Woodson will race 9 boats between ~10:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Expect a lot of downtime between races—plan accordingly.
Some athletes will race multiple times, and there will be both heats and finals for most boats.
Heats = preliminary races that determine advancement
Finals = later races based on heat results
Flights = single, stand-alone races (no advancement)
The final schedule and the coaches’ cheat sheet will be shared via Slack when available.
🚣🏽ATHLETE ATTENDANCE
Rowers: arrive 2 hours before race
Coxswains: must attend coxswain meeting
Athletes should plan to stay for the full duration of racing, including finals, unless told otherwise by coaches.
Lineups will be posted on Slack (and social media) once finalized.
☀️ Heat Reminder:
It will be a long, hot day. Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. The team will have a cooling station at the boathouse to help keep you cool.
🚗 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 location (UPDATED): 📍 South County High School 8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Step 3: Take shuttle to venue 💵 $10 each way ($20 total), cash preferred. 🎽Athletes in uniform ride free ⌚Shuttles run from 7:00 AM until 1 hour after the last race
Step 4: From Lot C to Grandstand 🚶Walk: Unpaved and hilly (~20 minutes) 🚕Shuttle van: $5 each way, cash is preferred.
🚘 ONSITE PARKING
Onsite parking is limited and not available to spectators.
Handicapped: Lot C (left after gated entry)
Athletes: Loisvale Lot (short walk to the boathouse; if full, park offsite)
⚠️ Important: If spectators are in the car, you should expect to be directed to drop-off only. Spectators will be required to park offsite. Plan accordingly to avoid delays.
Volunteers: Lot D (right after gated entry)
Coaches: Lot D (display hangtag)
Staff/LOC/Referees: Lot B (paved lot closest to the water)
The Ryz Obuchowicz Regatta is named in honor of Ryszard “Ryz” Obuchowicz, a longtime supporter of scholastic rowing in our region.
Ryz began as a parent volunteer and went on to become a highly respected referee, clinician, and leader within the rowing community. He played a key role in organizing and supporting regattas across the DC/Baltimore area and was deeply committed to growing the sport at the high school level.
He passed away in 2014, and this regatta honors the lasting impact he had on the rowing community.
💭 QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential.”
This scrimmage is a great opportunity to watch racing up close. Instead of grandstands, spectators stand right at the water’s edge—making it easy to see the action and connect with other Woodson families.
This regatta is a great opportunity to watch racing up close. Instead of grandstands, spectators stand right at the water’s edge—making it easy to see the action and connect with other Woodson families.
📍 Location: Rodney Point 560 Noxontown Road Townsend, DE 19734Plan for the Day
🚗 Depart Fairfax area around 7:00 AM
👕 Athletes: dress for practice
🚣 Practice: 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM
🏁 Racing: ~1:00 – 3:00 PM
ATHLETE REMINDERS
Bring plenty of water (no potable water onsite)
Bring a sunscreen
Pack a portable phone charger and items for downtime between practice and racing
Bring anything you personally need for a full day outside
More details: see the regatta page above.
🏨 LODGING OR DRIVE SAME DAY?
This is a personal decision—families do both. The venue is about 2.5 hours from Woodson, and Middletown, DE (3 miles away) has the closest lodging options.
📸 PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Thank you to everyone capturing photos and videos—these are incredibly valuable to the team!
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)
🪑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.
Welcome to a special edition newsletter as we head into Day 2 of the Virginia State Rowing Championships! We will have 4 boats competing this weekend: the WJr4+, W1V, M1V, W2V and M2V. We are so proud of your hard work all season and can’t wait to watch you race! #pullforwoodson!
1. FINAL TEAM DINNER FOR ALL ATHLETES
2. VSRC DAY 2 VOLUNTEERS
3. VSRC DAY 2 LOGISTICS A. ATTENDANCE B. TIMING C. OFF-SITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS D. SHUTTLE SPECIFICS E. ONSITE PARKING F. CONCESSIONS
4. PLEASE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
5. STOTESBURY REGISTRATION AND FORMS DEADLINE: TOMORROW!!
6. LOTS OF VOLUNTEERING NEEDS!
7. ALREADY PLANNING FOR THE OFF-SEASON? A. RENT-AN-ERG B. BUY-AN-ERG C. GET YOUR SCHOOL PHYSICAL OUT OF THE WAY
8. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
SUPPORT THE TEAM!
1. FINAL TEAM DINNER FOR ALL ATHLETES The menu for our Friday team dinner is Wegman’s catering! On the menu: Roasted quartered chicken, lemon chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, green beans, and green salad with veggies. Dessert: assorted cookies, fresh fruit, and GF fruit snacks. Please encourage ALL athletes to attend dinner and support the junior boats before States!
2. VSRC DAY 2 VOLUNTEERS All volunteer slots for this weekend are full. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! Gentle reminder that if you sign up, you’re expected to volunteer. If it is a regatta weekend and you are unable to fulfill your duties, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Veigel, so that she can try to help you find a replacement for your shift.
3. VSRC DAY 2 LOGISTICS It’s championship season! Day 2 of the Virginia State Rowing Championships (VSRC) (aka “States”) is this Saturday at Sandy Run Regional Park. Student-athletes know which category they are racing in for States. Line up questions should be directed to your coach.
