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So, if you've clicked on the "Getting Started" link you must be interested in learning more about the sport and CJC. Let's start with a video created by the Wall Street Journal and featuring the Winklevoss twins of "The Social Network" fame.
If you'd like to learn more about rowing and CJC, but you're not ready to sign up just yet, the best next step is to see us in action at our home at the Boulder Reservoir. Check the club calendar on the home page to see if we will be on the water in the near future at a time that fits your schedule*. If our schedules work and you'd like to visit, please send an email to info@cjcrew.org with the date(s) that you would like to visit as well as your contact information. We'll get back to you shortly to confirm your visit. Advance notice is important as practice time on the water is at the discretion of mother nature and we may have to cancel and reschedule.
You are also invited to ride on one of the coaches' launches when you visit a practice to get a close-up view of how things work during practice. Space is limited and you will need to reserve your spot in advance. If you are interested in riding along, please be sure and mention it in your email inquiry.
At any point in the process you can email with any questions you might have.
* During the winter we go inside for conditioning and to train on rowing machines. You're welcome to come watch us there as well - but sadly, you're unlikely to see any boats or oars.
If you're ready to start and have completed a registration form for the season or program you're interested in, here's some additional information to help you get started!
Dress appropriately for the weather. Layering is best since you will warm up quickly while working out, but you can quickly chill down while sitting in the boat if you aren't rowing. It is important to wear shorts or pants that are "clingy" like spandex or some other athletic material. Shorts that are baggy, have pockets, or hang away from your legs can get caught in the oar handle or the seat tracks when you are rowing - and this can lead to nothing good... trust us! You can wear sweats or baggy pants to practice over your rowing legwear if you would like.
You'll need to wear socks which you'll be wearing while you are in the boat. Your shoes will be left on the dock (securely) while you are rowing - your feet will be in shoes attached to footstretchers (no - this isn't a torture device) which are secured to the boat. It's helpful to have shoes that can be quickly slipped off and on while you're on the dock as things can get hectic moving the boat into and out of the water. Also, it can get muddy around a dock, so leave the new kicks at home and wear something that you don't mind getting dirty.
Bring a water bottle (soft plastic, not hard plastic or metal), inexpensive sunglasses that you won't be terribly disappointed about if you lose them overboard, a hat, and sunscreen. While on the water, you can leave your car keys, cell phone, etc. in the CJC shed. You should also bring shoes that you can run in. If the water is too rough for rowing the coaches may substitute running or another activity for which athletic shoes would be helpful.
YOUR FIRST DAY
During the season, practice is usually from 4:30 - 6:30 pm (after school at Boulder Reservoir (fall & spring) or dry land (winter). Summer schedules are announced separately but typically meet Monday through Friday mornings from 9:00 - 11:00 am at the Reservoir (see www.cjcrew.org for updates);
Plan to arrive at the Boulder Reservoir gate at least 15 minutes before the start time of your session. After registering you should have received a confirmation email that includes instructions about entering the Rez. If you have not received this email instruction or have misplaced it, send an email to info@cjcrew.org or contact Coach Abbey abbey@cjcrew.org
There are very limited options for changing clothes privately at the reservoir. For this reason it is best that you arrive dressed for practice if at all possible.
Parents are always welcome to stay and watch the practice or return after practice to pick up their rower. Depending on the time of year, parents will be able to meet their rower at the CJC shed or wait for rowers outside the main Reservoir gate (coaches will let parents know via email). There may be a new parent orientation/tour of “how it all works” at the start of each season.
Since we draw students from throughout BVSD, Jeffco and SVVSD there are often opportunities for carpools to practice as well as home after practice. CJC does not coordinate carpools but we will do our best to help everyone connect with others.
Thank you for being part of Colorado Junior Crew. We look forward to your participation for many years to come!