So You’re Interested in Rowing?
Do you want to become a rower, a coxswain, or maybe both? It doesn’t matter what high school grade you’re in because anyone is welcome to join as a novice. We have athletes with experience in other sports, a rowing background, or have joined crew as their first sport. Contact [email protected] with questions.
What is Rowing (aka Crew)?
Rowing is a co-ed varsity letter spring sport with athletic opportunities throughout the year. Athletes learn to row in racing shells that can hold four to eight rowers and a coxswain who commands and steers the racing shell. No experience is required; there are no tryouts, only a desire to learn is needed.
Rowing is a very physical sport. Training is done after school 5 days a week and many Saturdays. Practice takes place at Sandy Run Regional Park, about a 20 minute drive from Woodson High School. Transportation to Sandy Run for practice is available via parent/student carpools, or chartered bus (additional cost).
Our coaches are dedicated and nurture everyone to become a great athlete. A typical practice will consist of a brief meeting with the coach and their crews to discuss the workout and line-ups, 75-90 minutes on the water, and after putting the equipment away another brief meeting with the coach.. Spring practice is considered mandatory.
Our History
Woodson Rowing was established in 1986, and is a member of the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA), one of the most prestigious high school rowing organizations in the country. Our team’s members are some of the best male and female scholar-athletes in Virginia.
We are a varsity sport sanctioned by Woodson High School and VHSL. Our rowers have earned the following championships:
- 3 Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) National Champions
- 1 Stotesbury Regatta Champion
- 28 Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA) State Champions
- 60+ VASRA Championship Medals
Our team is supported by a not-for-profit organization that relies on parent booster volunteers and student-athletes to keep our rowing program successful. Our fundraising activities include corporate and alumni sponsorship, special events and door-to-door tag days. Contributions of time, money, equipment or expertise are always welcome.
The Crew Year
Woodson Rowing provides opportunities for students with a wide range of athletic abilities to become highly trained, competitive, and successful student-athletes. A normal (non COVID-impacted) season includes the following:
- on-the-water orientation (Green Days) in the Fall for new athletes
- Optional winter conditioning that starts in November
- Official Spring Season beginning around the third week in February, weather permitting
- Regattas every Saturday, beginning in late March
- 7-8 VASRA regattas; 2-3 away invitational or championship regattas
Regattas are held on weekends during the spring season at Sandy Run Regional Park where our boathouse is located. There are also 2-3 away regattas, including the Stotesbury Cup Regatta in Philadelphia, and the Scholastic Rowing Association of America national championship regatta.
Those involved in fall and winter sports are still able to participate in crew as long as the coaches are informed. However, come late winter and early spring, athletes are expected to participate as fully as possible.
Financial Obligations
Woodson Rowing is not financially supported by Fairfax County Public Schools. Our booster club works diligently to keep student cost to a minimum. Students pay Membership Dues and participate in fundraising to cover team’s costs for their rowing each year.
Ready to Sign-Up? Click here: I want to join the Ultimate Team Sport!