CRI General Inquiry Information
Who do I contact in case of emergency?
If there is an emergency, please dial 911. There are business phones available inside the office. The Massachusetts State Police are located nearby in Brighton, and can be reached at 617.727.4812.
What are the office hours at the Boathouse?
The Harry Parker Boathouse hours The boathouse is generally staffed between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily (with some early morning and early evening hours). These hours are subject to change without notice, and visitors are encouraged to call ahead.
Registration/Program Capacity
When is the program schedule released/where can I find it?
CRI’s rowing season runs from early April to mid-October each year. The schedule is posted on the CRI website in early February of each year on the day that registration opens. Registration for 2010 rowing programs opened on February 1st. Make sure to register today to ensure a spot!
Swim Tests
Why do I need to complete a swim test?
Rowing takes place on the water, and while falling out of the boat is unlikely, it is possible. Therefore, each CRI member must prove his or her ability to swim .
What type of swim test do I need?
A certified lifeguard must confirm in writing that you are able to swim 100 yards and remain afloat for 5 minutes before you are permitted to row in club boats. For your protection, and the protection of Community Rowing, we make NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.
Where can I complete my swim test?
Participants are responsible for finding a certified life guard to watch them perform the swim test and sign the form. Lifeguards can be found at municipal pools, YMCAs, schools/colleges and recreational facilities. It is recommended that individuals call ahead to confirm swim test hours and fees.
When is my swim test due?
Swim test documents must be received no later than the first day of the program in which you are participating. Please make sure to write your name on your swim test before turning it in. You can mail in your swim test before the start of your program.
Can I register for my program without a swim test?
You may register online prior to completing your swim test. The swim test form can be downloaded from the website and submitted upon completion. We highly recommend that you keep a copy of the signed form for your records.
What if I haven’t taken my swim test yet?
A registered rower without a valid swim card will be asked to wear a life preserver until he or she can provide written proof of his or her swimming ability.
Can I use a swim test from another source?
If you have current swim, lifeguard or scuba certification documents, copies may be submitted to fulfill the swim requirement. Please make a copy of the current certification and staple it to the Community Rowing Swim Test form.
What if I don’t know how to swim?
Non-swimmers are encouraged to take swimming lessons and pass a swim test prior to registering for a rowing program. It can be difficult to progress as a rower while wearing a life jacket as it inhibits proper rowing technique.
When is the swim test held?
CRI does not administer swim tests. There are no pool facilities at our boathouse location, and swim tests are not conducted in the Charles River.
I submitted my swim test form last year, why am I being asked for it again?
Although it rarely happens, sometimes swim tests are not turned into the office and therefore never recorded. Please make sure to hand or mail in your swim test directly to the office. This will help to eliminate the chance of your swim test being lost or misplaced. It is a good idea to make a copy of your swim test and keep it for your records.
Programs
What is the Refund/Credit policy?
There is a $50 processing fee assessed for all refunds and credits. If you withdraw from a program at least 20 days before the start date, you may receive a full refund or full credit for another program in the same year (less the $50 fee). If you withdraw from a program less than 20 days before the start date, you may receive a credit only for another program in the same year. Credits or transfers may not be carried over into the next season. NO REFUNDS, CREDITS OR TRANSFERS WILL BE GIVEN ON OR AFTER THE START DATE OF THE PROGRAM. To request a refund, transfer or credit please contact Erica Cerjanec.
Why are there attendance requirements for the programs?
For instructional programs, CRI requires attendance during the first two weeks of each new session. This policy helps ensure that all participants are familiar with basic boat handling techniques and safety concerns before they launch onto the river. Additionally, we ask that participants attend at least 80% of the program’s sessions. If you cannot attend the first week of any given session, or know you will not be able to meet the minimum attendance requirement, please register for a program at a later date or time.
Can I make up my absences by attending another program?
Unfortunately, due to coaching and equipment limitations, we cannot allow participants to attend programs other than their own. Absences may not be made up by attending another section of a particular program. Please let your coach know ahead of time if you are going to be absent, this will help them on planning their class.
Weather, Apparel, Amenities, etc.
It’s raining, do we still have class tonight?
Yes - we do row in the rain! Instructional programs meet as scheduled, rain or shine. If severe lightning, wind, or storms are present, participants will not be permitted on the water. There will be an alternative indoor instructional class - but class will not be cancelled. Classes will not be rescheduled due to weather.
What should I wear?
Always dress in LAYERS. Dress appropriately for the weather, including a windbreaker or Gore-Tex shell if necessary. Make sure you are able to shed layers easily as you begin to warm up. Your rowing clothes will get DIRTY. Don’t wear clothing that can’t get dirty to the boathouse. Clothing should be both COMFY and SNUG. It should allow you to move freely, but should not be baggy. Baggy pants, shorts and shirts tend to get stuck in the sliding seat.
Are there showers/locker rooms at the boathouse?
Yes, we now have both showers and lockers.
Are my personal belongings secure?
All participants are advised to leave any valuables in their cars to ensure the security of their personal items. CRI is not responsible for items lost or stolen from the boats area or parking lot. Although rare, theft of personal items left unattended does occur. You may bring a lock to temporarily secure your valuables while you are on the water. Locks must be removed daily. Please take appropriate measures to protect your belongings.
I own a single - can I store it at CRI?
A limited number of storage racks are available for CRI participants to store single sculls. Rack spaces are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Currently there are over 50 scullers on the waiting list. To remain on the waiting list scullers must maintain an active standing with the club by participating in another CRI program or joining as a supporting member. There is a requirement of service to the club for those on the waiting list as well as those with boats in storage. Scullers storing singles at CRI are required to paint their oars CRI colors and race under the CRI name. Please email ryan@communityrowing.org to obtain an application and current rates.
Open Sculling/Private Lessons
How do I become a logbook sculler?
Logbook scullers are entitled to use club singles on their own time, during logbook sculling hours. To be eligible, a rower must comply with all of the following: registration for logbook sculling must be complete and paid in full, and you must have a valid captain’s test and swim test on file with CRI.
When and how do I complete the Captain’s Test?
Captain’s tests are taken during private lessons or at the end of Sculling 4. Once you have passed your Captain’s test will remain valid provided a sculler remains active in CRI’s sculling programs during that time. If you are inactive for one year then you need to retest. If you have participated in CRI sculling programs before, only one lesson is needed if you can pass on the first attempt. If you are new to the river, a minimum of two lessons is necessary before you can be passed. Please check with the office to get the coaches contact information to schedule a captain’s test. Many of our coaches give private lessons, but only a few are certified to administer the captain’s test.
Can I take private lessons?
A limited number of CRI coaching staff are available to conduct private sculling lessons. To be eligible for private lessons, one must have a valid swim test and waiver on file. We offer rates for CRi participants and non-participants as well. Lessons must be booked and paid for in advance and are non-refundable/non-transferable. Please contact the CRI office and we’ll put you in touch with one of our coaching staff to arrange a time for your lessons. Click here to learn more
