Ten Steps for Surviving the Regatta
Shaker Crew
Home of the Shaker Rowing Association, Latham NY
The following advice for novice rowing parents was adapted for Shaker Crew based on an article
The basic advice is: plan to go early, stay for the whole event, and bring everything you need
with you. Here are the details:
Race LineUps will be provided the Wednesday before the regatta weekend.
Check your E-MAIL the night before the regatta. Last-minute changes and information are
usually sent via e-mail to rowers/parents.
Get Directions and Arrive Early. Parking is at a premium at every regatta. Some regattas are
notorious for filling the city's coffers with towing fees and parking fines. At the very least, available
parking is usually limited and is certain to be at “overflow” capacity. Pay attention to parking
restriction signs.
Plan to Stay for the Entire Event. Junior rowers are expected be available at least an hour
before their race, and their races are usually spread throughout the day. Even when not racing or
preparing to race, they are expected to be available to unload and rig boats, help cheer for their
teammates, fill in for other injured or missing teammates in unexpected races, and help de-rig
and load the trailers at the end of the day.
Dress Appropriately. For the fall season, you can plan for cold and rain, and you will be right a
good percentage of the time. Dress in layers you can discard if the sun makes a surprise
appearance. Some suggested clothing items: comfortable shoes which don't get wet in the rain,
wool socks, tee-shirt covered by a long-sleeve shirt, covered by a sweatshirt, which is covered by
a Gortex or similar waterproof jacket. Make sure you have a hat or cap of some sort which keeps
the rain off your head - even a baseball style hat helps. And finally, bring a good pair of polarized
sunglasses - it always seems that when the sun does appear, it is directly across from where you
are watching the races.
Remember Personal Items. There may not be a store nearby, and you might not want to give
up your parking place to go search for one. The restroom facilities are usually port-a-potties.
Therefore a roll of toilet paper and some tampons/sanitary napkins, sealed in a plastic bag, can
be life savers when needed.
Tools for Race Watching. You may want to keep track of your rower's races, so get a race schedule as soon as they are available (they run out at many regattas). The club often provides a link to the schedule on the website prior to the event. You will also find that it is nearly impossible to tell which boat is which without binoculars - invest in a good set as soon as possible. Other essential supplies include a reliable camera, plenty of film, and extra camera/flash batteries.
Tips for Taking Pictures. You will soon learn that pictures of crew races are disappointing. Unless you have an extra-long telephoto lens, you won't be able to tell which boat is which, even at its closest point. Your best chance to take pictures is when the boats are being prepared for a race, moving the boat to the water, loading the boat in the water, and taking a "team picture" after the boat has been returned to the stretchers. Even for those shots, a telephoto lens helps considerably.
Socialize. Regattas are hours of boredom punctuated by a few minutes of excitement as your rower races. Most regattas have areas where teams can set up tents and supply food for their rowers. Find out where most of the other parents will be watching the races, and set up your folding camp chairs. You may not be sitting in the chairs all the time, but it reserves a spot for you to call home and where you can store your gear. One of the more pleasant activities at regattas is having hours of time to talk with other parents - you will be come good friends with many of them. Visit with the parents running the food tables, and you will learn more about the rowing program works than from any other source. Bring along a book to read, just in case.
Don’t Forget the Food. Different clubs make different arrangements regarding feeding the rowers. Some have food tents and provide food for the rowers, but not the parents. Others feed everyone as long as there is food available. Some require rowers and parents to bring their own food. A few regattas have food which can be purchased, although the quality varies greatly. Shaker Crew will provide food information on a regatta-by-regatta basis. Regardless, plan on bringing plenty of food for both yourself and other spectators in your group. Basic picnic food is sufficient, including sandwiches and snacks. Avoid carbonated beverages, milk and citrus juices - sports drinks are fine.
Bring Extra Clothes for Your Rower. At some regatta during the season, they will be in dire need of an extra pair of socks, sweatpants, or sweatshirt. A warm blanket might also be handy.
Good Luck, and Enjoy the Regatta!
Copyright 2002, Brookridge Associates Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SHAKER
CREW
Copyright 2008. Shaker Rowing Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
