Regatta Frequently Asked Questions

Rowers (Planning and Things to Bring)

When to Show Up?

● If you are a bowperson or 1x rower you need to be at the Coaches & Coxswains meeting at 6:45 AM sharp, right outside of our boathouse. 

● If you are not a bowperson or 1x rower you need to be feet on the ground, dressed, and ready to go 90 minutes before your scheduled race time (example: race time is 10:30 AM, you need to be ready to go at 9:00 AM)

Rowers: What to Bring?

  • Unisuit if you have one

  • Long-sleeved shirt for layering

  • Leggings

  • Crocs/footwear for launching

  • Minimum 2 pairs of dry socks

  • Fleece or hooded sweatshirt

  • Sweats or other warm pants

  • Complete change of clothes for after the race

  • Warm hat, hat with visor

  • Polarized sunglasses

  • Blanket

  • Money – if you intend to purchase a regatta t-shirt

  • Entertainment: homework, phone, books, cards, etc. 

Families (Planning and Things to Bring)

Go early and plan to stay all day

Parking is limited. Be prepared to walk longer distances if you arrive later in the day.

Rowers are expected to be there 90 minutes prior to race start and stay until the boats are put away at the end of the day. After most regattas, rowers are also expected to help put the boats back on the racks on the trailer that same day.

Dress for All Types of Weather

Regardless of the time of year, regatta days can encompass all types of weather. The better you prepare, the more you’ll enjoy the day. Mornings are almost always cold and sometimes the soggy start of a long day of standing in rain. Bring waterproof layers. Bring a hat and a good pair of sunglasses – if the sun does come out you’ll be looking at water and the reflection can be very strong. You can never bring too many clothes (at least until you learn about your own cold and damp tolerance).

Bring Everything You Might Need

At most regattas, there is no store nearby. Bring whatever personal items you might need, including your favorite snacks and a thermos of coffee. Restrooms are often port-a-potties so come prepared with toilet paper and hand sanitizer if you prefer.

How to Watch the Races

You can look for the printout near the whiteboard in our boathouse to find race times. Your rower will walk with their boat down to the launch area at least an hour before the race. This can be a good time to take photos, but be careful to not get too near the boats and rowers as it can create confusion.

For the next 45-60 minutes their boat will be off in the distance beyond what you can usually see.

You will probably need binoculars to see the boats as they come down the course until the last 500 meters or so.

Be sure to cheer them on, they can still hear us across the water!

What to do the rest of the day

Regattas can be very long days. A good way to pass the time is to volunteer with the food tent or socialize with other parents. We need help with set-up and tear down, with food prep and service, and there is cleaning up all day long.

Bring a chair and blanket to stay warm and off your feet while you pass the time. Don’t forget snacks and water! 

Items to Bring With you

  • Rain gear (including an umbrella)

  • Layers of clothing

  • Warm hat

  • Comfortable walking shoes and/or waterproof shoes or boots

  • Binoculars

  • Camera

  • Chair

  • Snacks and beverages

  • Water bottle

  • Blankets

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses

  • Little Hotties foot and hand warmers

Race Day Things to Know

Boathouse and Ramp 

- The boat prep and launch areas can get very congested. These are meant for coaches and rowers who are rigging or de-rigging boats and getting ready for races. Please use caution if you need to go through this area. 

Pre-Race 

- Please give your athlete(s) and their coaches space to prep for the upcoming race. Boat meetings, gear checks, and race plan reviews are all times when the athletes and coaches need to focus. 

Post-Race 

- Please allow the athletes to return their boats to the boathouse and complete their post-race meeting. 

Race Day Emotions 

- Emotions run high on race day, when athletes have several races in a day they can experience several ups and downs within a short period of time. 

- Regardless of how the race went there are times when an athlete will need to vent or express themselves immediately after a race. 

- If your athlete is particularly upset after a race this is a good time to take a moment. You can revisit with your athlete once they have had a little time to process and then follow up with a coach after race day if you need to. Unless it is an immediate health or safety concern it is important to let the coaches continue running the regatta for the other rowers on the team.