Avoid baggy clothes and choose synthetic materials over cotton if possible.

Do we still have class if there is a storm or it is raining?
In most cases, yes, there is a lot of information to be learned in these classes as well as getting the experience of water time.  The instructor will notify you if we need to cancel the class.  The stormier days will be spent in the boathouse on the machines.  In most cases we will watch any developments very closely and still go on the water if there is just a light drizzle.  We will avoid going out in heavy rain or winds.  Please come to class prepared unless notified.   

Can I sign up for more than one session?
Yes, for some adults the 3 initial classes give them a good ideal if they like rowing.  You or your instructor may feel you would benefit from additional classes.  These adult classes will always be adjusted to the average level of the group.

What happens if I have to miss a class?
If you are the earlier season sessions you may be able to make up a day if the later sessions are not full and you have informed your instructor.  In some cases the instructor may conduct a make up day for an entire class.  Later sessions will not be made up unless the weather is the cause of loss of water time. 

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 Junior Beginner Sculling and Sweep at Oyster Bay Boathouse

For those under 18, this program offers a chance to learn the basics of rowing in a relaxed environment.  It is geared towards students who are considering a high school rowing career.  The “boats” are, in fact, competitive racing shells.  The program is structured to give step by step instructions in proper use.  Special attention is given to body position and movement during the rowing cycle.  At the end of the program students will have gained a foundation of knowledge that will help them form good rowing habits and stay safe on the water.

Session Dates and Registration

Information

Please contact Coach Troy Smith for further information.    

All participants must submit:  USRowing Release of Liability Form  Bring this form with you to class.

Directions to Oyster Bay Boathouse

The Boathouse is located near Beekman Beach and the Water Front Center in Oyster Bay.  The Address is Building H, #3 West End Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771.
Off the LIE use 106/107 north
Stay on 106 (106 verse to the right when the two hwy split)
Left at Lexington Ave. (Hess station on this corner)
Left at W. Main St. (the road becomes a T)
Right at Larrabee Ave. (first light)
Go over train tracks after going approximately. 2 blocks on Larrabee Ave
Left onto West End Ave. (street is not marked so it is the first left after the tracks)
Boathouse is a large blue metal shed just ahead.

Questions about Summer Rowing Programs at Oyster Bay Boathouse can be directed to Coach Troy Smith 516-810-1490.

Frequently asked questions about Junior Learn-to-Row in Oyster Bay:

What do I wear?
Seasonal clothing is fine.  You need to bring old shoes or sandals for wading into the water, however please come to class wearing some kind or running or tennis shoe because this will be more comfortable when we use the machines.  Avoid baggy clothes choose synthetic materials over cotton if possible.  If you need it, make sure to bring sunscreen and have inhalers with you at all times.

Do we still have class if there is a storm or it is raining?
In most cases, Yes.  The instructor will notify you if they need to cancle the class.  There is a lot of information to be learned in these classes as well as getting the experience of water time.  The stormier days will be spent in the boathouse on the machines.  In most cases we will watch any developments very closely and still go on the water if there is just a light drizzle.  We will avoid going out in heavy rain or winds.  Please come to class prepared unless notified.

Can I sign up for more than one session?
Yes, however most participants have found that at the end of the week they are ready for new challenges not presented in this class.  There are exceptions.  Some feel they need a refresher in basic instructions before moving up.  You may also want to take a sweeping class if you have taken the sculling class but it is not necessary if you   

What are the similarities and differences between sweeping and sculling? 
The fundamental stroke cycle is the same.  The action of the oar in and out of the water is virtually the same.  The equipment is different.  Sweepers use one long oar per rower.  They typically use a four or eight person shells.  Scullers use two shorter oars per rower in a quad, double, or single.

I’m using this Learn to Row class to gain some experience before joining another team.  If I am going to a sweep only program does it matter if I’m only available to learn sculling?  
NO, you will find that learning one actually creates a better understanding of the other.  You will also find that the basic fundamentals learned in this class will transfer readily from one to the other.   There are many programs that only sweep or only scull.  This is usually to establish a focus or for manageability of equipment.  There is very little to worry about it terms of learning the basic skills.   

What if I want to become a coxswain?
Crews are always looking for good coxswains.  Most people new to this sport do not realize that the coxswain is steering the boat. The coxswain is also giving information, support, and encouragement to the crew.  They typically do not row though learning to row gives them a better understanding.  If you do a sculling class as a coxswain you will learn to scull.    If you do a sweep class you can choose to only cox or you can be rotated through the other seats like the rest of your group.  Future coxswains can keep in mind that college recruiters are looking for you as well.

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Competitive Summer Rowing in Oyster Bay
with Sagamore Rowing Association

For those who want to row smarter and get faster on the water 

Overview:

The 2008 Competitive Summer Rowing in Oyster Bay will be run by Coach Ashleigh Tate. More information will be posted shortly. Preliminary info is below.

Regattas:

• Idependence Day Regatta
• USRowing Club National Championship
• Canadian Henley

Program Highlights:

• Small boats - singles, doubles, pairs, and quads
• Conditioning – rowing 12 to 16 kilometers daily
• Flexibility warm up before each practice
• Workouts vary - Long low rating, Intervals, rhythm variations, max efficient stroke rating, race simulations, to technical drills
• Individual attention to goals and successful performance

Contact: Questions about Summer Rowing Programs at Oyster Bay Boathouse can be directed to Coach Ashleigh Tate, (516) 250-2751.

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