How do Atomic Rowing and Oak Ridge Rowing Association relate to one another?
Oak Ridge Rowing Association is the umbrella organization for rowing events and the overall venue at 697 Melton Lake Drive in Oak Ridge. Atomic Rowing is the coached programs arm of ORRA.
What programs are offered by Atomic Rowing?
Atomic Rowing programming includes: Learn to Row ( beginners), Development (new rowers typically entering their 1st or 2nd seasons in the sport), and Competitive | Performance (experienced rowers who are prepared to train and race at a high level). These levels are offered for both Juniors (aged 13-18) and adult Masters (HS graduates, and ages 21-70+)
Is rowing experience required?
No rowing experience is necessary! This is truly a unique and fair opportunity to learn a new sport. We will teach you everything you need to know.
When are the Rowing seasons?
There are 2 competitive seasons during the academic year: Fall and Spring. Additionally, Atomic runs summer Learn-to-Row camps and Open Row experienced sessions. Fall is August-December and includes 5k time trial regattas. Spring is January-June and includes 2k head-to-head sprint races. Spring is the “championship season” for rowing. Local and regional racing occurs in March and April, regional championships are held in May and Nationals occurs in June.
When are practices?
JUNIORS:
- Competitive squad: Monday-Friday 4:15-6:16pm & Saturday 8:30-10:30am.
- Development squad, FALL: Tuesday & Thursday 4:15-6:15pm & Saturday 8:30-10:30am. SPRING: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 4:15-6:15pm & Saturday 8:30-10:30am.
- One Off program: a once per week program for Development rowers. FALL: Saturdays 8:30-10:30am. SPRING: Tuesdays 4:15-6:15pm
MASTERS:
- Tuesday & Thursday 6:30-8:30pm.
- Performance group additional practice: Saturdays 11am-1pm
What attire is necessary for rowing?
Rowers wear spandex or other close-fitting athletic layers, socks and running shoes. It’s also important to bring a full reusable water bottle, extra dry shirt and extra dry socks. Athletes are encouraged to bring healthy nutrition for a snack, especially when coming directly from school or work to practice.
Do we practice in inclement weather?
In severe weather, we are able to train on land in the boathouse. When roads are unsafe, practice is cancelled and this is communicated via the teams established communication methods. Rowers do train in cold weather and rain, similar to runners.
What are the primary forms of communication?
We use email, GroupMe and a team only app called CrewLab for communication. Both the Juniors and Masters coached programs have their own specific GroupMe message groups and CrewLab accounts for coach-athlete communication. The parents also have a GroupMe message group.
What are program costs and membership/volunteer expectations?
Programming costs vary by season. Visit our Atomic Rowing page on this website for information. Costs cover coaching, venue use and equipment use. There are additional costs associated with competition and race uniforms.
Rowers in their 2nd + season of participation become members of ORRA (Oak Ridge Rowing Association, Atomic Rowing’s host venue).
Most members choose to keep costs low by volunteering at several ORRA-hosted events. You may elect to forego the volunteer experience for a higher fee.
For more information on ORRA memberships, visit the “Members” tab on this website!
Are races included in programming costs?
Races are not included in regular program costs, since not all of our athletes may participate at certain events. Travel costs including entry fees, hotel and transportation fees are divided evenly among those traveling and are billed after races.
At races, athletes must be in “like” attire, so we have uniforms for purchase by our experienced athletes. Athletes in their first season of participation wear t-shirts of the same color. Communication about uniforms will come from the Athletics Director
How is transportation to races organized?
Most races require that parents transport or carpool their athletes to and from the race venue. Per USRowing rules, junior athletes under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive themselves to away races. Group/team travel is planned for 2-3 events per year. When the team travels as a group, parent/booster Chaperones and team leaders are present to monitor the safety and progress of the group.
Are payment plans or scholarships available?
Yes! We do not want program or travel costs to prohibit the participation of any athlete. To set up a payment plan, register your athlete on RegattaCentral, select ‘Pay by Check’ and contact our bookkeeper Jon Neveu at accounts@orra.org. To inquire about scholarships, please contact the ORRA Scholarship Committee at scholarship@orra.org.
How do I register?
Registration is completed through RegattaCentral. Beginners select the Junior Development program, and experienced athletes select the Junior Competitive/Varsity program.
Masters are urged to register for the Masters Development program. If you would like to be considered for the Masters Performance program, please email the Athletics Director before registering.
If you want more information before registering, email our Athletics Director to schedule time for your athlete to come check out practice!
I am unable to join right now, are there opportunities in the future?
Consider the “One Off” program! This option is a once per week session for those who aren’t able to commit more time but still want to stay involved in rowing. Register for “One Off” at Regatta Central, under “programs and classes”. Anytime is a good time to start rowing and we welcome new team members throughout the year! Learn-to-Rows are offered on Tuesdays during January and February and in the summer. For more information email our Athletics Director.
What if I know someone who might be interested in rowing?
Email contact information of the person you think may be interested to our Athletics Director and we will take it from there!