Frequently Asked Questions about the RC2 Juniors Program

Yes. Practices are tailored to all levels of experience. Athletes of all skill levels are invited to attend. 99% of our Juniors have never rowed prior to joining the club.

During the fall, winter, and spring seasons, the team practices from 4pm to 6:30pm Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and from 10am to 12:30pm on Saturday. The summer rowing schedule is MWF from 5:30 to 7:30am

We practice at the Community Boathouse on Hobb’s Island Road. The boathouse is one mile east of Ditto Landing, next door to the Whitesburg Boat and Yacht Club. The club rows on the Tennessee River, usually staying within the channel between Hobb’s Island and the Hobb’s Island Road side of the shore.

Junior athletes on our team are generally from 13 to 18 years of age.  Athletes younger than 13 can only join the crew with special permission from the head coach. All RC2 rowers are required to pass a swim test.

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.

Junior rowers must complete a membership form (which also a liability waiver), a health form, and a travel information form for each season. Also UAH requires a waiver for each user of the their dock. for the use of their dock. In addition, you will have to complete a swim test once a year, and view the USRowing safety video. The Junior Director can answer questions about the required paperwork

2006 Membership is $360 per year, or $200 per season. In addition to the membership fee, the junior rowers must pay for their travel expenses and race fees. Travel expenses and race fees for each season are estimated at $260 per season. Travel expenses include the cost of hotel rooms (shared with other rowers), chartered bus fees, gas for the vehicle pulling the trailer, and race fees. Juniors can offset their travel expenses with ad sales for the Hobb's Island Regatta.

You get rowing with expert coaching 4-5 days a week during race seasons, coached winter workouts to stay in shape when it's too cold row, social events at the end of each of season, a chance to interact with teens from all over North Alabama, and leadership and teamwork opportunities like no other sport offers! You also get training in a lifetime sport, and an opportunity to participate in something unique in Alabama. Crew also develops skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication. Because we are fortunate enough to have volunteer coaches, the seasonal dues are used to cover equipment costs and maintenance, gas for coaching launches, safety equipment, boathouse rental, portalet rental, and insurance costs. Membership fees are also used to purchase new equipment for the club.

From a coaching perspective most rowers are required to make a reasonable commitment to the program. You should be available to practice at least four times per week on average. In general, the athletes that can attend more practices usually progress with their technique and fitness at a faster rate, and this usually means more opportunity to race.

The team usually attends three to four races in the spring and in the fall seasons. We have one home race and one home scrimmage, but the majority of our regattas will require travel. In addition, there is usually an opportunity to attend a sculling camp in the summer at a reduced rate (based on participation).

The best time to start is at the beginning of the fall season or immediately after the fall season, but you can learn to row at anytime. Contact the Junior Director for more information.