The third step back to the river
Following British Rowing’s recent advice on the next stage of returning to rowing, we’ve been able to update our plans as we continue to try to get back to business as usual. You can find the full guidance here:
https://www.britishrowing.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/200723-Coronavirus-Advice-Returning-to-Rowing-v5-2.pdf
It’s great to see that we are getting closer to being back to normal with the reintroduction of crew boats and more people allowed at each session but I am still minded to exercise some caution given we are not rid of this virus and a second wave is looking ever more likely. I also want to be sure that the team on site at FRBC who are working to help everyone enjoy the river again are kept safe at all times as well as making sure that you all get to be back in a boat as soon as possible.
With all of this in mind our timings for returning to crew rowing are slightly different to British Rowing’s guidelines which I have set out below:
From Monday 3rd August
• All of the coached water sessions run by Georgia will now be able to access the singles and doubles but we will keep the maximum group size to 5 rowers for at least one week whilst we assess the processes on site.
• Georgia will have the final say on which crews are most suitable to row together during these sessions as we need to be sure that the group can stay together when on the water. Those who want to stay in singles and out of doubles for the moment just need to let Georgia know.
• There will be one double available to be booked in the normal way by our recreational members.
• The land sessions for those not signed off in singles will continue as normal for this period.
• Please use the Google Sheets to sign up for all water and land coached sessions in the normal way.
From Monday 10th August (subject to change based on all of the usual factors)
• All of the coached water sessions run by Georgia will now be able to access the singles and doubles but we will move the maximum group size to 10 rowers per session. We will keep this change in place for a period of two weeks and track if we are happy that social distancing is possible with these increased group sizes.
• The land sessions for those not signed off in singles will continue as normal for this period.
• Please use the Google Sheets to sign up for all water and land coached sessions in the normal way.
From Monday 24th August (subject to change based on all of the usual factors)
• All of the coached water sessions that have been run by Georgia will now be able to access the quads and we will keep the maximum group size at 10 people per session
• We will now also use the Tub Quads for all of our L2R Grads and Novice rowers who are yet to get on the water. We will be in touch with the exact timings of these sessions but it is likely to be on a Monday or Friday evening and with the limit of 10 per session still in place.
• Please use the Google Sheets to sign up for all water and land coached sessions in the normal way.
For any questions regarding these sessions please contact Georgia on [email protected]
I’m holding back on having the eights out for the moment as I want to be sure we have safe processes in place with the doubles and quads before getting the biggest boats in the fleet out. If all goes will we should be able to have all hulls available to row by the start of September.
The other points to note when on site are:
The changing rooms are still closed but the disabled toilet is still accessible
The gym is still closed
The club room is still closed
Please enter the building using your fob and the normal side entrance. If you don’t have a fob and require access outside of the coached sessions please email [email protected]
Paddling beyond Hammersmith Bridge towards Chiswick is now allowed. Please let someone know where you are going and your expected ETA back at FRBC.
There may not be anybody on site when you are down so we must all now be responsible for the security of the site. If you are heading out as a recreational member please ensure that:
o You keep your fob on you
o Leave your boat on the pontoon or in front of the boat bay and then ensure that the boat bay door and side door are locked
o Exit via the normal side door on Chancellors Road and then down to the pontoon for your session
o Shut the gate to the pontoon
If you’re keen to have some private coaching and take advantage of our 1:1 sessions please do drop [email protected] a line.
