Spring Training

Welcome. The Oak Ridge Rowing Association (ORRA) is looking forward to providing you with a safe and successful spring training experience. Oak Ridge's location can save valuable travel days for many schools and thus maximizes the training opportunity. The Florida and Texas training sites may be as much as one day more of travel, with the loss of two days training time. Traveling to Oak Ridge is convenient along several main north/south interstates. Oak Ridge is located 10 hours from 1/3rd of the general rowing population of the United States.

The average daily temperature in March is 63 degrees during the day and 43 degrees at night. However, the weather during spring can vary a lot from the average. We have known snow flurries in March as well as weeks in the high 70s. Our mild climate and constant water temperatures insures that the Clinch River never freezes. The lake winds through several hilly areas with rock bluffs so that there is always a sheltered part of the river when it is windy. The course is usually the most protected part of the river.

Melton Hill Lake is a 50 mile-long, current controlled reservoir on the Clinch River in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains of East Tennessee. There are 10 miles of water upstream from the boathouse and 26 miles of water downstream suitable for rowing. The lake is about 10 rowing lanes wide and runs through farm country for most of its distance. ORRA maintains a permanently marked 2000-meter straight course (at least 7 lanes wide) with distance markers at the start, 500, 1000, 1500 meters and finish line. There is little motorboat traffic in March and little or no commercial boat traffic.

1. The Oak Ridge Rowing Association is a private club of approximately 250 members. Oak Ridge Rowing has an active junior rowing program that pulls students from several area schools and a competitive masters program. The Oak Ridge Rowing Association is not connected with any college or university. ORRA has two full time employee and member volunteers to assist visiting crews with any questions or problems that may arise.
   
   Contact ORRA to reserve your spot to train in Oak Ridge. To confirm your desired week of training please include:
   
   1. Program's Mailing Address (E-mail, Snail) and Contact Information
   2. Date of Arrival and Departure
   3. Number of athletes you plan to bring (not including Coaches or Coxswains)
   4. If you will require launches with or with out motors (limited supply)
   5. Desire to reserve course for match racing.
   6. Desire to participate in or need more information on the Spring Training Regattas
   7. Upon your arrival ORRA would like to know the location and number of night that you will be staying in the area.
   8. Send in a $200 deposit to Oak Ridge Rowing to confirm your reservation.
   
   Please make plans to have a program representative at the ORRA Boathouse the Monday after you arrive. The ORRA bookkeeper will be on-site between 9-12 to collect Spring Training Fees. Additionally, the Oak Ridge CVB will be on hand Monday between 9-12 to meet and greet rowing programs. They will have maps, and discounts coupons on area activities.

T-shirts will be sold in the afternoon on Thursdays and Saturdays during the spring training period or you may pre-order so your order maybe ready for you when you arrive.