A. ATTENDANCE: The following boats will race this weekend: WJr4+, 1Vs and 2Vs. While no novice boats row at this regatta, novice athletes are highly encouraged to attend.
B. TIMING: The draft Heat Sheet is available. You can find it here: VSRC Day 2 Heat Sheet. Remember that the heat times are subject to change up until race day, so keep an eye out for the cheat sheet from coaches for more concise start times.
As of right now, our boats are racing at the following times: WJr4+: Event 9, 9:56a, Heat 2, Lane 4. Top 3 advance to finals. W1V: Event 17, 10:52a, Heat 1, Lane 4. Top 2 to Grand Final, next 2 to Petite Final. M1V: Event 21, 11:20a, Heat 2, Lane 2. Top 2 to Grand Final, next 2 to Petite Final. W2V: Event 27, Heat 3, lane 4. Top 2 to advance to finals. M2V: Event 28, Heat 1, Lane 1. Top 3 advance to finals.
You might notice some differences in the 1V descriptions above re: advancement to finals. Since this is a championship regatta, the top 12 boats in the 1V category will race twice to determine placement from 1-12. The Grand Final is the top 6 boats while the Petite Final represents places 7-12.
The finals schedule is as follows: WJr4+: Event 32, 1:37p W2V: Event 38, 2:37p M2V: Event 39, 2:47p M1V Petite Final: Event 44, 3:22p M1V Grand Final: Event 45. 3:29p W1V Petite Final: Event 46, 3:36p W1V Grand Final: Event 47, 3:43p
C. OFF-SITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS: There is no spectator/visitor parking at Sandy Run. Off-site parking is located at a local commuter parking lot for this regatta. Parents driving athletes can drop off at Sandy Run and then proceed to the off-site parking located at: SOUTH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, 8501 Silverbrook Rd., Lorton, VA 22079
D. SHUTTLE SPECIFICS: Shuttle buses will run between South County High School and Lot C at Sandy Run. The cost of the shuttles is $10 ONE WAY ($20 round trip). Cash is preferred. You may pay for each leg OR purchase a round-trip ticket when you board. Should you purchase a round-trip ticket, please retain the ticket for the return trip or you risk being asked to pay a one-way fare on the way back.
E. ONSITE PARKING: Onsite parking is limited to the groups below only. There is no fee for these groups to park at Sandy Run.
ATHLETES: Loisvale Lot. Plan for the 10 minute walk to the boathouse! Athletes are highly encouraged to carpool with other athletes. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGE IN POLICY FROM PREVIOUS YEARS: Athletes driving themselves may drive solo, but are not allowed to park onsite with any non-athlete passengers, unless there is at least one additional athlete in the car as well.
VOLUNTEERS: Lot D.
COACHES: Lot D. Please display your green coach hangtag.
STAFF / LOC: Lot B, second row from the back.
HANDICAPPED: Lot C, as designated. It is requested that you contact [email protected] prior to the regatta to ensure all accommodations can be met.
F. CONCESSIONS : Remember that the concession stands, both at the grandstand and at VASRA HQ (by the boathouses), serve up a full menu of food and drinks. They also sell shirts! Interested in purchasing items? Remember to bring cash to make your life easier. Money collected during regattas at the concession stand is used to offset expenses that would be passed down to the teams.Find concession menus on the VASRA website here: https://www.vasra.org/regattas/concessions-menu
Get ready to PULL FOR WOODSON this weekend and we will see the student-athletes at the pre-regatta dinner tomorrow night!
4. PLEASE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS Thank you to so many parents and athletes who are taking photos and videos at practice and regattas! Find the EASY UPLOAD LINKS for all your 2025 photos on our website: Woodson Rowing photo upload links.
Questions, problems or photos from previous years to upload? Contact our team photographer, Matt, via Slack or email ([email protected]).
5. STOTESBURY REGISTRATION AND FORMS DEADLINE: TOMORROW!! Even if you have already registered and paid for your athlete, you MUST print out and sign the required forms and bring them to practice or to the team dinner on Friday. Find links to forms and a ton of other updated information here: https://woodsonrowing.org/stotesbury/.
In addition, Stotesbury is a USRowing regatta, so in order to participate everyone needs to be USRowing members. The team has purchased memberships for everyone participating. You need to go into the USRowing website and sign their waiver (and if your kid is over 18 they need to do the waiver and also safe sport sign off).
To sign the US Rowing e-waiver, follow these instructions:
Visit https://membership.usrowing.org and hover your mouse over the ‘Log In’ button under ‘Individuals.’ Select ‘Express Agreement.’
On the Express Waiver page, choose the email tab. Enter the email address of the parent who registered for the team and birthdate of your athlete.
You will receive an email with a link for Express Login, click on the link and follow the directions to complete the express waiver.
If Safe Sport training is required for your athlete (18+) you will be able to navigate to this from your student’s profile page.
Questions? Send a message to Catherine Backmeyer via Slack!
6. LOTS OF VOLUNTEERING NEEDS! As a reminder, failure to meet your volunteer credits by the end of the season will result in a $200 per credit charge. Questions about the status of your family’s fulfillment of volunteer requirements should be sent to Lisa Veigel, Volunteer Coordinator. Click any of the links below to fulfill your current volunteer credits:
7. ALREADY PLANNING FOR THE OFF-SEASON? If you’re already wondering how your athlete is going to maintain their level of fitness in the off-season or you’re just a forward thinker: we have opportunities for you!
