Navigation Plans
Sea Rowing
1. Rocks under the sea here off Upgang Ravine usually make this area prone to bigger swells than elsewhere. The waves tend to break further out to sea here, so be mindful of this when steering.
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2. The Bell Buoy: This is not a sheltered area and as such is exposed to winds and swells from all angles. Do not attempt to row this far to sea except in excellent conditions. This is the limit for all rowers at WCRC. Do not venture any further to sea than here.
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3. Rowers must take the utmost precaution when exiting/entering the extension ends. Conditions here can be deceiving. What often looks calm from the harbour can quickly change only a few meters from the shelter of the piers. Ensure a dynamic risk assessment is completed before each session and ‘if in doubt, don’t go out’
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4. The harbour bar (the area just before heading out to sea) is an area prone to highly confused swells and choppy conditions. As the river esk meets the sea, conflicting swells and tides often make for conditions which are very difficult to row in. Use extreme caution when navigating through this section and do not stay here for any longer than is absolutely necessary.
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5. The scar: It is customary for rowers in Whitby to head west (left) on turning the pier ends, as the stretch towards Sandsend is usually calmer and has the added benefit of being visible to residents and tourists in Whitby from the West Cliff. On occasion though, like in a Westerly/South Westerly wind, heading east over the scar towards Saltwick Bay may be the better option. This area is often choppy due to the rocky nature of the seabed and great care must be taken here to avoid swells. Only in calm conditions.
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6. If heading East to Saltwick Bay, rowers must take extreme caution when rounding the Nab. The rocks here are unpredictable and very sharp. Stick to deep water to avoid damage to the hull.
Harbour Rowing
1. Limit for Harbour only rowing. Beyond this point is the Harbour Bar. Tidal flow from the River Esk and North Sea conditions collide here making this area particularly prone to confused swells and choppy conditions. Even on calm days, this area is often choppy and must be navigated with caution.
Also be mindful of traffic entering and exiting the harbour.
2. Rowers must take care here as pleasure boats and fishing vessels moor and regularly turn around in the middle of the river. Also important to avoid the dredger and it’s two large yellow buoys.
3. Rowers are to be very careful when passing under the swing bridge not to catch their oars on the sides of the river as it narrows here. Single file only, no overtaking here.
4. Boats must stay firmly in their lanes (right hand side) when turning this corner as it is a blind bend.
5. Be very mindful of vessels moored on the side of the harbour, do not get too close and risk scratching them with the spoons of your blades.
6. Opposite the launching slipway is an ancient ford which, at low tides, becomes exposed. Do not attempt to go beyond this point towards the New Bridge at low tide, doing so risks grounding the boat.
7. Limit for Harbour only rowing. Be mindful of the dark blue sections of the map, which indicate land at low tide. Always stick to the deeper sections of the harbour where possible.
Upper Esk Rowing
1. No Access to the Upper Esk at low tide.
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2. Be very careful when going under Larpool Viaduct. Stick to the middle arch where the water is deepest and slow down to avoid hitting your blades.
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3. Watch out on bends for changes in wind direction. The bend here at no.3 in particular can catch you off guard if the wind is blowing down the valley.
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4. This is the limit for Upper Esk rowing. No rowing beyond this point. The water here is very shallow even at high tide, so stick to the deepest water.
