Frequently Asked Questions

Whom do I contact in case of emergency?
If there is an emergency, please dial 911. The North Little Rock Police can be reached at …..

What are the hours at the Boathouse?
The Boathouse hours vary depending on the season. Boathouse activities will be posted under announcements on the website. These hours are subject to change without notice, and visitors are encouraged to check the website.

Where does the Arkansas Boathouse Club row?
We usually row on the Arkansas River, launching from the dock just under the i-30 bridge at the Boathouse, 50 Riverfront Drive.  If the river flow rate is too high, we row at Lake Maumelle, at a dock located at Jolly Roger's Marina, off Highway 10 about 20 miles west of Little Rock.   See Rowing Locations.

Are there membership meetings and events?
Members meet monthly to talk about training and upcoming events.  We also have social events including potluck dinners, parties on July 4th and in December. Click here for membership meeting dates.

General Questions

I have never rowed before; how do I get started?
Rowing is a great sport to begin at any age. ABC recommends that you start out by taking its Discover Rowing class, a 10-hour fun introduction to the sport. Discover Rowing is offered the second weekend of the month, between March and October. The program begins from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday night and runs for a half-day on Saturday and Sunday during rowing months. If you join before we are out on the water, consider Winter Conditioning, a combination of strength and flexibility exercises and erging at the Boathouse, Tues/Thurs at 5:45 p.m. and Sat at 8 a.m., December through March. It’s a great way to learn the rowing stroke and stay in shape before the season starts.

I am an experienced rower. How do I get plugged into the Arkansas Boathouse Club?
ABC welcomes experienced rowers; we’re thrilled to have rowers with high school or college experience. Please join us at a membership meeting (held the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., either at the Boathouse Club or a local pub) to learn more. If interested, you can join online.

I am in decent shape but haven’t rowed before; what’s the best way to get in shape for rowing?
If you’re already a runner or a cycler, that’s great! Rowing is a good sport for cross-training. Coaches and experienced rowers will suggest that using the ergometer (rowing machine) regularly is one of the best ways to get ready to row. The ergs simulate the rowing motion. Rowers also need to be able to have the upper body strength to help carry a four or eight shell down to the dock along with the other rowers.

Fees

How much does it cost to join?
Rowing, like joining a fitness club or participating in sports like skiing, requires annual dues to help cover the cost of equipment and coaching. Here are the annual fees per members.

Recreational/”Pick up” Sweep Rowing (Mixed, min 3/week) $365/person; $245/young adult 18-26.  Family members (2 persons) can join for $655/annually.

Coached rowing: $465/person; $345/young adult 18-26

Novice Sweep (Mixed, min 3/week); Mens’ Sweep or Scull (min 3/week); Womens’ Sweep or Scull (min 3/week)

Does ABC offer scholarships or a reduced rate for graduate students?
No, unfortunately the club does not offer scholarships.

I grew up in central Arkansas and was always told to stay off the Arkansas River. Is it safe to row on the river?
Safety is our principal concern at the Arkansas Boathouse Club. We monitor the flow rate on the river and do not row if the flow rate is above 70 cubic feet per second. We have a secondary rowing site at Jolly Roger’s on Lake Maumelle where we row when the river flow rate is too high. In addition, when rowing on the Arkansas River we always have a safety launch accompanying the shells, watching for bass boats or barge traffic.

When does ABC row at Lake Maumelle?
The club trailers boats out to Lake Maumelle when the river flow rate is too high on the Arkansas River.  If practices move, the information will be posted on the website.

Registration

How do I register for my ABC program?
To register for your program please click on the event listed on the home page and complete the steps on the registration page for your desired program. 

When is the program schedule released/where can I find it?
ABC’s rowing season runs from mid-March to early November each year. The schedule is posted on the ABC website. Registration for 2012 memvbership is open.

Swim Tests

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 ABC member must prove his or her ability to swim.

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 ABC, we make NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.

Where can I complete my swim test?
Participants are responsible for finding a certified life guard to watch them perform the swim test and sign the form. Lifeguards can be found at municipal pools, YMCAs, schools/colleges and recreational facilities. It is recommended that individuals call ahead to confirm swim test hours and fees.

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. You can also email in your swim test before the start of your program.

Can I register for my program without a swim test?
You may register online prior to completing your swim test. The swim test form can be downloaded from the website and submitted upon completion. We highly recommend that you keep a copy of the signed form for your records.

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 the Community Rowing Swim Test form.

What if I don’t know how to swim?
Non-swimmers are encouraged to take swimming lessons and pass a swim test prior to registering for a rowing program. It can be difficult to progress as a rower while wearing a life jacket as it inhibits proper rowing technique.

When is the swim test held?
ABC does not administer swim tests. There are no pool facilities at our boathouse location, and swim tests are not conducted in the Arkansas River.

Weather, Apparel, Amenities, etc.

It’s raining, will we still row tonight?
Yes - we do 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.

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. Don’t wear clothing that can’t get dirty to the boathouse. Clothing should be both COMFY and SNUG. It should allow you to move freely, but should not be baggy. Baggy pants, shorts and shirts tend to get stuck in the sliding seat.

Are there showers/locker rooms at the boathouse?
ABC is working on installing a shower at the Boathouse and will likely complete it sometime during the rowing season in 2012.

Are my personal belongings secure?
All participants are advised to leave any valuables in their cars to ensure the security of their personal items. ABC is not responsible for items lost or stolen from the boats area or parking lot. Although rare, theft of personal items left unattended does occur. Please take appropriate measures to protect your belongings.

I own a single - can I store it at ABC?
A limited number of storage racks are available for ABC participants to store single sculls. Rack spaces are assigned on a first come, first served basis and ABC charges annual rental fees of $75.