FAQs
Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions.
Can I join if I have never rowed before?
Yes. Practices are tailored to all levels of experience. Athletes of all skill levels are invited to attend.
Where does the team practice?
We practice at the Tulsa Rowing Club located on the west side of the Arkansas River North of the 21st Street bridge. In addition to this location, we practice at the TU campus in the Jack Zink Indoor Rowing Center and in the J. Bird Sr. Boathouse on the Verdigris River.
What is the age range for student athletes that participate?
Student athletes on our team are typically 8th grade through 12th grade. Call Coach B on 918 906 5233 or email coachb@tulsarowing.org if you have any questions about your child’s age eligibility.
What time does the team practice?
Please consult the practice schedule page for details on the team schedule for this season. If you are new to the program and/or have less than one year of rowing experience you will be working with the novice team.
What clothing or equipment do I need?
You need fitted athletic clothing, running shoes, and a water bottle. All other equipment such as rowing shells, oars and ergometers (rowing machines) are supplied by the club.
What paperwork do I need before I can row?
You need to do an online sign up for the next learn to row, click here. In addition, you need to go to the Thorton YMCA on 51st to complete a swim test. The swim test involves swimming a distance of 100 yards and treading water for 5 minutes. The swim test form is found in the enrollment packet that you will download when you sign up. You may also perform the swim test at any location that has a registered lifeguard that is able to sign off on your child’s / your swimming ability.
What does it cost to join?
There are 2 racing seasons each year. The first runs from late August to mid-December. The second runs from January to early June. The cost for each season is $620. In addition to these seasons, your fee covers additional winter and summer training sessions to improve overall fitness and strength. Therefore, the season fee covers the cost of participation for a period of 6 months in total.
$620 is a lot of money, what do I get for it?
The seasonal dues are used to cover coaching costs, equipment repair, gas for coaching launches, club membership fees, trailering fees, some race entry fees and insurance costs.
Attendance Policy.
Rowers are permitted to miss only 6 practices in any given season. Usually, around 65 practices on average. In general the athletes that can attend more practices usually progress with their technique and fitness at a faster rate, this usually means more opportunity to race. It should be noted that we are a competitive program as noted in the mission statement. Varsity athletes that attend more than 90% of practices will be awarded varsity letters. All other varsity athletes that have less than 90% attendance at practice and novice athletes will receive certificates of participation. If a particular athletes attendance at practice falls substantially lower than coaching expectations without reasonable reason (for example: health reasons or family emergencies) the coaching staff reserves the right to review a particular athletes “competitive status”. This review may, in some cases, result in an athlete not taking part in an event or competition.
In addition, it is also the policy of the coaching staff that the athletes that are making the most commitment to the program in terms of practice attendance will be given priority seating in the boats available.
I have heard that the team is competitive. How many races does the team attend every season?
The team usually attends three to four races every season. The program is planning a trip to Boston to race in the Head of the Charles this fall.
When can I start?
The best time to start is at the Learn to Row week. Information on the next one can be found at this page. Contact Coach Neil Bergenroth to make arrangements to join the team. You can find out about the next Learn-to-Row” Week, when practices are geared specifically to beginners by clicking here
