We want you to get out on the water and have fun, but please do so safely and responsibly. Please abide by the following rules:
- Club boats may only be used by club members who have completed an orientation on the type of watercraft that they wish to use.
You must be certified (meaning that you have practiced and demonstrated a basic set of skills on the watercraft, passed a bay safety test, attended at least one Tuesday Boat Shop session, and registered with USRowing) before taking club watercraft outside of the cove.
Types of watercraft include: wooden boats; shells and coastals; kayaks; surfskis; and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and prone boards. - All boat users must be current members of USRowing.
USRowing membership ensures that both you and the club are covered by insurance. All boating trainees must obtain their USRowing membership as a condition of certification. The Dolphin Club code is FM7HD. - All boats must be signed in and out in the log book.
A complete entry includes the date, name of the boat, name of the boater(s), destination, check-out time, check-in time, and a checkmark to indicate if you have borrowed and returned a marine radio. Inspect the boat for damage before launching and note any problems upon your return. - Boats may not be launched in winds over 15 knots, taken west of the Golden Gate Bridge, or operated after dark.
Exceptions are made for club-sanctioned events. - Club boats are reserved for pilot service during scheduled club swims, regattas, training events, and other club events.
- Club boats and property may not be used to assist third-party swims or triathlons (except those hosted by the South End Rowing Club).
- Guests may not operate club watercraft.
Guests, or members who have not yet taken orientation training, may join a certified member as a passenger in a boat if the boat can accommodate a passenger. All guests must sign a waiver and pay the guest fee.
Any exceptions to the rules above must be approved by the Boat Captain.