A. RENT-AN-ERG: The team will have a limited number of ergs available for athlete rental over the summer. The cost to rent an erg will be $200.00 (pre-paid). Pick up will be at the end of season banquet on Wednesday, 5/28. Ergs will be returned prior to the start of winter conditioning in October 2025. Reserve your erg here: https://woodsonrowing.org/erg-rental/
B. BUY-AN-ERG: The team has a used Model C Concept2 Rowing Machine available for sale. This is being sold on an as-is basis, first-come-first-served. The cost is $250. Contact Riz Ramakdawala via Slack if you are interested.
C. GET YOUR SCHOOL PHYSICAL OUT OF THE WAY: Each year, it is required that all student athletes have a completed VHSL physical on file before participating in sports. Completing that physical at the end of the school year means that you won’t run into rushing to get a physical at the start of the crew season next year!
To aid in that end, the Athletic Training Programs at various high schools in NoVA hold a Sports Physical Night. The goal of Sports Physical Night is to provide a complete pre-participation examination screening that will leave student athletes with a valid VHSL physical for the entirety of the 2025-26 school year. The cost for the physical is $50.
The Athletic Training Program receives no funding from FCPS, and this event is their ONLY fundraiser for the year. ALL proceeds go towards helping the program purchase supplies.
Sign up for an appointment for a physical here. Even If you cannot make the Woodson event on June 10, sign up for another school’s event using the same form.
NOTE: There is a NEW VHSL Physical Form for the 2025-2026 school year! Make sure that you use the NEW form (it says April 2025 in the top right corner), whether you take advantage of the Athletic Training Program’s event or use your own doctor.
8. 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/
Welcome to a special edition newsletter as we head into day 1 of the Virginia State Rowing Championships! We will have 4 boats competing this weekend: the WN4+, M3V, MFr8+ and WN8+. We are so proud of your hard work all season and can’t wait to watch you race! #pullforwoodson!
1. TEAM DINNER FOR ALL ATHLETES 2. VSRC DAY 1 VOLUNTEERS 3. VSRC DAY 1 LOGISTICS 4. PLEASE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS 5. STOTESBURY REGISTRATION IS LIVE! 6. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
SUPPORT THE TEAM!
1. TEAM DINNER FOR ALL ATHLETES The menu for our Friday team dinner is Chipotle! Specifically: chicken and steak, cilantro lime rice, black beans, fajita veggies, pico de gallo, corn salsa, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese and tortillas (flour and corn). Dietary restrictions accommodated. Assorted cookies for dessert. Please encourage ALL athletes to attend dinner and support the junior boats before States!
2. VSRC DAY 1 VOLUNTEERS All volunteer slots for this weekend are full. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! Gentle reminder that if you sign up, you’re expected to volunteer. If it is a regatta weekend and you are unable to fulfill your duties, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Veigel, so that she can try to help you find a replacement for your shift.
3. VSRC DAY 1 LOGISTICS It’s championship season! Day 1 of the Virginia State Rowing Championships (VSRC) (aka “States”) is this Saturday at Sandy Run Regional Park. Student-athletes know which category they are racing in for States. Line up questions should be directed to your coach.
A. ATTENDANCE The following boats will race this weekend: WN4+, M3V, MFr8+ and WN8+. While no varsity boats row at this regatta, varsity athletes are highly encouraged to attend.
B. TIMING The schedule has not yet been released. But, VASRA has confirmed that racing will begin at 9:00am. Unless told otherwise by a coach, athletes are advised to be at the boathouse no later than two hours before their scheduled race, and coxswains must be there for the coxswain’s meeting. More specific timing information will be communicated via Slack as it becomes available.
C. OFF-SITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS There is no spectator/visitor parking at Sandy Run. Off-site parking is located at a local commuter parking lot for this regatta. Parents driving athletes can drop off at Sandy Run and then proceed to the off-site parking located at: SOUTH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, 8501 Silverbrook Rd., Lorton, VA 22079
C. SHUTTLE SPECIFICS Shuttle buses will run between South County High School and Lot C at Sandy Run. The cost of the shuttles is $10 ONE WAY ($20 round trip). Cash is preferred. You may pay for each leg OR purchase a round-trip ticket when you board. Should you purchase a round-trip ticket, please retain the ticket for the return trip or you risk being asked to pay a one-way fare on the way back.
D. ONSITE PARKING Onsite parking is limited to the groups below only. There is no fee for these groups to park at Sandy Run.
ATHLETES: Loisvale Lot. Plan for the 10 minute walk to the boathouse! Athletes are highly encouraged to carpool with other athletes. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGE IN POLICY FROM PREVIOUS YEARS: Athletes driving themselves may drive solo, but are not allowed to park onsite with any non-athlete passengers, unless there is at least one additional athlete in the car as well.
VOLUNTEERS: Lot D.
COACHES: Lot D. Please display your green coach hangtag.
STAFF / LOC: Lot B, second row from the back.
HANDICAPPED: Lot C, as designated. It is requested that you contact [email protected] prior to the regatta to ensure all accommodations can be met.
