LK Davidson Sculling Checklist

Before heading to the Nature Preserve:

·        Check the weather.  Do not row if the forecast calls for thunderstorms or winds in excess of 10 mph for experienced rowers -- lower if you are new to sculling. Based on our location, winds from the west are the most challenging.  If you are struggling in the wind/rough water, move to a more protected cove. 

·        In cold weather, check that the water and air temperatures combined add up at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  Click here to find the current LK Norman water temperature.

·        Reserve a boat using the TEAMUP. There is one site for the Nature Preserve and another for the Woods @ LK Davidson & Corvid.

·        Wear: Trou or bike-style shorts, hi-vis/fluorescent/bright top (maximizes your visibility to others on the lake), water shoes/aqua socks for wet launching, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. 

·        Bring: Water-tight bag that can be secured in the boat for your phone and keys, water bottle, old towel for cleaning the boat.

·        For safety, it is best to row with someone else. 

At the Nature Preserve:

·        Unlock boats and oars.

·        If the boat has a cover, carefully place the cover in the bag making sure no dirt or debris gets on the inside of the cover. 

·        Bring oars, your water-tight phone bag, water bottle and anything else you plan to have in the boat to the shoreline. 

·        Examine the boat for damage and, if found, take a picture and email it to [email protected] 

·        Carefully remove the boat from the rack making sure not to bump the riggers on other boats.  Carefully carry the boat to the water watching out for branches, tree roots and other obstacles.

·        If you are rowing solo, we STRONGLY recommend wearing a pdf belt.  We have two that are located in the maroon supply bag hanging by the oars on the east side of the rack.

·        Walk out into water deep enough so the skeg will not hit the ground. With the bow pointed towards open water, gently roll the boat onto the water.

·        Open the oar locks.

·        Grab the oars and place them in the oar locks making sure the knob of the lock closure is pointed to the stern/your foot stretcher. (Remember close to the toes.)

·        Check that the deck plate cover is secure. Attach your waterproof phone bag to the shell and complete a final inspection of the shell, rigging, and other gear before rowing.

On the Water:

·        Be aware of your surroundings.  Turn your head frequently and recognize that you have blind spots. Try rowing with a mirror. Early mornings there are often open water swimmers.  Usually they are with a group and have a spotter in a kayak or bright fluorescent marker/buoy – but sometimes they don’t and are difficult to see. Later in the day, you are likely to encounter people fishing, water and jet skiers, and folks on paddleboards, canoes and kayaks.

·        Follow the lake traffic pattern by keeping your port or right side along the shoreline.

·         During evening rows, pay attention to the time of sunset -- you need to allow sufficient daylight for safely securing the boat and oars. 

·        When you flip, remember flipping will eventually happen to everyone.  The first few moments of entering the water will be a bit of a shock. Stay calm, relax, and remember to breathe!  Important reminders:

·        STAY WITH THE BOAT: The boat is now a lifeline to staying above water, and in your first moments in the water, you will need it the most. Drape yourself over the hull of the boat or grasp the riggers firmly.

·        RELAX AND ASSESS THE SITUATION: Take a moment to recover from the “surprise” of the flip and assess the situation. Relax and take deep breaths. Make sure you are completely recovered and in control before taking the next step in your plan. Were you injured during the flip? What are the weather conditions? Is it safer to swim the boat to shore or try to re-enter the boat i deep water?

After your row:

·        Carefully return the boat and oars to the rack making sure that the bow is pointing east (away from the lake) and the boat is not resting on its riggers or hitting another boat’s riggers. 

·        Check all equipment for damage and, if found, take a picture and email it to [email protected] 

·        Clean and dry off the boat and oars with your towel.  There is a bottle of isopropyl alcohol in the supply bag if you’d like to sanitize any touch points. 

·        Lock the shell making sure that you can fit a finger between the strap and the boat.  Make sure the lock is not touching the boat. Lock the oars as tightly as possible, make sure no one can slip an oar out through the straps. Check that the locks on all LK Davidson Sculling equipment are properly secured. 

·        Be a good steward of the Nature Preserve by disposing of any trash you find in the area.

In case of emergency dial 911; for other issues, call 704-728-8083 or 704-791-2142.