Membership Application Process

We recommend you review ‘Rowing at Riverside,’ our Handbook, and the Programs we offer to ensure Riverside Boat Club is a good fit for you.

Riverside membership is open to all who comply with Club rules and are willing to provide service to the Club—but only members who demonstrate competence in rowing can take out club boats at Riverside.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact our Club Vice President vp [at] riversideboatclub [dot] com or use this contact form.

1. Complete the application form.

2. Our application form includes a reference request, so be sure to obtain a reference before you apply.

3. Read and Sign the Waiver Agreement.

4. Your application will be reviewed by the membership committee and, if applicable, by the Team Captain(s) of the program you are applying to.

   NOTE: If you are applying for the women’s sweep team, please review their program information and complete the form.

5. If your application is accepted, you will receive an invitation to an orientation meeting.

6. Attend the orientation meeting and pay your initiation fee and membership dues (you will receive an invoice) to become a member of Riverside Boat Club.

1. Application form

   Fill out the form on the website, or through this link.

2. Reference Request

As part of your application, we require a reference. We highly recommend obtaining a reference from a coach, but if that is not possible, a representative from your previous club or someone you have rowed with.

Your reference can respond directly to us using this form, OR you can ask them to email the reference to you directly, and you may copy the reference email into your application form.

To row at the club, you must demonstrate sufficient rowing experience, the ability to handle equipment, and safely operate on the water. We do not have a learn-to-row program. We expect every member to be able to navigate safely on a highly-trafficked river and at a busy boat house.

Your reference should be able to answer the following questions:

• When, where, and for how long did they coach (or row with) you?

• In their estimation, can you safely operate in a busy boathouse?   
  In their estimation, can you operate boats on a highly trafficked river filled with launches, college teams, club teams, and individual scullers?

• RBC is a club with generally more competitive rowers, and recreational rowers sometimes feel the club is not a good fit for them. Does the reference have any reservations about recommending you for membership at our club?

3. Waiver

Please review and sign the waiver agreement as part of the application process.