1) hands on - everyone should be at the boat -with a strap if we are using the 20's or at a handle if we are using the 10's -and be ready to lift and carry the boat to the water
2) line up in 2 rows - everyone should simply line up as though you were in the boat- stand next to anyone- after we have everyone lined up, we will make adjustments and then get in the boat. It doesnt matter where you stand in line as long as there is someone standing nex to you.
3) load, back to front- get in the boat ~starting with the last bench
4) brace the boat- put your paddle out on the water and help stabilize side-to-side movements
5) paddles up or set - snap to the set position. SNAP to the set position.
6) paddle- umm this one is the hardest- this means: paddle.
7) let it run - stop paddling
8) hold- put your paddle the water and stop the boat.
9) back paddle - paddle backwards
10) wet start- your paddle is already in the water, at the angle ready to take your first stroke
~the official starting sequence called at races generally goes like this for a WET START:
the first 2 commands are made by the drummer or steerer
- on the gunnels -(this is our call only, and not made by the official starter) take a deep breath and relax!
- SET! (previously known as: "paddlers ready")- paddles are slid forward along the gunnels - ready to slide in the water..
- are you ready?- (shortened to "READY!"): paddle is in the water- blade fully buried at the forward angle of a stroke; blade is parallel to boat
- attention please! (shortened to "ATTENTION!")- paddle is turned square to the boat ready for first POWER stroke.
- GO! - (this may be a horn or starter pistol instead of verbal) -paddle strong and hard and effecient!
