Posted on by VP Communications

February 20, 2025 Newsletter

It’s almost time for on-the-water practice! Read on for all the information you’ll need to start the season prepared!

1. *CRITICAL* REGISTRATION & PAPERWORK REQUIRED BEFORE TUESDAY, FEB 25
2. ON-THE-WATER MEETING SLIDES
3. OPTIONAL APPAREL STILL AVAILABLE FOR ORDER
4. ALL ATHLETE PRACTICE/TRY-OUTS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 3:30-5p
5. CARPOOL ASSISTANCE FOR NOVICE/FRESHMAN ATHLETES
6. LAUNCH BOAT DRIVER TRAINING, 3/8, 11a
7. KING CAKE FUNDRAISER
8. TEAM VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
9. VASRA VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
10. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

1. *CRITICAL* REGISTRATION & PAPERWORK REQUIRED BEFORE TUESDAY, FEB 25
Review the registration portion of the website to learn more.

Still have questions or can’t remember if you filled everything out? Reach out to Catherine, Membership Chair, via Slack or at [email protected].

2. ON-THE-WATER MEETING SLIDES
Thanks to all who attended the on-the-water meeting last night at Woodson. You can find a copy of the slides here: February 2025 On-The-Water Slides. Extra thanks to Monika, Kyra and Sayuri for giving a demonstration of clothes to wear for rowers and coxswains. You can find all the information you need to prepare for one-the-water practice on our website here: https://woodsonrowing.org/on-the-water-practice/.

3. OPTIONAL APPAREL STILL AVAILABLE FOR ORDER
The non-required custom apparel that we order through Boathouse requires a minimum number of items for an order to be fulfilled. Apparently the shop is still open – so place any remaining orders ASAP at: https://cgwoodson2024.itemorder.com/.  (Choose the “bulk shipping” option at check out. Items will be delivered to our sportswear rep for distribution.) Questions? Contact Cheryl, our Sportswear Chair via Slack or [email protected]

4. ALL ATHLETE PRACTICE/TRY-OUTS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 3:30-5p 
If you are interested in being on the rowing team for Spring 2025, please make sure you come to practice/try-outs on Monday, February 24 from 3:30-5p in Cafe B. While rowing is a no cut sport, everyone tests on the ergs. The best scores are more likely to make initial boat assignments. Attendance on Monday is crucial for coaches to be able to begin planning boat line ups.

5. CARPOOL ASSISTANCE FOR NOVICE/FRESHMAN ATHLETES
While we do not have a team carpool coordinator this year, two parents have offered their help for our freshman and novice families! We know how hard it can be to start up carpool arrangements when you don’t know a lot of people on the team yet. So, if you need assistance arranging a carpool, send a message via Slack with your name, athlete’s name/grade, and neighborhood to:

  • Boys: Gloria Totten
  • Girls: Kirsten Lukas

6. LAUNCH BOAT DRIVER TRAINING, 3/8, 11a
One of the more exciting volunteer activities at regattas is to drive a launch boat. Launch boat drivers are responsible for ferrying spectators, officials and referees. Being a Launch Boat Driver fulfills your VASRA volunteer requirement and gets you the best seat in the house at regattas! All parents/guardians are welcome to learn how to perform this task from our very own Coach Joe. Attendance is limited due to space constraints. Sign up to attend training here: Launch Boat Driver Training.

If you have already completed launch boat driver training in a previous season and are willing to be a driver again this year, please join the #launch-boat-drivers channel on Slack.

7. KING CAKE FUNDRAISER
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a Gambino’s King Cake. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Woodson Rowing, so laissez les bons temps rouler and benefit the team at the same time! Note: if you normally order on your own, ordering through us saves you the $31 shipping charges!!! Reserve by emailing Emmy Obruba (mom to athlete Nathan) at [email protected]. Payment will be via PayPal or Venmo. TEXT ONLY (no calls, please) to 757-613-2862 if you have questions. Instructions for pick up will be provided upon payment.

8. TEAM VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Each family is required to do 5 volunteer shifts/credits, one of which should be a VASRA task. Athletes are also expected to volunteer (3 credits for novice athletes, 5 for returning athletes). 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. BOATHOUSE WORK DAY, 2/22, 9-11a
Let’s get the boathouse ready for the season! Even if the Sign Up is full, please feel free to show up, get a volunteer credit and maybe even a little tour of the area! Sign up or modify your sign up here: Boathouse Workday.

    B. FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS
    THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED! Stay tuned to the newsletter – as we approach the Friday night dinners if spots open up for volunteers as schedules change. View the sign up here: Friday Night Dinner Volunteering

      9. VASRA VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
      The Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA) is our local governing body. They are responsible for all of our at-home regattas and more. Volunteering with them is a requirement of participation on our team and also a way to give back to this amazing community. Of your family’s 5 volunteer shifts/credits, AT LEAST one should be a VASRA task. See details about the available tasks below!

      A. PRE-SEASON WORKDAYS
      All slots are currently full! Thank you to the Woodson team members who already signed up. If you didn’t get a chance to sign up but would like to participate, keep an eye on the sign up genius for openings. If you choose to show up for any of these work days when the Sign Up is full, please make sure you reach out to Lisa, our volunteer coordinator, via Slack to ensure you get team credit for your attendance.

        B. REGATTA TASKS
        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

          10. 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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