Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kinds of boats do you row?
Vancouver Lake Crew has many club boats available for members to row. We have wide, stable singles to learn in. We have recreational boats and trainers, all the way up to racing shells - we have something for everyone. The fleet includes singles, doubles, pairs, fours, quads, and eights.
What equipment do I need?
No equipment is needed, just bring yourself ready to exercise. SNUG FITTING shorts or long tights are most appropriate. Loose clothing can get caught in the tracks. Bike, dance and running gear work well, as do clothes made specifically for rowing. Snug, tucked-in t-shirts, cool-max and polypro work well to move moisture away from your body. Bring layers if the day is cool. Waist-length windbreakers are useful. You will warm up as you row! Your coxswain will allow time to peel off extra layers at some point in your practice. Wear shoes you do not care about; shoes will be left on the dock and can get wet. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water bottle! There is water on site. Some people like to wear batting gloves with the finger tips cut off, although it is best to row without gloves. Leave rings at home to avoid getting blisters.
How fit do I need to be?
Anyone can do it. The more you row, the fitter you will become. Rowing is a technical sport that enables rowers to be learning their entire lives! We will teach you to row in sculling and sweep boats, but we emphasize sculling in singles. In 3-6 months, you should have mastered the basics of rowing.
Where do you row?
Vancouver Lake is a 2,300 acre lake located 3 miles west of downtown Vancouver. It is a rather shallow lake, so is not ideal for motor boats. It has a no-wake speed on the lake, so we do not see many boaters on the lake, except a few fishermen and during hunting season. There are no bridge abutments, barges, power boats, or water skiers to navigate around. It is just us for most of the year. Vancouver Lake Sailing Club is across the lake, and we, on occasion, see them out sailing. But for the most part we have the lake to ourselves. Rowing on Vancouver Lake is an absolutely beautiful experience. Where else can you have a view of three volcanoes at the same time (Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood)? On a clear day we can even see Mt. Rainier. We have a view across the river of the Lakeshore neighborhood. The wildlife is enormous - herons, cormorants, otters, beaver, nutria, gulls, osprey, bald eagles, mergansers, lots of frogs, and fish trying to jump in your boat.