One of the great things about rowing in high school is that almost NO ONE has done it before high school! That means a level playing field, so to speak, for first-time (aka novice) rowing athletes. One of the not-great-things about rowing in high school is that almost NO ONE has done it, so you don’t always know what to expect.
The information below was crafted by parent Cindy Tomlinson at the end of her daughter’s novice season (Spring 2024). We hope that this compilation of tips is helpful as you and your athlete embark upon joining us at Woodson Rowing!
At the end of last year’s season, my first as a rower’s parent, I realized that there were a lot of things I wish I had known when the season started. So in between driving to practices and regattas, I started a list that I hope will be helpful to new families (and returning ones as well).
So here it goes, in no particular order:
1. Your rower will be hungry, sore, tired, sweaty, and wet. Not necessarily in that order, and to varying degrees of intensity, depending on the day.
You will also be hungry, sore, tired, sweaty, and wet, depending on the day.
2. Read every email that gets sent. During the racing season, those emails are going to come fast and furious, but they contain a lot of of useful information that you don’t want to miss.
3. One of the lessons I learned is not to make plans ahead of time on Saturdays during the racing season. The race schedule isn’t posted until the night before, so for us, it is just better to not make plans at all. (This is a hard thing for me to do — I like to plan ahead — but it turns out that the best plan is to not have a plan until the schedule comes out.)
4. Make sure your rower has layers upon layers to race and practice in. Last year it was cold and wet pretty much the whole season. Buy all of the suggested gear — the weather jacket, the leggings, the long sleeve shirts, wool socks, hand warmers, you name it.
5. As a spectator, you also need to be prepared for all types of weather. Last year was cold and wet. So make sure you also have layers, hand warmers, wool socks, and hot chocolate. Personal note, the hot chocolate served at the regattas at Sandy Run is surprisingly delicious!
6. Follow VASRA (@VASRA_SRRP) on Twitter for live race updates and results. (Note: the cell service at Sandy Run can be pretty spotty, but this is a great way to know when your rower is on the water — you don’t want to miss them go by!)
7. The walk to the grandstand at Sandy Run is a literal hike. When it rains, it is muddy and can be slippery. Take your time and watch your step.
8. A note about getting to regattas at Sandy Run: you will have to park at an off-site parking lot, and pay $15 for a roundtrip shuttle to Sandy Run. From there, you can either walk (see previous bullet), or take another shuttle ($5 each way) down to a paved walkway that will take you to the grandstand. Note that this paved walkway does require walking up and down a hill, but it’s close and easier to navigate than the trail. My advice? Go to a race before you bring anyone who may have mobility issues so you can see for yourself.
9. The grandstand is concrete. Bring a cushion or a “stadium chair”.
10. Sign up to volunteer early. It’s a great way to meet other parents and to get your volunteer credits.
11. Opt in to the Slack channel, and get into the habit of checking multiple times a day (Slack’s notification settings are not fantastic so you’ll need to check often so you don’t miss anything).
12. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. All of us were “new to rowing” parents at some point, and we probably had the same questions you do.
13. Be prepared to do a lot of driving. (Here is where I make a not-so-shameless plug for as many people as possible to sign up for the practice bus.* I know it sounds like a lot of money, and as a parent you’ll have to ride the bus at least one time during the season, and it may only be four days a week so you’ll still have to figure out a carpool for Fridays, but trust me when I tell you: it will be worth it.) (And here is where I give a great big shout-out of “Thank you” to our fantastic carpool group from last year! We literally could not have done it without you.)
14. And one last thing, if your rower is worried about joining without knowing anyone else, please assure them that they will make friends. Quickly.
If you have any other questions (or if experienced parents have other things to add to the list), please feel free to reach out to me via Slack or at [email protected].
*Unless we find someone who is certified to drive a FCPS school bus. Are you qualified? Do you know anyone who is? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, please send an email to: [email protected].