Port Rowing General Information

Who do I contact in case of emergency?
If there is an emergency, please dial 911. Executive Director/Head Coach Steve Panzik has his phone at all times: 516-244-2975. There are also land lines at the main office at the Village Club:516-944-7400. The Sand Point Police can be contacted directly at (516) 883-3100.

 

What are the hours at the Indoor Facility?
The Port Rowing Facility is open during regularly scheduled Adult classes and Youth programming. If you would like to use it during off hours please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Registration/Program Capacity

Are there financial scholarships and how do I apply?

Port Rowing's mission is to allow everyone to row without financial limitations. We offer scholarships to all programs and ALL scholarship requests are 100% confidential. There is a scholarship request form on the website under the program sign ups. A member of the staff will contact you shortly after completion. We provide full, partial and payment plan assistance.

 

Are there refunds?

Port Rowing will refund in full if the athlete cancels the program before the start date. A partial refund if the athlete cancels in the first week. No refund if an athlete quits after the first week of the season.

How do I register for my Port Rowing program?

To register for the program, please complete the steps on the registration page for your desired program.  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, since that is our main form of contact. In order to register, you will also have to set up a free account on www.regattacentral.com.

 

When is the program schedule released and where can I find it?
Port Rowing’s season begins March 5 and runs through May. If the team qualifies for the National Regattas, the season will run to early June. The schedule is posted on the Port Rowing website in mid-February of each year. Registration for 2012 rowing programs opens on February 7th. Make sure to register today to ensure a spot!

 

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 Port Rowing web page. Registration is first come, first served. If you register but the course has already filled, you will be notified that you have been placed on the wait list. At that time, you can decide if you wish to register for a different program in Port Rowing..

 

What do I do while I am on the wait list?

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

 

Swim Tests

 

Why do I need to complete a swim test?
Rowing takes place on the water; while falling out of the boat is unlikely, it is possible. Therefore, each Port Rowing member must prove his or her ability to swim .

 

What type of swim test do I need?
A certified lifeguard must confirm in writing that you are able to swim 100 yards and tread water for 10 minutes before you are permitted to row in club boats. If you participated in the High School swim team, your coach is permitted to sign off on your Swim Test.

 

Where can I complete my swim test?
Participants are responsible for finding a certified life guard to watch them perform the swim test and sign the form. Lifeguards can be found at town pools, YMCAs, JCCs, schools/colleges and other 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 prior to completing your swim test. The swim test form can be downloaded from the website and submitted upon completion. We strongly 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 not be allowed on the water 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 Port Rowing Swim Test form.

 

What if I don’t know how to swim?
Non-swimmers are encouraged to take swimming lessons and pass a swim test prior to registering for a rowing program.

 

I submitted my swim test form last year; is it valid?
A swim test form remains valid for the duration of your career at Port Rowing.

 

Programs

What is the Refund/Transfer/Credit policy?
There is a $50 processing fee assessed for all refunds. If you withdraw from a program prior to the start date, you will receive a FULL REFUND minus the $50 fee. Once a program is two days into the season, no refunds are allowed. You can receive a credit towards a future program within the calendar year.

 

Why are there attendance requirements for the programs?
For instructional programs, Port Rowing requires 100% 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 Hempstead Harbor. Additionally, we ask that participants attend at least 95% 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, due to 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 to plan their program.

Weather, Apparel, Amenities, etc.

It’s raining, do we still have crew tonight?
Yes - we do row in the rain! ALL 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 workout - but practice will not be cancelled. In the case of inclement weather, an email and Facebook message is sent out by 1:30pm the day of practice..

 

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 water. Clothing should be both 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. We wade our boats into the water and recommend old footwear, clogs, or neoprene socks to protect your feet. Once in the boat, wool socks help to warm the feet.

 

 Are my personal belongings secure?
All participants are advised to leave any valuables in their cars to ensure the security of their personal items. Port Rowing is not responsible for items lost or stolen from the boats area or parking lot. Although rare, theft of personal items left unattended can occur. Please take appropriate measures to protect your belongings.