Upcoming events.

Swiftwater Sprints Regatta
Mar
23

Swiftwater Sprints Regatta

Get Ready for Swiftwater Sprints 2025!

Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Time: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Jensen Point, 8900 SW Harbor Drive, Vashon Island, WA 98070

Vashon Island Rowing Club is proud to host the first annual Swiftwater Sprints Regatta, formerly known as the Burton Beach Invitational. With 55 entries and teams traveling in from across the region, Swiftwater Sprints is on track to become one of the largest junior regattas in the Pacific Northwest outside of USRowing’s Northwest Youth Championships.

This regatta is not only a chance for our athletes to race hard and represent their island—it’s a full-day community event celebrating grit, sportsmanship, and the power of teamwork.

🚗 Parking & Arrival Info

Please note: No parking is allowed inside Jensen Point Park, except for referees.

  • Limited parking is available at Camp Burton.

  • Additional parking can be found along the loop road.

  • Carpooling and drop-offs are strongly encouraged to ease congestion.

 

Shuttle Options

🚌 Shuttle Info – Making Parking Easier!

Parking at Jensen Point is limited, so we’re thrilled to offer shuttle service to help get you to and from the regatta with less stress.

Big thanks to Sawbones and First Student for supporting this effort!

Shuttles will meet select ferry arrivals at Tahlequah (from Pt. Defiance) and the Vashon North End Dock (from Fauntleroy), and transport spectators and athletes to Jensen Point. Return shuttles will run throughout the afternoon to connect back with ferry departures.

Pro tip: Ride the ferry, hop the shuttle, and skip the parking scramble!

🚻 Bathrooms & Changing

  • There will be 8 portable toilets on-site in addition to the park bathrooms.

  • Please do not use park bathrooms for changing.

  • A designated changing tent is available in the boathouse, located in the back of the small boat bay.

Important: No nut products are allowed in the boathouse. If you bring snacks with nuts, please wash your hands with soap and water before entering.

📱 Communication During the Regatta

Stay in the loop! QR codes will be posted in the boathouse and food tent linking to:

  • The VIRC Team Regatta WhatsApp group

  • The Swiftwater Sprints Regatta WhatsApp group
    These channels will be used to share real-time updates about race changes, delays, scratches, and more. We ask for your patience as our volunteers work hard to keep the day flowing smoothly.

👟 Rowers – What to Know & Bring

  • All rowers and coxswains must arrive by 7:00 AM, or 90 minutes before their race, whichever is earlier.

  • Athletes in early races (MU19 1x, WU19 4x, MU17 2x, MU15 4x+, WU17 1x) should arrive by 6:30 AM.

  • Coaches & Coxswains Meeting: Friday, March 21 at 6:30 PM via Zoom:
    Zoom Link »

What to Bring:

  • Racing unisuit or team t-shirt + black bottoms

  • Team long sleeve or black base layer

  • Warm layers (fleece, hoodie, long leggings, hat)

  • Crocs or launch-friendly footwear

  • At least 4 pairs of dry socks

  • Blanket, sunscreen, sunglasses

  • Complete change of clothes for after racing

  • Money for snacks or a Swiftwater Sprints tee

  • Homework and phone

  • Keep your bags neat and out of walkways. No bags near doors or fire extinguishers.

Guests with questions can be directed to a coach. For general regatta questions, Coach Delany is your go-to.

🧍‍♀️ Families – What to Know & Bring

  • Plan to stay all day. Expect a full schedule and limited parking—arrive early or be ready to walk.

  • Dress for anything. Regatta weather is unpredictable—bring layers, rain gear, and umbrellas.

  • Bring what you need:

    • Snacks, coffee, water

    • Toilet paper and hand sanitizer (just in case)

    • Binoculars, camera, folding chair, warm blankets

Watching the races:

  • Printed race schedules will be available at the food tent.

  • Athletes launch at least one hour before their race, so that’s your window to cheer them on and snap photos (from a respectful distance—please stay off the beach during launch and recovery).

  • You’ll need binoculars to spot the boats on the course until the final stretch—be sure to cheer loudly, they can hear you across the water!

💙 Hosting Etiquette & Emotional Support

  • Our ramp and boathouse will be very busy. Please don’t block entrances or interfere with athlete movement.

  • Give athletes space before and after races—coaches will be reviewing strategy and feedback.

  • Emotions run high on race day. Whether races go great or not-so-great, let your rower process and vent respectfully. Encourage sportsmanship and positivity at all times.

  • If needed, step away to regroup and follow up with coaches after the event unless it’s an urgent issue.

Scratches & Schedule Changes:
Sometimes boats are scratched due to safety, illness, weather, or athlete readiness. This isn’t personal and is always done with safety in mind. Thank you for your understanding.

We’re so excited to host the first-ever Swiftwater Sprints Regatta and to welcome teams and families from all over the Northwest.

See you on the water!
— The VIRC Team

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