E. CONCESSIONS Remember that the concession stands, both at the grandstand and at VASRA HQ (by the boathouses), serve up a full menu of food and drinks. They also sell shirts! Interested in purchasing items? Remember to bring cash to make your life easier. Money collected during regattas at the concession stand is used to offset expenses that would be passed down to the teams.Find concession menus on the VASRA website here: https://www.vasra.org/regattas/concessions-menu
Get ready to PULL FOR WOODSON this weekend and we will see the student-athletes at the pre-regatta dinner tomorrow night!
4. PLEASE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS Thank you to so many parents and athletes who are taking photos and videos at practice and regattas! Find the EASY UPLOAD LINKS for all your 2025 photos on our website: Woodson Rowing photo upload links.
Questions, problems or photos from previous years to upload? Contact our team photographer, Matt, via Slack or email ([email protected]).
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/
It’s our last regular season regatta and tomorrow is SENIOR NIGHT!
1. STOTESBURY UPDATES 2. TOMORROW: FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER AND SENIOR NIGHT! 3. REGATTA VOLUNTEERS 4. AL URQUIA REGATTA THIS SATURDAY, 4/26 5. REGATTA PARKING AND GETTING TO THE GRANDSTAND 6. FOOD 7. SPECTATOR TIPS AND CHEERING 8. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
SUPPORT THE TEAM!
1. STOTESBURY UPDATES Coaches are currently working on firming up line ups, and hope to have them ready within the next week or so. Once set, registration information will be provided. To stay up-to-date on this quickly developing regatta, make sure you join the #2025-stotesbury channel on Slack and continue to watch our webpage: https://woodsonrowing.org/stotesbury/
Other updates:
– Spectator room block deadline extended to Friday, April 25. On-line family block booking, use this link: Woodson Rowing Parent’s Group Block
– Zoom Info Call Wednesday, April 30: The Board will be hosting a Stotes Information Call via Zoom on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 at 8:00pm. The call will be recorded, so if you already know that you cannot attend, please submit any questions you would like answered to Jenn McRobbie via Slack or at [email protected]. Call details will be posted on Slack the day before the call.
– Stotesbury Volunteering sign up genius is live. There are lots of volunteer opportunities available whether you are traveling to Philadelphia with the team or not! Please sign up
2. TOMORROW: FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER AND SENIOR NIGHT! The menu for Friday is as follows: Noodles & Co. mac and cheese, spaghetti, pesto cavatappi, rigatoni w/ marinara sauce, meatballs, grilled chicken, garlic bread, and salad (all served separately). Plus, special meals on request for diet-restricted athletes who are not accommodated by the above (e.g., gluten-free). Chocolate and vanilla sheet cakes and GF options for dessert.
The schedule for senior night is somewhat dictated by whether or not the principal will be joining us (he always tries to). If he does, we will get through a quick presentation for each senior and then later in the evening we will get to the individual underclassmen presentations. It’s a fun night of laughs and celebration!
If your athlete is in 9th, 10th or 11th grade, please RSVP for them here before 10am tomorrow: Senior Night 9th-11th RSVP.
3. REGATTA VOLUNTEERS Gentle reminder that if you sign up, you’re expected to volunteer. If it is a regatta weekend and you are unable to fulfill your duties, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Veigel, so that she can try to help you find a replacement for your shift.
All volunteer slots for the regatta this weekend are full. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! Sign up here to help at future regattas. Feel free to check back frequently, even if shifts appear to be full, in case others are unable to fulfill their duties. If you sign up to drive a launch, you must have completed the recent launch driver training AND have practiced with a coach!
4. AL URQUIA REGATTA
Woodson will be racing 9 boats this weekend. On the Women’s side: Jr4+, N4+, 1V, 2V, and N8+. On the Men’s side: 1V, 2V, 3V and Fr8+.
Results and heatsheets will be posted here, when available: VASRA website.
A. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Specific race times will be finalized and shared with coaches tonight or tomorrow. Athletes should anticipate hearing more about timing at practice or via Slack.
This is a heats and finals regatta for many of our boats. Once the final heat sheet is released, if your athlete’s race is a “heat,” then where they place in that race will determine if they advance to finals in their event, which will be held later in the afternoon. If your athlete’s race is a “flight” they will have just that one race.
B. ATHLETE ATTENDANCE Unless told otherwise by a coach, athletes are advised to be at the boathouse no later than two hours before their scheduled race, and coxswains must be there for the coxswain’s meeting. More specific timing information will be communicated via Slack as it becomes available.Official lineups will be posted on Slack and social media after the schedule is set.
5. REGATTA PARKING AND GETTING TO THE GRANDSTAND This is always a big deal and a big issue until you realize what the system is like, so we highly recommend that you plan lots of excess time to get to where you need to go. As we all know, Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance, so a little goes a long way. All of the information below, and more, is located on our website. If you’re nervous or curious, to learn more visit our website: Sandy Run Park Info.
A. OFFSITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS There is no spectator/visitor parking at Sandy Run. As a result, families should plan accordingly.
Parents driving athletes or other spectators can drop off at Sandy Run and then proceed to the offsite parking area. If you are only dropping off your rower or others, plan on arriving on site at least 15 minutes before your rower needs to report because Hampton Road and Van Thompson Road are often backed up with cars. Tell the parking volunteers that you are dropping off, and they will direct you.
