Living Our Values

CHaOS was founded with the credo that “We are a small group, so having the right members is a matter of survival. ‘Right members’ contribute on and off the water, aim to become better rowers, are ready to support others in their quest for the perfect stroke (irrespective of their starting point), will show initiative and contribute where it is needed, and make CHaOS Rowing better for all members.”

As part of making CHaOS better for all participants, and because we are united by a love of rowing, no matter our differing levels of experience and expertise, we will endeavor always to treat each other with mutual respect. When conflict arises, we will do our best to assume positive intent as we seek resolution.

Putting Safety First

  • Any doubt about whether conditions are safe enough for a row is sufficient reason not to leave the dock.

  • Any doubt about whether a rower feels physically or mentally fit to row in any given situation is also sufficient reason not to leave the dock.

  • Participants should review the USRowing safety video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx5SUe_RdgQ ) prior to participating in any rowing activities.

  • It is incumbent upon each participant to examine and inspect each aspect of the rowing activities in which they take part and that, if they observe any condition which they consider to be unacceptably hazardous or dangerous, they will notify the proper authority in charge and will not to take part in the rowing activities until the situation has been corrected to their satisfaction.

  • Given the nature of Jordan Lake, participants at the very least should be able to swim 300 yards and tread water for ten minutes. Participants who cannot should strongly consider rowing with PFDs.

  • Participants should check current conditions through the weather station at Crosswinds (https://www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station/dashboard?ID=KNCAPEX37) and the weather forecast for Pittsboro (27312) at https://www.wunderground.com/hourly/us/nc/pittsboro before launching. Participants should not row if there are thunderstorms in the forecast. If thunder is heard while rowing, they should return to the dock immediately if possible, and if not, attempt to beach the boat and seek immediate shelter. They should then wait at least 20 minutes until after the last thunder, or until lightning has moved at least 10 miles away from the lake, before launching.

  • Participants should not initiate a row when fog or other severe weather prevents being able to see or distinguish the arches of the bridge from the dock.

  • Participants should not attempt to be on the water if the wind prevents safe launching, rowing, or docking. USRowing recommends no rowing if wind speeds exceed 11mph. What is considered safe depends on wind direction and wind strength as well as boat size. White caps and water splashing over the dock are good indicators of unsafe conditions. Be aware that winds increase as the morning progresses.

  • Participants should understand the dangers of rowing during periods of high and low temperatures. If heat indices exceed 95F, they should substantially limit the intensity of their training.

  • If wind chill conditions are at or below freezing, participants should only row after taking extra precautions (e.g., dressing appropriately, using a personal flotation device (PFD), staying within 100 yards of shore, favoring bigger boats) and inform their spouse, partner, or significant other before rowing on their own. They should not row if they cannot close the oarlock with their bare hands.

  • Rowing a single in winter is extremely dangerous. In addition to the above, participants who choose to row alone should also consider additional safety measures including personal locator beacons, mobile phone connectivity, rowing within clear sight of others and bringing along an emergency safety blanket.

  • There is no broadly mandated traffic pattern on Jordan Lake, so all participants must stay vigilant to avoid collisions with other boaters, paddlers, SUPs, swimmers and all other craft and people on the water. Additionally, all participants should follow the “CHaOS Rowing Pattern,” which means always keeping starboard (left) shoulder, as close to shore as is practical. Details of the suggested pattern as well as significant obstacles are posted at the boat racks, and are available at https://www.chaosrowing.org/trafficpattern

  • In the event of an incident resulting in personal injury or equipment damage, the participants involved are required to file an Incident Report within 24 hours at https://www.chaosrowing.org/incident-reporting

Respecting Our Facilities & Equipment

  • We use Crosswind Marina at the pleasure of its landlord. Participants are expected to follow all rules set forth by Crosswinds, including parking locations and practice times.

  • We are fortunate to have excellent equipment. Participants are expected to take good care of our physical assets. If equipment is damaged, whether on land or on water, an Incident Report must be filed within 24 hours at https://www.chaosrowing.org/incident-reporting.

  • If a participant notices damage to the dock, to our boats, riggers, and oars, or to our storage facilities, they should make the necessary repairs wherever possible and otherwise notify the CHaOS Maintenance Committee (maintenance@chaosrowing.org) as soon as possible.

  • Parties involved in damaging CHaOS equipment are responsible for getting it fixed (either by engaging somebody who can repair it or if appropriate and under supervision, do the repair themselves). Alternately, they are responsible for their share of the damage up to the amount of the insurance deductible if CHaOS determines the repairs should be covered by insurance.

  • Equipment (boats, oars, slings, etc.) is prioritized for use at scheduled practices. If there is a desire to take such equipment to an out-of-town race whose timing would conflict with practice, such use must first be approved by the SIX (six@chaosrowing.org).

Welcoming Guests

  • A guest must be announced to CHaOS Membership Committee (membership@choasrowing.org) at least 48 hours in advance of their first outing with the club. When a guest is announced, their skill level in sweep rowing and/or sculling must be stated. The guest must sign the online waiver and agreement at least 24 hours before the outing.

  • Ideally, the first outing of a guest should be during regular club practices. Exceptions must be discussed with CHaOS Membership or Six before the outing. When setting boatings with guests, the purpose of the outing, the weather conditions, and the skill level of the guest should be considered to ensure a safe, enjoyable outing for all involved rowers.

Promoting CHaOS & RowNC

  • I grant CHaOS Rowing & RowNC permission to use my likeness in a photograph, video, or other digital media (“photo”) in all its publications, including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. I irrevocably authorize the CHaOS Rowing & RowNC to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these photos/videos for any lawful purpose. In addition, I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein my likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the photo/video.

SafeSport

  • Participants will be familiar with and follow the US rowing SafeSport policy, in its current and any future form.

Dealing with the Unknown

  • From time to time, other issues relevant to the safety and success of the organization will arise (e.g., COVID-19). When this happens, CHaOS Rowing & RowNC will determine policies that participants will be expected to support.