General inquiry information

Who do I contact in case of emergency?

If there is an emergency, please dial 911. There are business phones available inside the office. The Massachusetts State Police are located nearby in Brighton and can be reached at 617.727.4812.

What are the office hours at the Boathouse?
The Harry Parker Boathouse building hours are Monday-Friday 5 am-9 pm and Saturday/Sunday 5 am-4 pm. The administrative office hours are between 9 am and 5 pm daily (with some early-morning and early-evening hours). These hours are subject to change without notice, and visitors are encouraged to call ahead.

Parking
Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the boathouse. Please park in designated parking areas only. Do not park in the fire lane in front of the boathouse or where signs indicate no parking or tow zone. DO NOT PARK in the long diagonal spaces at the west end of the boathouse; these are reserved for cars and trucks with boat trailers and are for the public access boat launch. Cars without trailers will be towed.

Use of Boathouse Facilities and Equipment
Use of the boathouse facilities and equipment is available to all members of CRI, but please be aware that regularly scheduled programs and classes have priority for use of space and equipment.

Need to log an equipment issue? Repair Log

Looking for the status of a pending repair? Pending Repairs

REGISTRATION/PROGRAM CAPACITY

How do I register for my CRI program?
To register, please complete the steps on the registration page for your desired program. The recommended web browser for our registration page is Firefox/Mozilla. If you have trouble with registration, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please be sure to include detailed and specific program information in your query. When registering, it is important that you accurately enter information, especially your email address, because that is our main form of contact.

When is the program schedule released? Where can I find it?
CRI’s rowing season runs from early April to mid-October each year. The program schedule is posted on the CRI website under specific programs.

How do I know if this program has space?
Registration will be accepted until a program is full or until registration is closed. If a program is full or registration is closed, it will be noted on the CRI web page. Registration is first come, first served. If you register, but the course has already filled, you will be notified within one business day if you have been placed on the wait list. At that time, you can decide if you wish to register for another section.

What do I do while I am on the wait list?
Please be patient. If a spot becomes available in your desired program, CRI will contact you by email. You will have 24 hours to respond if you would like the spot in the class. If CRI does not hear from you, your space will be offered to the next person on the wait list.

Does CRI offer financial aid?
Yes, we offer a range of financial aid support. Financial aid can be requested when registering for a program.

SWIM TESTS

Why do I need to complete a swim test?
Rowing takes place on the water, and while falling out of the boat is unlikely, it is possible. Therefore, each CRI member must prove his or her ability to swim. Once a valid swim test is successfully submitted and recorded, resubmission is not required.

What type of swim test do I need?
A certified lifeguard must confirm in writing that you are able to swim 100 yards and remain afloat for 5 minutes before you are permitted to row in club boats. For your protection and the protection of Community Rowing, Inc., we make NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.

Where can I complete my swim test?
Participants are responsible for finding a certified lifeguard to watch them perform the swim test and sign the form. Lifeguards can be found at municipal pools, YMCAs, schools and colleges, and recreational facilities. It is recommended that individuals call ahead to confirm swim test hours and fees.

When is my swim test due?
Swim test documents must be received no later than the first day of the program in which you are participating. Please make sure to write your name on your swim test before turning it in. You can mail in your swim test before the start of your program.

Can I register for my program without a swim test?
You may register online before completing your swim test. The swim test form can be downloaded here and submitted upon completion. We highly recommend that you keep a copy of the signed form for your records.

What if I haven’t taken my swim test yet?
A registered rower without a valid swim card will be asked to wear a life preserver until he or she can provide written proof of his or her swimming ability.

Can I use a swim test from another source?
If you have current swim, lifeguard, or scuba certification documents, copies may be submitted to fulfill the swim requirement. Please make a copy of the current certification and staple it to the Community Rowing Swim Test form.

What if I don’t know how to swim?
Nonswimmers are encouraged to take swimming lessons and pass a swim test before registering for a rowing program. It can be difficult to progress as a rower while wearing a life jacket because it inhibits proper rowing technique.

When is the swim test held?
CRI does not administer swim tests. There are no pool facilities at our boathouse location, and swim tests are not conducted in the Charles River.

I submitted my swim test form last year, why am I being asked for it again?
Although it rarely happens, sometimes swim tests are not turned into the office and therefore are never recorded. Please make sure to hand or mail in your swim test directly to the office. This will help to eliminate the chance of your swim test being lost or misplaced. It is a good idea to make a copy of your swim test and keep it for your records.

PROGRAMS

What is the Refund/Transfer/Credit policy?