Spectators will park at South County High School and take a shuttle bus to the regatta. The cost of the shuttles is $10 ONE WAY ($20 round trip). Cash is preferred. You may pay for each leg OR purchase a round-trip ticket when you board at South County H.S. Should you purchase a round-trip ticket, please retain the ticket for the return trip or you risk being asked to pay a one-way fare on the way back.
Athletes in uniform can ride the shuttle for free. Families should plan for a 15-20 minute walk or a shorter shuttle ride between where the buses stop (Lot C) and the grandstand.
The shuttles are scheduled to begin at 7:00 am (2 hours before the first race) and will conclude running from Sandy Run NLT 1 hour after the last race.
To get to the grandstands from Lot C, you have two options:
You can walk. The path is unpaved and very hilly. It is about ¾ of a mile and takes about 20 minutes to walk.
You can take the shuttle van which costs a small fee each way. In the past this fee has been $5 EACH WAY. Cash is preferred. Please plan accordingly. The shuttle runs continuously and takes about 5 minutes.
B. ONSITE PARKING Onsite parking is limited to the groups below only. There is no fee for these groups to park at Sandy Run.
ATHLETES: parking is available in the Loisvale Lot until the lot is filled. Athletes are highly encouraged to carpool with other athletes. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGE IN POLICY FROM PREVIOUS YEARS: Athletes driving themselves may drive solo, but are not allowed to park onsite with any non-athlete passengers, unless there is at least one additional athlete in the car as well.
Please plan for the short walk from parking to the water!
VOLUNTEERS: Lot D (larger gravel lot that is to the right as you pass the gated entry to the park)
COACHES: Lot D. There will be designated parking. Please display your green coaches hangtag.
STAFF / LOC: B lot, second row from the back. This is the paved lot closest to the water on the right.
REFEREES: B lot, back row
HANDICAPPED: Lot C, as designated.This is the smaller gravel lot to the left as you pass through the gated entry.
6. FOOD For athletes, the team provides snacks. If your athlete has food restrictions, those will have been accounted for by the team – but if they have specific nutritional needs we recommend packing them what they need. They may buy from the Headquarters concession stand, but may not have the time or opportunity to do so until after their race, so plan accordingly.
For spectators, there is a concession stand at the grandstand. Bring cash to make your life easier because mobile payments are notoriously hard due to spotty wi-fi coverage on the water.
8. 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/
Spring Break concludes with our next regatta at Sandy Run. The weather is set to be overcast and fairly warm, so be prepared! Read below for more specifics.
1. STOTESBURY SPECTATOR HOTEL DEADLINE APPROACHING 2. REMAINING SPRING BREAK SCHEDULE 3. REGATTA VOLUNTEERS 4. RYZ OBUCHOWICZ REGATTA THIS SATURDAY, 4/19 5. REGATTA PARKING AND GETTING TO THE GRANDSTAND 6. FOOD 7. SPECTATOR TIPS AND CHEERING 8. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
SUPPORT THE TEAM!
1. STOTESBURY SPECTATOR HOTEL DEADLINE APPROACHING Check out our webpage with all the information and links you need. Spectator rooms should be booked by APRIL 20 to take advantage of our negotiated rate: https://woodsonrowing.org/stotesbury/2. REMAINING SPRING BREAK SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, APRIL 18: 8:30a-12:30p practice; Reminder – team dinner cancelled
SATURDAY, APRIL 19: Ryz Obuchowicz Regatta at Sandy Run. Race and report times will be released on the Thursday or Friday before.
3. REGATTA VOLUNTEERS Gentle reminder that if you sign up, you’re expected to volunteer. If it is a regatta weekend and you are unable to fulfill your duties, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Veigel, so that she can try to help you find a replacement for your shift.
All volunteer slots for the regatta this weekend are full. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! Sign up here to help at future regattas. Feel free to check back frequently, even if shifts appear to be full, in case others are unable to fulfill their duties. If you sign up to drive a launch, you must have completed the recent launch driver training AND have practiced with a coach!
4. RYZ OBUCHOWICZ REGATTA THIS SATURDAY, 4/19 Woodson will be racing 8 boats this weekend. On the Women’s side: Jr4+, 1V, 2V, and Novice. On the Men’s side: 1V, 2V, 3V and Freshman.
A. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Specific race times will be finalized and shared with coaches tonight or tomorrow. Athletes should anticipate hearing more about timing at practice or via Slack.
This is a heats and finals regatta for many of our boats. Once the final heat sheet is released, if your athlete’s race is a “heat,” then where they place in that race will determine if they advance to finals in their event, which will be held later in the afternoon. If your athlete’s race is a “flight” they will have just that one race.B. ATHLETE ATTENDANCE Unless told otherwise by a coach, athletes are advised to be at the boathouse no later than two hours before their scheduled race, and coxswains must be there for the coxswain’s meeting. More specific timing information will be communicated via Slack as it becomes available.Official lineups will be posted on Slack and social media after the schedule is set.
5. REGATTA PARKING AND GETTING TO THE GRANDSTAND This is always a big deal and a big issue until you realize what the system is like, so we highly recommend that you plan lots of excess time to get to where you need to go. As we all know, Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance, so a little goes a long way. All of the information below, and more, is located on our website. If you’re nervous or curious, to learn more visit our website: Sandy Run Park Info.
A. OFFSITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS There is no spectator/visitor parking at Sandy Run. As a result, families should plan accordingly.
Parents driving athletes or other spectators can drop off at Sandy Run and then proceed to the offsite parking area. If you are only dropping off your rower or others, plan on arriving on site at least 15 minutes before your rower needs to report because Hampton Road and Van Thompson Road are often backed up with cars. Tell the parking volunteers that you are dropping off, and they will direct you.
Spectators will park at South County High School and take a shuttle bus to the regatta. The cost of the shuttles is $10 ONE WAY ($20 round trip). Cash is preferred. You may pay for each leg OR purchase a round-trip ticket when you board at South County H.S. Should you purchase a round-trip ticket, please retain the ticket for the return trip or you risk being asked to pay a one-way fare on the way back.
Athletes in uniform can ride the shuttle for free. Families should plan for a 15-20 minute walk or a shorter shuttle ride between where the buses stop (Lot C) and the grandstand.
The shuttles are scheduled to begin at 7:00 am (2 hours before the first race) and will conclude running from Sandy Run NLT 1 hour after the last race.
To get to the grandstands from Lot C, you have two options:
You can walk. The path is unpaved and very hilly. It is about ¾ of a mile and takes about 20 minutes to walk.
You can take the shuttle van which costs a small fee each way. In the past this fee has been $5 EACH WAY. Cash is preferred. Please plan accordingly. The shuttle runs continuously and takes about 5 minutes.
B. ONSITE PARKING Onsite parking is limited to the groups below only. There is no fee for these groups to park at Sandy Run.
ATHLETES: parking is available in the Loisvale Lot until the lot is filled. Athletes are highly encouraged to carpool with other athletes. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGE IN POLICY FROM PREVIOUS YEARS: Athletes driving themselves may drive solo, but are not allowed to park onsite with any non-athlete passengers, unless there is at least one additional athlete in the car as well.
Please plan for the short walk from parking to the water!
VOLUNTEERS: Lot D (larger gravel lot that is to the right as you pass the gated entry to the park)
COACHES: Lot D. There will be designated parking. Please display your green coaches hangtag.
STAFF / LOC: B lot, second row from the back. This is the paved lot closest to the water on the right.
REFEREES: B lot, back row
HANDICAPPED: Lot C, as designated.This is the smaller gravel lot to the left as you pass through the gated entry.
6. FOOD For athletes, the team provides snacks. If your athlete has food restrictions, those will have been accounted for by the team – but if they have specific nutritional needs we recommend packing them what they need. They may buy from the Headquarters concession stand, but may not have the time or opportunity to do so until after their race, so plan accordingly.
For spectators, there is a concession stand at the grandstand. Bring cash to make your life easier because mobile payments are notoriously hard due to spotty wi-fi coverage on the water.
All the Woodson families try to sit together as a team. So, where is the team? Well – look for the swag. We know it’s challenging when you’re new to the sport and new to the team, but trust that everyone is friendly and interested in meeting you!
Cheering is one of our primary duties as spectators! When a Woodson boat goes down the course on their way to the start, all the parents get together to yell “HEY, WOODSON!” as loud as possible. We will know that the kids hear us when a coxswain or rowers take a moment to wave at us.
If you’re interested and brand new to the sport of rowing, we have a lot of resources on our website to help you feel “in-the-know” once you get to the grandstands. Some suggested reading:
Sandy Run Park: info on the world-class facility where we get to train and race!
Follow VASRA on X to get real time updates (although be prepared for lagging if you are at the grandstands because the wi-fi is spotty there).
8. 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/
This weekend’s racing is a scrimmage with Wakefield and Walter Johnson. This is the only time we race WJ during the regular season, so it’s great to get experience racing new teams. The weather is predicted to be cold and rainy, so COME PREPARED! Athletes and spectators need to be prepared to stay warm as there is no protection from the elements (other than being able to hide in your car).
1. PLEASE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS 2. TEAM DINNER TOMORROW, FRIDAY, APRIL 11 3. TRI-MEET SCRIMMAGE, SAT APR 12
4. SPRING BREAK A. SCHEDULE OVERVIEW B. VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED C. 4/18 DINNER RSVP NEEDED
5. OTHER NEWS A. RAFT B. STOTESBURY INFO C. SENIOR NIGHT D. END-OF-YEAR AWARDS BANQUET
6. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
SUPPORT THE TEAM!
1. PLEASE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS Thank you to so many parents and athletes who are taking photos and videos at practice and regattas! Find the EASY UPLOAD LINKS for all your 2025 photos on our website: Woodson Rowing photo upload links. Questions, problems or photos from previous years to upload? Contact our team photographer, Matt, via Slack.
2. TEAM DINNER TOMORROW, FRIDAY, APRIL 11 Friday Night Team Dinner will be in Cafeteria B at Woodson. The dinner is for athletes only and will be served around 7:15p. The tentative menu is as follows: Pepperoni, cheese and veggie pizza (GF option available), salad fixings, assorted cookies (including GF option) and GF fruit snacks. All dietary restrictions as reported will be accommodated. Other things to note:
NO DRINKS PROVIDED. Athletes should bring refillable water bottles.
