Sculling Policies

• Policy for Unmonitored Sculling
• UVRF Guest Policy

Policy for Unmonitored Sculling

Any sculler wishing to take a club boat out during hours when no dock monitor is present must pass the UVRF Captain’s test, which involves demonstrating sculling proficiency (the ability to carry the boat, launch, row, and land without assistance). Moving to a higher-level boat (e.g., from a recreational single to a racing single) will require re-certification.

Club boats may only be rowed during daylight hours. This means club boats may not launch before sunrise, and must return to the dock by sunset. Sunrise and sunset are defined by the sunrise and sunset times for Hanover, NH as posted at the "Sunrise / Sunset Times" link on the UVRF website. A hard copy will also be posted in the logbook. Visibility can be limited immediately after sunrise and immediately before sunset. If you row during these times you are strongly encouraged for your own safety and that of others on the water to wear bright colored or reflective clothing, and/or use clip on lights to make yourself visible to other boats on the water.

Club boats may NOT be rowed in the fog.

The flow rate on our section of the Connecticut River is controlled at the Wilder Dam. It can be highly variable and may change quickly depending on such variables as weather, equipment, and energy demand in the region. Club boats may NOT be rowed when the flow exceeds 15,000 cubic feet per second. The “Flowcast at Wilder Dam” link on the UVRF website provides both real-time and short-term forecasted flows.

Flipping into water colder than 60F can be very dangerous and potentially deadly. "Cold shock" is more of a risk than hypothermia, can incapacitate even good swimmers, and can lead to drowning within 3 to 5 minutes. Wearing a PFD is strongly recommended when water temp is under 60F and REQUIRED when water temp is under 50F. Rowing with a buddy is strongly recommended when water temp is under 60F and REQUIRED when water temp is under 50F. A water thermometer is located on the inside edge of the sculling dock alongside the safety launch. EVERY SCULLER must sign in and out of the logbook.

Bringing problems to our attention helps keep our sculling fleet in good order. Check the boat carefully before launching and after you return. If you find that something is missing, or malfunctioning, please note it in the repair log in the “Club Sculling” binder. If you drop a boat, have an unexpected encounter with a tree, another boat, the sculling dock or other miscellaneous floating water hazard; notify the club as soon as possible. If a dock monitor is not present, leave a note on the club bulletin board and email uppervalleyrc@gmail.com

We greatly appreciate your adherence to Club Rules and use of your best judgment in other circumstances in which your safety, the boat's, or that of others would be at risk.

UVRF Guest Policy

Guests with previous rowing experience may use the rowing equipment seven times per calendar year when accompanied by a hosting UVRF member. The host member should notify the Fuller Steward or designee at uppervalleyrc@gmail.com at least three days in advance and provide the name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the guest so that the guest may be entered onto our USRowing roster.

Guests must sign waiver forms (available at the boathouse), and sign in and out in the logbook with the host member's accompanying signature. Members are expected to use discretion in choosing appropriate-level equipment for their guests, realizing that UVRF members have priority in equipment sign-up.

Members are liable for any damages caused by their guests. Visiting rowers with no host member may contact the Fuller Steward or designee who may at their discretion allow the visitor to use club equipment and facilities. No guest or visiting rower shall be permitted to row more than seven times per calendar year without becoming a member of the club.

Guests or visiting rowers will not be allowed to store their equipment at Fuller or in the surrounding area without the permission of the Fuller Steward or designee. Donations are gratefully accepted for the use of UVRF equipment.
Contact the Fuller Steward at uppervalleyrc@gmail.com