Welcome to our first regatta of the season!
This edition is your go-to guide for race day—read through and plan ahead to avoid race-day stress.
Weather is expected to be sunny, but the grandstands are exposed—bring layers.
What matters most:
💪 VASRA Waiver due TODAY (3/19) — required to race
🙋Volunteer slots are FULL — thank you! If you can’t fulfill your shift, contact Lisa Veigel ASAP to arrange coverage.
🔗 KEY LINKS
👉 Regatta Central (schedule & entries)
👉 VASRA (results & updates)
👉 @VASRA_SRRP (follow for real time updates)
🖇️New to Rowing? Start here:
🐻❄️POLAR BEAR REGATTA, 3/21
Woodson will race 5 varsity boats between ~9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Final race times will be released tonight or tomorrow and shared via Slack (likely by Friday practice).
🚣🏽ATHLETE ATTENDANCE
- Varsity: arrive 2 hours before race
- Novices: attend + scrimmage after regatta (timing via Slack)
- Coxswains: must attend coxswain meeting
Lineups will be posted on Slack (and social media) once finalized.
🚗 SPECTATOR PARKING (READ THIS)
There is NO spectator parking at Sandy Run.
⏱️ Build in extra time — traffic and lines are common
Step 1: Drop off athletes at Sandy Run.
Step 2: Park at offsite commuter lot:
📍 1325 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge
Step 3: Take shuttle to venue
💵 Shuttle cost: $10 each way ($20 total), cash preferred.
🎽Athletes in uniform can ride the shuttle for free
⌚Shuttles run starting at 7:00 AM and continue until 1 hour after the last race.
Step 4: From Lot C to Grandstand
🚶Walk: Unpaved and hilly, take approx. 20 min
🚕Shuttle van: $5 each way ($10 total), cash is preferred.
🚘 ONSITE PARKING
Onsite parking is limited and not available to spectators.
- Handicapped: Lot C (left after gated entry)
- Athletes: Loisvale Lot. Plan for the short hike to the boathouse. If full, proceed to the commuter lot.
⚠️ Important: According to VASRA, if spectators are in the car, you should expect to be directed to drop-off only. Spectators will be required to take the vehicle to offsite parking. Plan accordingly to avoid delays or issues on arrival.
- Volunteers: Lot D (right after gated entry)
- Coaches: Lot D (display hangtag)
- Staff/LOC/Referees: Lot B (paved lot closest to the water)
🍔FOOD
- Athletes: snacks provided; pack extra if needed
- Spectators: concession stand available
- Bring cash (Wi-Fi is unreliable)
Concession menus: https://www.vasra.org/regattas/concessions-menu
🎉SPECTATOR TIPS AND CHEERING
🪑Woodson families try to sit together as a team. Look for the swag to know where to sit. Bring folding chairs or blankets because the grandstands are concrete.
📣When a Woodson boat goes down the course on their way to the start, all the parents yell “HEY, WOODSON!” at once. We will know that the kids hear us when a coxswain or rowers take a moment to wave at us.
🛜Do not expect reliable wi-fi service. It is spotty at best.
👕DON’T FORGET YOUR SPIRIT WEAR!
Show your support and benefit our team: Woodson Rowing Spirit Wear
🌊 STAY INVOLVED
Recruitment • Sponsors • Spirit Wear • Photos
Follow Us:
📸 Instagram | 📘 Facebook | 🐦 X
💭 QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Racing is life. Everything else is just waiting.”
— Steve McQueen