All athletes must plan to stay for the duration of the meal and for a quick clean up afterwards. Plan to pick up athletes around 8:00-8:30p
All the volunteer slots for this Friday are full. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
3. TRI-MEET SCRIMMAGE, SAT APR 12 This local scrimmage is much more accessible for spectators who may have a hard time navigating Sandy Run for traditional competitions. Lots of details available on the website: Tri-Meet Details. Important things to note:
Arrival time is 10:30a (this is later than in previous years)
There will NOT be food and drink provided for the athletes or spectators. This is not a long day of racing, so we recommend a hearty, early breakfast and portable, healthy snacks (plus lots of water).
Last year the nearby restroom facilities on the spectator side were closed. We suspect this will be the case again. Please plan accordingly.
Line-ups will be set by the coaches and communicated at practice. Once they are set, they will be posted on Instagram and Facebook. There will not be “results” reporting as in regattas past because winners are not officially determined at this event.
4. SPRING BREAK A lot goes on over spring break! Please read below to see how you can help:
A. SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
MONDAY, APRIL 14: 8:30a-12:30p
TUESDAY, APRIL 15: 8:30a – 10:45a AND 4p-6:30p. Restaurant Day at Taco Bamba – good for lunch and dinner!!!
WEDNESDAY APRIL 16: 8:30a-12:30p Bull Run row. This is a long row out with a picnic lunch at Bull Run before the long row back. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED (see below).
THURSDAY, APRIL 17: 8:30a – 10:45a AND 4p-6:30p
FRIDAY, APRIL 18: 8:30a-12:30p practice 6:45p Team Dinner at Woodson: please RSVP for your athlete!
SATURDAY, APRIL 19: Ryz Obuchowicz Regatta at Sandy Run. Race and report times will be released on the Thursday or Friday before.
B. VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED: We are looking for volunteers to help out with the Bull Run row on Wednesday, April 16. Volunteers will be responsible for collecting the athlete lunch boxes from the water, transporting them to Bull Run, helping with lunching logistics and then returning the lunch boxes to the Sandy Run Boathouse as the athletes row back. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa, or our V.P. Activities, Maz, if you are available to help.
C. 4/18 DINNER RSVP NEEDED: Given that our Friday Night Team Dinner is during Spring Break, we would like to get an accurate count for the number of athletes who will be attending the Friday Night dinner after practice. Please RSVP here for your athlete so we have an accurate attendance count and can avoid unnecessary costs or food waste. Thanks!
5. OTHER NEWS A brief overview of everything else happening beyond this weekend!
B. STOTESBURY INFO: Check out our webpage with all the information and links you need. Spectator rooms should be booked by APRIL 20: https://woodsonrowing.org/stotesbury/
C. SENIOR NIGHT: Senior Parents! We want to be able to fully plan for Senior Night, which will be held in conjunction with the Friday Night Team Dinner on Fri., April 25 at 7p. Please check your calendars and RSVP here: Senior Night RSVP
D. END-OF-YEAR AWARDS BANQUET:RSVP and help out at the End-of-the-Season Banquet on Wednesday, May 28, 7p at Woodson Cafeteria A. Please join us in celebrating all the whole team; athletes, coaches AND parents/guardians! This is more than just an end-of-season celebration. Coaches will present awards, we will recognize our seniors and attending parents will have an introduction/vote for next year’s new board members!
6. 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/
Back to Sandy Run this weekend for the Darrell Winslow Regatta. The weather is set to be moderate but with some possibility of rain showers. Everyone should plan accordingly!
1. FIRST TEAM DINNER, FRIDAY APRIL 4 2. REGATTA VOLUNTEERS
3. DARRELL WINSLOW REGATTA THIS SATURDAY, 4/5 A. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE B. ATHLETE ATTENDANCE
4. REGATTA PARKING AND GETTING TO THE GRANDSTAND A. OFFSITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS B. ONSITE PARKING
5. FOOD 6. SPECTATOR TIPS AND CHEERING 7. DON’T FORGET YOUR SPIRIT WEAR! 8. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE SUPPORT THE TEAM!
1. FIRST TEAM DINNER, FRIDAY APRIL 4 Friday Night Team Dinner will be in Cafeteria B at Woodson. The dinner is for athletes only and will be served around 6:45p. All volunteer slots are filled for this dinner. THANK YOU ALL! Feel free to check out this link for future team dinner volunteer needs: Team Dinner Volunteer Positions.
Catering is provided by Chipotle. The tentative menu is as follows:
Chicken, steak, cilantro-lime white rice, fajita vegetables, salsas, sour cream, cheese, beans, lettuce, flour tortillas and corn hard shell tortillas all in separate containers.
Salad
Dessert: Variety cookies (including a GF option).
We do not provide beverages. There are water refilling stations in the cafeteria, so please plan to bring your own refillable water bottle.
If your athlete intends to go to the Friday night dinner and you did NOT fill out the RSVP form, please send a message to Gloria Totten via Slack.
2. REGATTA VOLUNTEERS Gentle reminder that if you sign up, you’re expected to volunteer. If it is a regatta weekend and you are unable to fulfill your duties, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Veigel, so that she can try to help you find a replacement for your shift.
All volunteer slots for the regatta this weekend are full. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! Sign up here to help at future regattas. Feel free to check back frequently, even if shifts appear to be full, in case others are unable to fulfill their duties. If you sign up to drive a launch, you must have completed the recent launch driver training AND have practiced with a coach!
