FAQs & Forms
Facility
Who do I contact in the case of an emergency?
If there is an emergency, please dial 911. There are business phones available at the front desk. The Massachusetts State Police are located nearby in Brighton and can be reached at (617) 727-4812.
How should I report an incident?
Please complete our Incident Report in the event of any on-water or off-water incident whereby any person, rower, staff, volunteer, or visitor to Community Rowing, Inc. is injured during a training session, competition, or event while on CRI grounds or off the premises while traveling or using CRI equipment.
What hours are you open?
The Harry Parker Boathouse is open from Monday through Friday at 5 am – 9pm. It is open on Saturday and Sunday at 5 am – 4pm. Our administrative office hours are between 9 am and 5 pm daily (with some early-morning and early-evening hours). If you’re unsure if we’re open, you can reach us at (617) 779-8267.
What holidays does CRI observe?
We are open from 5-10am with no regularly scheduled programming on Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Patriots Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day. We close completely for July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, the week of Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Is there parking?
Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the boathouse. Please do not park in the fire lane in front of the boathouse or in the long diagonal spaces at the west end of the boathouse. These large diagonal spots are reserved for large vehicles and boat trailers using the public access boat launch. Cars without trailers in these spaces will be towed.
What do I need to know about using the facility and its equipment?
Use of the boathouse facilities and equipment is available to all members of CRI, but please be aware that regularly scheduled programs and classes have priority for use of space and equipment. You can report an equipment issue here: Repair Log
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. There are more than 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. Learn more.
What is the Community Rowing Inc roster code?
The USRowing roster code is “74TFX”. Athletes can complete the USRowing online waiver and join the Community Rowing roster at www.membership.usrowing.org.
Registration / Programs
How do I register for my CRI program?
To register, from your computer, click on the name of the class you wish to participate in from the menu on the right-hand side of the page or from your mobile from the menu towards the bottom of the page. If you have trouble with registration, contact info@communityrowing.org. Please include detailed and specific program information in your query. When registering, it is important that you accurately enter information, especially your email address, because that is our main form of contact.
When is the program schedule released and where can I find it?
CRI’s rowing season runs from early April to mid-October each year. Indoor programs are offered during the winter, from November to March. Program schedules are listed in class descriptions.
What are the racing guidelines at CRI?
Each program at CRI has different racing guidelines. Find more information on each program here. If you have any additional questions, reach out to your head coach.
What are the code of conduct and safety policies?
Please visit our Athlete Safety section to review policies around safety and code of conduct.
What waivers do I need to complete?
You will need to complete a General Waiver and have a Swim Test on file. Parents and guardians of youth participants may also want to review and complete the forms at the bottom of our Athlete Protection Policy.
How do I know if this program has space?
If a course is full, folks are not able to register. Contact info@communityrowing.org to ask about being put on a waiting list.
What do I do while I am on the waitlist?
If a spot becomes available in your desired program, CRI will contact you by email. You will have 24 hours to respond if you would like the spot in the class. If CRI does not hear from you, your space will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.
Does CRI offer financial aid?
Yes, we offer a range of financial aid support. All registrants (including families and students from Boston and Cambridge Public Schools, exam schools, and public charter schools) can apply through our financial aid application process when registering in Regatta Central.
What is the Refund/Transfer/Credit policy?
There is a $75 cancellation per registration for programs. If you withdraw from a program before the start date, you may receive a FULL REFUND excluding the cancellation fee. Some larger programs may have an earlier cancellation deadline, which will be posted on the program page. No refunds will be given once a program has started (unless there is a medical reason where participation is not possible). No refunds are provided for team accommodations.
Swim Test
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. Once a valid swim test is successfully submitted and recorded, resubmission is not required.
Where can I download the swim test form?
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, Inc., we make NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.
Where can I complete my swim test?
Participants are responsible for finding a certified lifeguard to watch them perform the swim test and sign the form. Lifeguards can be found at municipal pools, YMCAs, schools and colleges, and recreational facilities. It is recommended that individuals call ahead to confirm swim test hours and fees. 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.
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 our Swim Test.
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. We highly recommend that you keep a copy of the signed form for your records. Please send your swim test to Nonna Giunta before the start of your program.
Can I register for my program without a swim test?
You may register online before completing your swim test.
What if I don’t know how to swim?
Non-swimmers are encouraged to take swimming lessons and pass a swim test before registering for a rowing program. It can be difficult to progress as a rower while wearing a life jacket because it inhibits proper rowing technique.
Practice
Why are there attendance requirements for the programs?
For introductory 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. We also 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, because of 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 in planning their class.
It’s raining, do we still have class tonight?
Yes—we 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 canceled. Classes are not 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. Clothing should be COMFY and SNUG. It should allow you to move freely but should not be baggy. Baggy pants, shorts, and shirts get stuck in the sliding seat.
We respectfully request that athletes not go shirtless or only wear a sports bra when working out or walking around public areas of the boathouse. Thank you.
Are there showers/locker rooms at the boathouse?
Yes, we have 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 boat areas or parking lot. Although rare, theft of personal items left unattended does occur. We suggest you bring a lock to secure your valuables and personal belongings while you are on the water or using the indoor facilities. Lockers are for day use only, and all locks must be removed daily. Please take appropriate measures to protect your belongings. The front desk cannot watch phones or keys.
Open Sculling / Private Lessons
How do I become a logbook sculler?
You must have paid the facilities fee and have a valid Captain’s Test and swim test on file with CRI.
When and how do I complete the Captain’s Test?
The Captain’s Test is taken during private lessons or at the end of Sculling 4. Once you have passed your Captain’s Test, it will remain valid provided you remain active in CRI’s sculling programs. If you are inactive for one year, 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. Learn more.
Can I take private lessons?
A limited number of CRI coaching staff are available to conduct private sculling lessons. Lessons are arranged based on coach schedules and availability. Lessons must be booked and paid in advance. They are nonrefundable and non transferable. Learn more.
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