There is a $75 cancellation per registration for programs under $2,500, and 5% of the fee per registration for programs over $2,500. If you withdraw from a program more than 14 days prior the start date, you may receive a FULL REFUND less the cancellation fee. If you withdraw from a program less than 14 days before the start date, you may receive a CREDIT MEMO less a the cancellation fee for another program in the same fiscal year (CRI Fiscal year runs from 11/1-10/31). Some larger programs may have an earlier cancellation deadline, which will be posted on the program page. Credits or transfers may not be carried over into a new Fiscal Year and will be kept as a donation toward the Annual Fund if not used by the end of the current Fiscal Year. NO REFUNDS/CREDIT MEMOS will be given once a program has started (unless there is a medical reason where participation is not possible). There will be NO REFUNDS on Team Accommodations.

Why are there attendance requirements for the programs?
For instructional programs, CRI requires attendance during the first two weeks of each new session. This policy helps ensure that all participants are familiar with basic boat handling techniques and safety concerns before they launch onto the river. We also ask that participants attend at least 80% of the program’s sessions. If you cannot attend the first week of any given session or know you will not be able to meet the minimum attendance requirement, please register for a program at a later date or time.

Can I make up my absences by attending another program?
Unfortunately, because of coaching and equipment limitations, we cannot allow participants to attend programs other than their own. Absences may not be made up by attending another section of a particular program. Please let your coach know ahead of time if you are going to be absent; this will help them on planning their class.

WEATHER, APPAREL, AMENITIES, ETC

It’s raining, do we still have class tonight?
Yes—we row in the rain! Instructional programs meet as scheduled, rain or shine. If severe lightning, wind, or storms are present, participants will not be permitted on the water. There will be an alternative indoor instructional class—but class will not be cancelled. Classes will not be rescheduled due to weather.

What should I wear?
Always dress in LAYERS. Dress appropriately for the weather, including a windbreaker or Gore-Tex shell if necessary. Make sure you are able to shed layers easily as you begin to warm up. Your rowing clothes will get DIRTY. Don’t wear clothing that can’t get dirty to the boathouse. Clothing should be COMFY and SNUG. It should allow you to move freely but should not be baggy. Baggy pants, shorts, and shirts tend to get stuck in the sliding seat.

Are there showers/locker rooms at the boathouse?
Yes, we have showers and lockers.

Proper attire when working out in the boathouse?
We ask that athletes observe the CRI Dress Code when working out and walking around public areas of the boathouse, which is that everyone must wear a shirt. We respectfully request that athletes do not go shirtless or with only a sports bra on. Thank you.

Are my personal belongings secure?
All participants are advised to leave any valuables in their cars to ensure the security of their personal items. CRI is not responsible for items lost or stolen from the boat areas or parking lot. Although rare, theft of personal items left unattended does occur. We suggest you bring a lock to secure your valuables and personal belongings while you are on the water or using the indoor facilities. Lockers are for day use only, and all locks must be removed daily. Please take appropriate measures to protect your belongings. Locks are available for purchase at the front desk.

I own a single—can I store it at CRI?
A limited number of storage racks are available for CRI participants to store single sculls. Rack spaces are assigned on a first come, first served basis. There are more than 50 scullers on the waiting list. To remain on the waiting list, scullers must maintain an active standing with the club by participating in another CRI program or joining as a supporting member. There is a requirement of service to the club for those on the waiting list and those with boats in storage. Scullers storing singles at CRI are required to paint their oars CRI colors and race under the CRI name. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain an application and current rates.

OPEN SCULLING/PRIVATE LESSONS

How do I become a logbook sculler?
You must have paid the facilities fee, have a valid Captain’s Test and swim test on file with CRI, and have registered and paid for logbook sculling.

When and how do I complete the Captain’s Test?
The Captain’s Test is taken during private lessons or at the end of Sculling 4. Once you have passed your Captain’s Test, it will remain valid provided you remain active in CRI’s sculling programs. If you are inactive for one year, you need to retest. If you have participated in CRI sculling programs before, only one lesson is needed if you can pass on the first attempt. If you are new to the river, a minimum of two lessons is necessary before you can be passed. Please check with the office to get the coaches’ contact information to schedule a Captain’s Test. Many of our coaches give private lessons, but only a few are certified to administer the test.

Can I take private lessons?
A limited number of CRI coaching staff are available to conduct private sculling lessons. To be eligible for private lessons, one must have a valid swim test and waiver on file. We offer rates for CRI participants and nonparticipants. Lessons must be booked and paid for in advance and are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Please contact the CRI office, and we’ll put you in touch with one of our coaching staff to arrange a time for your lessons. Click Here to learn more about Private Lessons.

US ROWING ROSTER CODE

What is the Community Rowing Inc roster code?
The USRowing roster code is: 74TFX

Athletes can complete the USRowing online waiver and join the Community Rowing roster at www.membership.usrowing.org/a>.