3. DARRELL WINSLOW REGATTA THIS SATURDAY, 4/5 Woodson will be racing 9 boats this weekend. On the Women’s side: Jr4+, 1V, 2V, 3V and Novice. On the Men’s side: 1V, 2V, 3V and Freshman.
Results and heatsheets will be posted here, when available: VASRA website.
A. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE According to the current TENTATIVE event list, smaller boats will be racing first. So, other than the Jr4+, boats should be prepared/plan to be the later races of the day. Specific race times will be finalized and shared with coaches today. Athletes should anticipate hearing more about timing today at practice or via Slack.
This is a heats and finals regatta for the Jr4+, 1Vs and 2Vs. Once the final heat sheet is released, you will find that each of those boats is guaranteed 1 race. Where they place in that race will determine if they advance to finals in their event, which will be held later in the afternoon. For all other boats (2Vs, 3Vs, Freshman and Novice), they will have 1 race at their designated time in their flight.
B. ATHLETE ATTENDANCE Unless told otherwise by a coach, athletes are advised to be at the boathouse no later than two hours before their scheduled race, and coxswains must be there for the coxswain’s meeting. More specific timing information will be communicated via Slack as it becomes available.Official lineups will be posted on Slack and social media after the schedule is set.
4. REGATTA PARKING AND GETTING TO THE GRANDSTAND This is always a big deal and a big issue until you realize what the system is like, so we highly recommend that you plan lots of excess time to get to where you need to go. As we all know, Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance, so a little goes a long way. All of the information below, and more, is located on our website. If you’re nervous or curious, to learn more visit our website: Sandy Run Park Info.
A. OFFSITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS There is no spectator/visitor parking at Sandy Run. As a result, families should plan accordingly.
Parents driving athletes or other spectators can drop off at Sandy Run and then proceed to the offsite parking area. If you are only dropping off your rower or others, plan on arriving on site at least 15 minutes before your rower needs to report because Hampton Road and Van Thompson Road are often backed up with cars. Tell the parking volunteers that you are dropping off, and they will direct you.
Spectators will park at South County High School and take a shuttle bus to the regatta. The cost of the shuttles is $10 ONE WAY ($20 round trip). Cash is preferred. You may pay for each leg OR purchase a round-trip ticket when you board at South County H.S. Should you purchase a round-trip ticket, please retain the ticket for the return trip or you risk being asked to pay a one-way fare on the way back.
Athletes in uniform can ride the shuttle for free. Families should plan for a 15-20 minute walk or a shorter shuttle ride between where the buses stop (Lot C) and the grandstand.
The shuttles are scheduled to begin at 7:00 am (2 hours before the first race) and will conclude running from Sandy Run NLT 1 hour after the last race.
To get to the grandstands from Lot C, you have two options:
You can walk. The path is unpaved and very hilly. It is about ¾ of a mile and takes about 20 minutes to walk.
You can take the shuttle van which costs a small fee each way. In the past this fee has been $5 EACH WAY. Cash is preferred. Please plan accordingly. The shuttle runs continuously and takes about 5 minutes.
B. ONSITE PARKING Onsite parking is limited to the groups below only. There is no fee for these groups to park at Sandy Run.
ATHLETES: parking is available in the Loisvale Lot until the lot is filled. Athletes are highly encouraged to carpool with other athletes. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGE IN POLICY FROM PREVIOUS YEARS: Athletes driving themselves may drive solo, but are not allowed to park onsite with any non-athlete passengers, unless there is at least one additional athlete in the car as well.
Please plan for the short walk from parking to the water!
VOLUNTEERS: Lot D (larger gravel lot that is to the right as you pass the gated entry to the park)
COACHES: Lot D. There will be designated parking. Please display your green coaches hangtag.
STAFF / LOC: B lot, second row from the back. This is the paved lot closest to the water on the right.
REFEREES: B lot, back row
HANDICAPPED: Lot C, as designated.This is the smaller gravel lot to the left as you pass through the gated entry.
5. FOOD For athletes, the team provides snacks. If your athlete has food restrictions, those will have been accounted for by the team – but if they have specific nutritional needs we recommend packing them what they need. They may buy from the Headquarters concession stand, but may not have the time or opportunity to do so until after their race, so plan accordingly.
For spectators, there is a concession stand at the grandstand. Bring cash to make your life easier because mobile payments are notoriously hard due to spotty wi-fi coverage on the water.
All the Woodson families try to sit together as a team. So, where is the team? Well – look for the swag. We know it’s challenging when you’re new to the sport and new to the team, but trust that everyone is friendly and interested in meeting you!
Cheering is one of our primary duties as spectators! When a Woodson boat goes down the course on their way to the start, all the parents get together to yell “HEY, WOODSON!” as loud as possible. We will know that the kids hear us when a coxswain or rowers take a moment to wave at us.
If you’re interested and brand new to the sport of rowing, we have a lot of resources on our website to help you feel “in-the-know” once you get to the grandstands. Some suggested reading:
Sandy Run Park: info on the world-class facility where we get to train and race!
Follow VASRA on X to get real time updates (although be prepared for lagging if you are at the grandstands because the wi-fi is spotty there).
7. DON’T FORGET YOUR SPIRIT WEAR! Purchase Woodson Rowing Spirit Wear to show your support and benefit our team!
8. 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/
