What is a Rowing Corporate Challenge (RCC)?

The concept of a Rowing Corporate Challenge is to take a team of 5 people from any company, organization or social group, who probably have never rowed before in a racing shell, and in the space of 6 two hour lessons, teach them how to row as a team and compete against their peers in a time trial at the end of the season.

This program has the goal of building teamwork, morale and fitness while at the same time, provides a challenging and enjoyable experience.

What is involved for the team members?

The boat in which they will row is a Wintech Touring Quad. This is a five person boat (4 rowers plus a cox), each rower has two oars (sculls) with the cox controlling the rudder. The boat is stable and has rough water capability. It will always be accompanied by the coach boat and coach who will provide instruction and assistance. The boat can be rowed without a cox in the event one crew member does not show for a lesson.

The boat is about 38 ft. long and weighs around 180 lbs. so a crew member has to be able to lift and carry 45 lbs. like a suitcase for about 200 ft. from the boat house to the dock. This is not difficult for the average adult.

They also have to have reasonable flexibility to get into and out of the boat. Once in the boat, the level of effort used is entirely up to the team members.

Initially, they will have to learn how to scull, which requires concentration, dexterity and coordination but little physical strength. Once the basics of technique are learnt, the rowers can apply as much or as little force to each stroke as they want to.

As with any water borne activity, it is preferable that each team member can swim, but we do not require it as the coach boat will be in attendance at all times that the Quad is on the water.

Each team member must commit to show up promptly for the scheduled lessons; they will only be postponed in case of very bad weather (heavy rain, high winds, electrical storms). The boat cannot be launched or rowed unless at least four crew members are present.

The coach will communicate with the team leader and any schedule changes will be relayed by the latter to his team.

No special clothing or equipment is required; dress as for jogging or similar athletic activity.

How does it work?

* The group will sign up for the RCC and designate the five individuals who will form the team, one of whom will be assigned the position of leader. This person will communicate with the NRC coach and the other members of his team.

* All members of the team must sign the RCC form and waiver, and this and the required fee must be returned to the NRC before the first lesson starts.

* The lessons will be scheduled for the convenience of the team. Each will be two hours long and must start and finish within daylight hours. Virtually all of this time will be spent on the water rowing.

* Normally we expect the six lessons to be completed over a 3 week period in order that learning continuity is enhanced.

* We will designate a weekend towards the end of the season to hold time trials at which each team will compete for the prize and trophy. We will endeavour to make sure that this date is suitable for all teams.

* For teams who want to row and practice after they complete the six lessons, the Quad and a coach will be made available on request at mutually agreeable times for an additional fee.

* For any team members wanting to go on and join the NRC, a LTR (Learn to Row) course will be made available at a reduced cost.

What are the rowing objectives of the RCC Program?

* To carry, launch, recover the Quad and to be able to enter and exit the boat properly.

* To teach the crews the basics of sculling (rowing with two oars)

* To be able to row together under control of a cox for at least a kilometre in a straight line.

* To turn and manoeuvre the boat so that it is in control of the crew at all times and can be safely docked at the end of the lesson.

What does the Group get out of RCC?

* Builds cohesion and team work.

* Learn the basics of the sport of rowing.

* Exposure to a new and challenging activity.

* Compete against your peers in related groups.

* Have fun in one of the best rowing locations in BC

What does the NRC get out of RCC?

* Bring the sport of rowing to a much wider segment of the general public.

* Increase membership.

* Provide increased revenue for the purchase of new equipment and the provision of new rowing programs to our community.

What does it cost?

* The fee for a 6 two hour lesson program for a crew of 5 people is $500.

* To rent the Quad (complete with coach and coach boat) for a two hour practice session after the completion of the program is $70.

There are no additional charges for the season end "regatta".

Questions?

Contact Maurice de St. Jorre at 250 352 2401 or email seychelle@telus.net

How do you enroll?

Fill out the attached form, have all your designated team members sign the waiver and return it, with your cheque, to the NRC Treasurer at the following address:

NRC Treasurer
417 Hoover Street
Nelson, BC
V1L 4W8

On receipt, you will be contacted by one of our coaches to schedule the lessons.

The complete Corporate Rowing Challenge package.