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Read more about the article Lifejacket Workshop

Lifejacket Workshop

Our club lifejackets were due to be re-serviced, so we took the opportunity to run an evening Lifejacket Workshop. Its purpose was twofold: first, to give everyone the chance to better understand how lifejackets work, their features, and what to do if they don’t inflate automatically. And secondly, to provide guidance to those members who choose to use their own lifejacket on how to service them.

The importance of servicing lifejackets regularly cannot be overstated. The frequency with which inflatable lifejackets fail to inflate is distressingly common, and inadequate servicing is usually to blame. Even a brand-new lifejacket should be checked over before you rely on it.

The exact nature of a lifejacket check will be somewhat dependent on the exact make and model you have. The manufacturer will provide full details, so either check the paper manual if you still have it or visit the maker’s website. Notwithstanding this, here is a list of some typical inspections:

  1. Check that all straps and clips are tangle-free and functioning properly. You should be checking the fit of your lifejacket every time you put it on – even if you’re the only person who wears it, you’ll likely be wearing different clothing each time. If the crotch or waist strap is loose, an inflated lifejacket can rise over your head or twist in such a way as to cover your face – an extremely dangerous situation should you find yourself in the water.
  2. Unpack your lifejacket and check that the gas cylinder is screwed in tightly. Even in a brand-new lifejacket you should check this as they can work loose in transit as well as through normal wear.
  3. Check the green retaining clip on the manual trigger is in place. If your lifejacket also has an automatic trigger, check the indicator on the base (which should be showing green, not red), and make sure it’s within date.
  4. Check the whole lifejacket for wear, damage, or abrasions. Inflate the lung to make sure it doesn’t leak.
  5. Deflate and re-pack the lifejacket, taking particular care to ensure that the manual toggle is free and accessible.

If you missed the workshop and would like some more guidance on lifejackets, please contact the Health & Safety Officer or one of your coxes who will be happy to advise. Likewise if you’d like some guidance on servicing your own lifejacket, please do get in touch.

Report by Finlay Robertson, Health & Safety Officer

Read more about the article Perth to Wormit Row

Perth to Wormit Row

In April we took part in the epic 20-mile Perth to Wormit row. The day dawned with clear blue skies, a good omen, with the full crew setting off at 10.00 along with 7 other boats. The row down to Newburgh was very pleasant; no racing, just a nice row with everyone on board enjoying the scenery in beautiful conditions. After a couple of hours, the boats arrived at the changeover and we swapped one of our crew; it was noticeable that all other boats were changing their entire crew!

However after a swift changeover off we went, just as a light breeze out the east began to pick up. This made the row a little bit more challenging! A combination of increasing wind and tiredness from the crew made the next three hours to Wormit a bit of a slog; however we made it – yippee! The Wormit club laid on a beautiful spread for the rowers which was much appreciated by all.

In summary a great day, especially with the weather up until the wind picked up – but hey ho, that’s rowing! Main lesson – make sure you have enough rowers for changeovers! Thanks are due to Chris and Gavin for getting the skiff up there!

Report by Martin Blankenstein

Read more about the article Kinghorn Frostbite Regatta

Kinghorn Frostbite Regatta

The aptly-named ‘Frostbite’ regatta at Kinghorn Loch traditionally marks the start of the annual regatta calendar. As it happens, it’s also the first regatta in which Black Rocks has competed! Participating members included a veritable mix of experienced rowers and first-timers, and none of our crews had actually practiced together before – this was going to be a fun-filled test of some scratch crews. Brian in particular was really thrown in at the deep end, as this was actually his very first time in a skiff! But as a fun, friendly and (mostly) relaxed event, hosted and splendidly catered by our friends in Kinghorn Rowing Club, this marked a great way to start out our regatta season.

The races mostly followed a 1km course around Kinghorn Loch, with each boat being sent off around a minute apart and racing against the clock. Black Rocks started the day respectfully with two 4th places, two 3rds, and a 5th. Wormit Boating Club was clearly going to steal the day, winning almost every event. But Black Rocks saved its best until last, beating Wormit into 1st place in the 250 metre sprints by a mere 2 seconds.

You can read more about the event in the event report on Kingorn Rowing Club’s website  by clicking here.

BRRC’s First Winning Crew!

Report by Finlay Robertson

Read more about the article Winter Row to Silversands

Winter Row to Silversands

As 2024 draws to a close, we’ve been making the most of some crisp, clear days to get out on the water. The first day of December proved unseasonably warm, so our Sunday crew took the opportunity to land at Silversands beach. Some of our club’s younger supporters met us there, and were all too happy to lend a hand hauling Irene up the beach!

We drew a fair bit of interest from other visitors to Silversands, which included some sea swimmers who were making the most of the good weather. It occurs to us that this might be an excellent place to recruit new members, so perhaps another winter row to Silversands will be on the cards for the near future. If nothing else, it’s an excellent spot for a warming cup of coffee at the Sands cafe!

Coastal rowing is not a seasonal activity – we’ll make the most of good weather all through the year to get out on the water. The Committee is working on an exciting events calendar for 2025, which will include a mixture of rowing and social events both on and off the water. We’re always on the lookout for new members – so please get in touch if you’d like to find out more! 

Report by Finlay Robertson