Check Out Equipment

Sculling Certification

Sculling Certification is for club members who wish to scull on their own, outside of coached practices, using BCR equipment. Membership and coach-assessed certification is required for the safety of our rowers, other people using Boulder Reservoir, and BCR equipment. Sculling certification is tiered based upon your sculling experience, time on the water/miles logged, and the assessment of a BCR Coach. Visit our safety page for more information on BCR’s safety protocols.

Scullers with their own equipment who are unaffiliated with BCR can use the reservoir during public access hours, or purchase the Early-Access Only Pass to participate independently in BCR practice times that fall outside of public access hours. Visit the city’s website for information on small boat registration (required), boat storage (expensive), access hours and no-wake periods (limited) and invasive species inspections (onerous).

Coxed Shells

BCR members may also get certified to bow blind boats (straight 4) or a coxed boat with a cox who has been approved by a coach or board member.

 

1. Membership Requirement

No rower shall be authorized to use BCR equipment outside of coached practices without a club membership.

2. Understand BCR Certification Levels

Carefully read the BCR Certification Levels for Sculling document to understand what level and corresponding boat size (1x, 2x, 4x,) you wish to be certified to use.

3. Pass a Flip Test

In order to be Sculling Certified, a member must pass a Flip Test. As explained in our BCR Certification Levels for Sculling document:

​”Rower must demonstrate ability to either get back into boat or swim to shore using the boat as a flotation device. For your own safety, BCR highly recommends you take a Flip Test each year. However, your Flip Test expires after two years and you are required to pass again in order to continue using BCR equipment without coach supervision.”

4. Look up your Current Sculling Certification Level and Flip Test

It goes without saying that no member should take out BCR boats if not certified to the appropriate Level. Should that occur, disciplinary action will be taken. That information can be found on BCR’s Boathouse Connect pages.

5. How to Progress to the Next Certification Level

BCR members have several options to build the necessary skill set and pass to the next level of sculling certification:

  • With practice sessions of coached sculling programs

  • Through taking private lessons with a BCR coach

  • In some cases, if a rower demonstrates advanced skill level, the coach can quickly certify him/her to the next level.

Finally, once a coach has passed you through to the next level, the coach will give your Boathouse Connect account the necessary permissions so you can make reservations for the appropriate sculling equipment.

6. Turn in Waivers

Prior to reserving a boat, you must complete and submit all applicable waivers.

the process

safety

The health and safety of our rowers is BCR’s top priority. All rowers are required to review and follow these required procedures, which are found on the Member Resources page.

reserving boats

Available Shells and Oars

BCR Sculling Certified members may use any of the Club’s Peinert Singles and Concept 2 sculling oars.

BCR and CJC programs have priority for using all equipment during program hours. For your convenience, these hours are blocked out in the Boathouse Connect reservation system.