SRA was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1983 with the following purpose: "To organize, operate and carry on an athletic and recreational activity; to publicize the numerous benefits thereof upon the health and physical development of participants; to encourage and promote the tenets and spirit of sportsmanship; to educate about and encourage the principles and standards of amateur athletic rules; to promote interest in rowing through competition and the sponsoring of regattas; to encourage and further the participation of youth in rowing so as to obtain for them the mental and physical benefits incumbent in the sport; and to promote and encourage the sport of rowing to the end that it may serve to strengthen the moral fiber of its participants." That year the SRA sponsored the Mayor’s Cup Regatta, an eights race the included boats from Harvard and Yale, to dedicate the new Zink Lake in downtown Tulsa. Kansas won!

Between 1983 and 1990 club members rowed on various lakes in Tulsa, Jenks, and Catoosa while the board secured a site on Zink Lake for the future boathouse. In 1986, the club moved its equipment from a downtown warehouse to a semi-trailer on Zink Lake, the site of our current boathouse.

Charles and Arline Oliphant dedicated the TRC boathouse in June of 1991. The boathouse was a gift to the SRA and a fulfillment of the Oliphants’ dream. Because the club received the boathouse debt-free, the Oliphants requested that dues be kept to a minimum and only reflect the cost of operating and maintaining club facilities.

In 1992 TRC began an ongoing capital equipment fundraising campaign by soliciting donations and refinishing antique boats for the restaurant market. This activity has enabled the club to purchase state-of-the art equipment.

TRC provides rowing equipment of all classes (singles, doubles, pairs, fours, quads, and eights) for members’ use commensurate with their abilities. Rowers are grouped according to their skill level (Student, Novice, Intermediate, Instructor, Advanced) and row in recreational or competitive boats. The club has programs for high school students, TU students, visiting rowers, and masters rowers (all non-student members 27 years of age and older). All student members must be at least 14 years old and supervised by a coach at all times while training. Master members are given 24 hour access to the boathouse, subject to club rules, for their convenience and training. Remember, the boathouse combination is to remain confidential!

TRC sponsors a summer regatta and a winter ergometer race. The club participates in ten or more regional regattas each year in neighboring states. Several of our rowers have competed in national championships. All club members are encouraged to compete as a means of increasing their ability and fitness level. TRC welcomes recreational rowing members as well.

To promote our sport among adults, TRC sponsors Introduction to Rowing classes in the summer and the St. Francis Hospital Corporate Challenge 1250 meter ergometer race in March.

SRA is governed by a Board of Directors whose membership includes both active rowers and "outside" members. SRA by-laws establish the membership of the Board to consist of the following: Chairman of the Board of the River Parks Authority, Director of the River Parks Authority, a member designated by the Mayor of the City of Tulsa, and members of TRC’s Executive Committee (EC). TRC day-to-day operations are run by the EC comprised of the President, Treasurer, Secretary, Head Coach, Equipment Manager, Boathouse Manager, and Membership Representative. These positions are appointed by the board for an annual term, except for the Membership Representative. The MR is elected by club members for an annual term. Most work is accomplished by members working individually or in committees. The club provides free annual membership to the Head Coach, TU coaches, HS coach, and Boathouse managers to honor their exemplary volunteer efforts. Members may apply for the positions in December (except TU positions). Membership meetings are held as needed to make decisions or accomplish goals. Members are also encouraged to attend EC and board meetings if interested.

TRC Committees consist of:

Safety--Fosters safe rowing environment by maintaining and displaying rules; responds to incidents or accidents, either to equipment or members and participants, related to rowing activities; updates practices.

Regatta--Coordinate, organize, and oversee annual June regatta to promote rowing in Tulsa. May recruit additional committees as needed.

All members are required to acquaint themselves with the rules of safe rowing, along with the conditions under which they may row. See Attachment at the end of this handbook. These safety rules are also posted in the boathouse. Although advanced and expert rowers are primarily responsible for overseeing club activities, club ethics dictate that all members are responsible for each others’ safety while on the water.

TRC is a volunteer organization that depends on the generosity of its members. Members are expected to care for the facilities, respect each other, and model good sportsmanship. Failure to honor these standards could result in a personal financial liability for equipment damaged, individual dismissal, loss of 24 hour boathouse privileges for all club members, injury, and even death.

1) The flow rate on the Arkansas River varies considerably depending on the amount of water released from the Keystone Dam. A capsized boat and rower can be washed over the low-water dam at the pedestrian bridge in a matter of minutes. Use extreme caution and good common sense! TRC values its excellent safety record.

2) Rowing equipment is expensive and TRC is fortunate to provide a selection of equipment to members. The 1998 cost of new Kaschper equipment is as follows:

Membership is obtained by completing a TRC Application for Membership and Waiver. Membership dues must also be paid before any combination is given. Submit all applications and money to the Membership Representative. Members must certify their ability to swim.

Members are encouraged to join the TRC e-mail list. This is the fastest way to get information about TRC current events. Notices are also posted on the white dry erase board for the benefit of members who don’t have e-mail.