Posted on by VP Communications

February 6, 2025 Newsletter

We had an incredible showing at ErgSprints this last weekend! Please see our Instagram or Facebook posts to celebrate our hard working athletes!

1. PRACTICE BUS TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
2. NEW ATHLETES: REQUIRED SWIM TEST ON FEB 8 OR FEB 15
3. ON-THE-WATER MEETING, WED, FEB 12, 7p IN CAFE B
4. MAVERICK ROWING, FEB 15
5. *UPDATED* LOTS OF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
6. PLEASE REGISTER BEFORE WE GO ON-THE-WATER
7. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

ACTION ITEMS

1. PRACTICE BUS TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
Despite best efforts, the Board has not found a financially viable option for a practice bus this season. We understand the burden this places on some families and are truly sorry that our efforts have not yielded a workable solution. Since we have not had a volunteer step up to coordinate efforts, we highly recommend affected families begin coordinating carpool efforts. The #carpool channel on Slack is a great place to start that coordination, especially if you are new to the team. If you have questions or would like to assist in carpool coordination, please reach out to Maz, our V.P. of Activities at [email protected].

2. NEW ATHLETES: REQUIRED SWIM TEST ON FEB 8 OR FEB 15
The next two swim tests are scheduled for February 8 and February 15. All athletes must pass a swim test once with Woodson Rowing in order to participate in on-the-water practices. If you’ve never done a swim test with us before, sign up here: Winter Swim Tests.

3. ON-THE-WATER MEETING, WED, FEB 12, 7p IN CAFE B
The Board is hosting an on-the-water meeting in the evening on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:00pm in Cafe B at Woodson. Join us to learn what to expect once the competitive regatta season starts. We will share important information for novice and returning parents alike. Athletes are welcome to attend. Board representatives and coaches will be on hand to answer questions. If you cannot attend, we will share a link to the slides following the meeting. Stay tuned to Slack for updates regarding the impact of potential weather next week.

4. MAVERICK ROWING, FEB 15
There is still space in the Maverick Rowing event Feb 15th, so sign up now! Since we would still like to give as many people an opportunity to participate as possible, we continue to ask that you first sign up for only one of the hour-long slots. As was the case for the January 18 event, once we get closer to the date and see how many rowers are registered, we will open it up for rowers to sign up for the second hour as space permits. Cost to participate is $20 – a link will be sent for payment closer to the date. Sign Up here: Maverick Rowing Sign Up Genius

5. *UPDATED* LOTS OF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We highly recommend you jump into volunteering early as it makes it easier to meet your volunteer requirements for the season and gives new families the opportunity to meet returning families! The team tracks participation by assigning “credits” each time a family or athlete volunteers. Failure to meet your volunteer credits by the end of the season will result in a $200 per credit charge. If you want to learn more about volunteering with Woodson Rowing, please visit our website at: www.woodsonrowing.org/volunteering.

A. *RESCHEDULED* BOATHOUSE WORK DAY, FEB 22
Due to potential bad weather on Saturday, we have rescheduled the boathouse work day to Saturday, February 22. We had to cancel the associated Green Day because we will be in an FCPS-designated time period when Green Days are not allowed. If you previously signed up for the Feb 8 work day and are still available, you don’t need to do anything. Just show up on the 22nd! If you are no longer free to help on that day, please remove yourself from the sign up genius. Sign up or modify your sign up here: Boathouse Workday.

    B. VASRA WORKDAYS: 2/22, 3/01, 3/08, 3/15
    Please review the sign up genius and sign up for slots based on your availability. You should be willing to get dirty and wet – but no experience required. Don’t forget to indicate that you are representing the Woodson Rowing team. Note: Athletes are encouraged to sign up for these workdays. You will receive school volunteering credits for participating! Remember, as a team, each family should strive to complete AT LEAST one VASRA shift per season (you might find you do more because they can be really fun and informative). Get started now!

      C. *NEW* REQUIRED VASRA REGATTA VOLUNTEERING
      We are required to provide volunteers for the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA) jobs at the Regattas in which we participate.  Each family should strive to do at least 1 shift per season. There are several dates, times, and locations within the park ~ all shifts on this signup take place before/during the regattas held at Sandy Run, 10450 Van Thompson Road, Fairfax Station. Many of these jobs are very exciting and give you a front row seat to all the action! Get the cream of the crop assignments by signing up early here: 2025 VASRA Regatta Tasks

        D. FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS ARE COMING BACK IN APRIL!
        The team enjoys pre-regatta dinners each Friday night during the season. This season, we will be holding all of our dinners at the Woodson high School Cafeteria. We need parents to help with picking up a meal order, setting up/serving dinner & cleaning up. This is a great time to see the camaraderie of our team grow! Sign up here: Friday Night Dinner Volunteering

        6. PLEASE REGISTER BEFORE WE GO ON-THE-WATER
        If you haven’t yet, please register now! Review the registration portion of the website to learn more. Still have questions? Reach out to our membership team at [email protected].


        7. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
        This calendar is constantly updated as events are added. Scroll here for a quick rundown of what’s up and coming. Where relevant and/or available, links are provided for more information. You can also see a visual representation of our calendar on our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/

        Graphics of our various schedules can be found at the links below:
        Winter Conditioning (October through February)
        On-The-Water Practice (late February through May)
        2025 Regatta Schedule (March through May)

        Other important dates: 

        FEBRUARY:

        MARCH:

        APRIL

        MAY

        WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

        RECRUITMENT:

        Direct interested athletes and their parents to our interest form or have them send an email to our membership team at: [email protected].

        STAY UP TO DATE: Join the newsletter by sending an email to [email protected] or view the newsletter archives on our website.

        INTERESTED IN SPONSORING WOODSON ROWING?

        Visit our Sponsorship Page or contact Woodson Rowing Fundraising.

        Can’t sponsor but want to donate?Check out our Donors page for instructions and information on how your donations benefit our team!

        NEED SWAG?

        There are many ways for you to shop and benefit the team all while sporting your support! See our Spirit Wear Page for more info!

        VIEW AND UPLOAD PHOTOS: Visit our Woodson Rowing photos page for more information on how you can help protect our legacy with photographs!

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