Can I learn to row at Riverside?
Riverside is not a learn-to-row club. Members must be competent rowers to take out club boats. Here, you can find more information about the learn-to-row programs in the area.
How good of a rower do I need to be to join Riverside?
While anyone can join, you must be a competent rower to take out boats. Riverside has rowers at various skill levels with a range of goals, from high-level to local competitions to recreational goals.
What does it mean to be a volunteer run club?
RBC is 100% managed by its members, who must contribute at least ten service hours annually. This can be done by attending work parties, helping with regattas, and performing other committee or boathouse tasks.
How can I get a rack at Riverside?
Storage of boats at Riverside, including boats stored temporarily outside on racks or trailers, requires permission from the Captain. There are several private indoor racks at Riverside for an annual cost in addition to membership dues. Rack holders and applicants must be members in good standing and row for Riverside in regattas.
Selection criteria include service to the club, boat mileage requirements, seniority, and boat sharing.
What is the initiation fee?
The initiation fee is a one-time payment when joining Riverside Boat Club for the first time. As long as you maintain at least a supporting membership status, you will only have to pay it once.
Where can I park?
Riverside does not have a parking lot. A small DCR lot is adjacent to the pool next to Riverside, and a small horseshoe beyond the pool. These are public parking lots with time limitations. Most streets in the Cambridgeport area are permit-parking only, except for Sundays.
Riverside has a large bike rack on the right side of the boathouse.
Can Riverside be rented out for functions?
Yes, but primarily only to current members. For full details, read more: here.
Do I need to try out?
Each team page provides a contact you can email to learn more about joining that specific team (some have applications or try-out processes). Please review the programs section for a specific point of contact. You must fill out the general RBC application before rowing in any capacity.
Can I take a single out or bow a double right after I’ve joined?
In order to ensure our members’ safety, all members are required to pass a Captain’s test in order to row Riverside shells. More information about Captain’s testing can be found here.
What is a work party?
Riverside is a volunteer-run club. Work parties are held monthly to keep our boathouse in ship shape. Work parties are a great way to meet members and a good opportunity to earn the volunteer hours required before standing up for provisional membership.
Do I have voting rights when I join?
Not right away. Voting privileges are for senior members. After joining Riverside, all new members are required to stand up for provisional membership at a quarterly board meeting. You will be eligible to stand up for senior membership one year later.
