FAQ

Do I need to need to sign up for a BCRC Membership?

No, high school crew members do not have to sign up for a separate BCRC membership, this is included in the program fee.

Why do I need a US Rowing basic membership?

Our club adheres to all US Rowing club policies and procedures.  As a requirement of our US Rowing liability insurance, all BCRC members and Great Lakes Bay Crew participants must have a US Rowing Basic membership.  This carries a small fee, roughly $10.

Is there a registration deadline?

Typically, our program fills up quickly.  Signing up online is the best way to reserve a spot.  If registration is not active online, please use the Contact us form and you will be notified when online registration is open.  If the session you are interested in is full or already started, please contact us to be put on a waiting list.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Since rowing is a water sport, there is a possibility though small that the boat could capsize and you might end up in the water. You should be able to swim 50 yards and be able to tread water for 5 minutes.  Our coaches will be in a launch boat accompanying the rowing boats and have PFDs in the event of an emergency. If you are not confident in your swimming ability we do have compact PFDs that can be worn while rowing.  Please discuss this with your coach at the first practice or before.

What should I bring with me to practice?

Comfortable exercise clothes, socks and a water bottle are a must. No baggy shirts, shorts or pants as these can get stuck in the equipment.  If the weather is nice, we also recommend a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. If the weather is windy or colder, it helps to have an extra layer of clothing like a wind-breaker or light long-sleeve jacket. Optional items would include a change of clothes (sometimes you can get splashed with water) and extra shoes or flip-flops.

Do I need to be in good physical shape to sign-up?

With rowing, there is no perfect place to start. Whether you consider yourself physically fit or not, we encourage you to learn the sport to see how you like it. Rowing will challenge you both mentally and physically, fitness will improve with time.

Where does rowing practice take place?

All class sessions are held at our boathouse on Middlegrounds Island in Bay City (a map is available on our Contact page). Practices involve both indoor and outdoor training. We row on the Saginaw River, and we might travel a few miles north or south on the river while rowing. Any on-land or indoor practice will happen in, or close by, our boathouse.

Is there a safe place to keep my belongings?

Our boathouse has both men’s and women’s locker rooms, and both have individual lockers that are available for temporary use at no charge. However, our boathouse is always locked while we are on the water, so many of our members leave their belonging on the benches in the locker rooms without any worry. If you’d like the use of a locker, make sure you ask when coming to your first class.  

What if I have to miss a practice?

We understand you may have to miss a day, and that’s fine. It will be your responsibility to let the rowing coach know as soon as possible. 

Will rowing practice be cancelled if the weather is bad?

Canceling a day of rowing is highly unlikely. We have the ability to practice both indoors and outdoors, so even if weather doesn’t allow for rowing on the river, you will still practice indoors at the boathouse on rowing machines. If a class must be canceled, your coach will send an email (or text) as early as possible to let everyone know.