Rowing Basics

Links for Basic Sport/Regatta Information

The following links may be helpful in learning more about the sport:

Basic Rowing Terms, posted on the US Rowing website

Excellent glossary of rowing terms, for a sport that is full of interesting language.

Regatta Central is THE place to find information on the upcoming races. The links provided on the Race Registration Page will lead you to the regatta pages where complete information is available. From the main regatta page you can find links to heat sheets (ie. which races will have which rowers and at what time), race times, venue information, directions to the site, parking information and more. Reviewing this information prior to race morning makes for a more organized and smoother day. You can often also find a link for the Coaches & Coxswains meeting for the regatta if a virtual link is available.

Here Now is one of the sites some regattas use to post race results

US Rowing Safety Video is a video all rowers should watch at the start of each season.

Races

Fall Regattas

In the fall, races are typically 4000-6000 meters long and are called Head Races. Head Races consist of boats going one at a time with a specific amount of time between them. It is very difficult to tell who is winning because everybody starts at different times. The winner is only clear once result times are posted.

Link to Pay for Regattas: Click here

Expectations for Regatta Attendance

Late afternoon/evening prior to the race day(s): Boat trailer(s) arrive at the site. Rowers are expected to arrive at a similar time to unload and rig the boats in preparation for the next day.

Morning of: Coaches and rowers arrive at a set time (typically 2 hours prior to the first race) for a team meeting, to review any lineup changes, and to check boats.

During the day: The tent is a “home base” for the team (ie. competitors) during the day. Between races the athletes and coaches grab a snack, hydrate, assist other rowers and rest. Rowers should bring food and beverages to stay nourished and hydrated throughout the day.

We also encourage all to cheer teammates on during their races. It is a real motivator for the rowers at that final stretch of the race!

After all races are completed: All rowers remain and help de-rig boats and load and secure them onto the trailer. Everyone is responsible to ensure the site is clean prior to departure. Only once all tasks are complete, rowers are allowed to leave.

Weather note: Rain doesn't usually delay racing, but lightning will. Once lightning is detected, we have to have 20 min with no local lightning before racing resumes. To do that, everyone has to be there to complete races with full race lineups! Expect delays if lightning becomes a factor at a regatta.

What to Bring

Dress appropriately for the weather.

For Spectators

Layers are best. Don’t forget hats (sun or winter) and gloves, as weather dictates. Comfortable shoes are important because regattas can involve lots of walking – to and from the boats, parking lots, and the tents along the courses.

Items spectators might want to bring:

  • Chairs

  • Beverages

  • Sunglasses and Sunscreen

  • Binoculars

  • Cameras

  • Umbrella (for rain or sun) / Rain Gear / Boots / Towels

  • Portable phone charger

  • Cash. There are typically vendor tents with food and race merch available for purchase. Race t-shirts are very popular among the rowers.

  • Team Spirit!

For Rowers:

  • Have everything you need for the day on-site with you when you arrive in the morning. This includes food and beverage. Don't race without proper fuel and hydration. Healthy snacks for the day and good pre-race snacks are important.

  • Layers are best. It can be cool in the morning and very warm by the afternoon

  • Uniforms and appropriate water attire

  • Reusable water bottle (plastic is better for the boats than metal)

  • Extra clothing/jacket/dry socks!!! A change of clothes is always a good idea.

  • Shoes: crocs, slides or easy to take off shoes for launch dock and wet weather

  • Rain Gear / Boots (check the weather…these are very useful when raining)

  • Chair

  • Sunglasses and Sunscreen

  • Baseball cap/visor (optional items to be worn during races)

  • Beverages and race-appropriate snacks/breakfast/lunch

  • Team spirit!

Optional items:

  • Waterproof gear bag (any travel bag will do, but some races are a soggy, wet mess and bags do get soaked).

  • Tent or sunshade for hot or sunny races

Gear

The team will post links here for team gear ordering at specific times throughout the year.

The order deadline for Fall 2022 unisuits has passed.

Boathouse optional gear deadline is August 8. Click here to view/order optional team gear.