Updates for athletes, parents, and supporters of Woodson Rowing
⚡ ACTION ITEMS
A few quick things to jump on right away:
- Silent Auction: Commit by October 24. [Sign Up →] HERE
- Tag Day: October 25. [Sign Up →] HERE
- Craft Show: October 31 & November 1. [Sign Up →] HERE
💬 In this issue: recruiting help, fall event reminders, volunteering info, and winter training updates.
1. HELP US FIND OUR FUTURE ROWERS!
Let’s face it — “Green Days” sounds more like a band than a rowing event. But they’re actually one of our best recruitment tools! These sessions give new athletes a relaxed chance to try rowing and returning athletes a way to get back in rhythm. Plus, they’re a lot more fun than winter erging (sorry, erg loyalists).
Because rowing is still a new sport to many high schoolers, our team grows mainly through word-of-mouth. That’s where you come in!
💬 Talk to friends, classmates, and neighbors — and invite them to try a Green Day! After today, there are only 6 left, so let’s fill those boats while we can!
2. SUCCESSFUL PARENT LEARN-TO-ROW
We raised $500 for the team — and some parents now have a whole new respect for what our athletes do after our 2nd annual Parent Learn-to-Row!
Thank you to our nine brave guinea pigs (ahem volunteers) for jumping in. We hope to make this an annual tradition that brings families closer — and maybe recruits a few new fans of the sport along the way!
3. REGISTER YOUR ATHLETE FOR AN EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Registration for the 2026 Woodson Rowing season opened on October 1, 2025!
Sign up before December 31 to snag the $25 early bird discount.
Visit woodsonrowing.org/registration for details, or email our membership team at [email protected] with any questions.
🕊️ Save money now — thank yourself later!
4. SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Need a little help with registration costs?
The Occoquan Boat Club (OBC) Julia Shew Memorial Rowing Scholarship offers awards of up to $1,000 for eligible athletes.
Learn more and apply here: rowobc.org/home/scholarships
5. UNDERSTANDING VOLUNTEERING REQUIREMENTS
It takes a village — and a few volunteer credits!
Each family is asked to complete 5 volunteer credits per season. Any unfulfilled credits will be assessed at $200 per credit at the end of the season.
But we hope you’ll see these hours not as a checkbox, but as a chance to meet other families, share laughs, and be part of something bigger than race day.
Generally, 1 shift = 1 credit, unless otherwise noted on Sign Up Genius.
👉 Find current volunteer opportunities here.
If nothing fits your schedule yet, don’t worry — more opportunities are coming as the season ramps up (regattas, Friday dinners, and more!).
Questions? Contact Lisa, our Volunteer Coordinator.
6. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR FORMS
Paperwork time!
Even if you haven’t registered yet, please make sure all forms are submitted before Tag Days and the start of the season.
Visit woodsonrowing.org/physicals-and-required-documents-for-rowers to find the three required FCPS transportation forms.
📧 Email completed forms to [email protected].
7. ERG RENTAL RETURN – SATURDAY, OCT 18
Time to bring those ergs home! Please return your rented erg on Saturday, Oct 18, from 9–10 a.m. at the erg shed behind the school (near the senior parking lot) so we can prep for winter conditioning.
8. EARLY MORNING LIFTING & GREEN DAYS
Early Morning Lifting
Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 a.m. at Woodson (enter through Door 4).
All athletes must have a valid sports physical on file before participating.
Green Days Continue!
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 4:45–6:45 p.m. at Sandy Run Regional Park.
These relaxed, out-of-season sessions let coaches instruct student athletes in a low-pressure environment.
New athletes should start on a Tuesday for a full orientation before joining any day that fits their schedule.
Learn more in our Green Days FAQ.
9. STAY CONNECTED ON SLACK
Slack is how we share quick updates, weather changes, and team logistics. It’s like texting — but more organized!
Parent/Guardian Slack:
Join for updates, carpool coordination, and team chatter.
To join, email [email protected] with:
1️⃣ Your name
2️⃣ Your email address
3️⃣ Your athlete’s full name
You’ll then receive an invitation from Slack.
Coach/Athlete Slack:
Coaches will ensure athletes are added. If your athlete isn’t yet on Slack, remind them to tell a coach at Green Days or lifting.
Note: Athletes must use a non-FCPS email address.
10. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
Mark your calendars!
Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming up.
(Full, regularly updated calendar available here.)
OCTOBER
- Green Days — Tues/Wed/Thurs through Oct 23
- Sat, Oct 18: Erg rental return & service work day
- Thu, Oct 23: Final Green Day, 4:45p
- Sat, Oct 25: 1st Tag Day
- Fri, Oct 31: Craft Show setup, 5–7p
NOVEMBER
- Sat, Nov 1: 32nd Annual Craft Show, 10a–4p
- Fri, Nov 7: Football concessions volunteering
- Sat, Nov 8: Winterize boats & boathouse workday (details TBD)
DECEMBER
- Mon, Dec 1: Winter Conditioning begins
- Winter Break: Optional weight lifting (details TBD)
FEBRUARY 2026
- Mon, Feb 23: First day of practice, 4:15–6:45p (Woodson Cafeteria B)
- Tue, Feb 24: First on-the-water practice, 4:15–6:45p (Sandy Run)
STAY INVOLVED
Recruitment: Keep spreading the word! Encourage students and parents to visit woodsonrowing.org or email [email protected] to learn more.
Newsletter & Archives:
Join the mailing list by emailing [email protected] or read past editions on our website.
Sponsorships:
Interested in supporting the team? Visit woodsonrowing.org/sponsors or contact [email protected].
Team Swag:
Show your spirit! Shop our Woodson Rowing spirit wear and support the team.
Photos:
Take a trip down memory lane — check out our team photos online!
Follow Us on Social Media
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
🐦 X / Twitter
See you on the water!
Let’s make this season one to remember — together as athletes, families, and a community.