Martindale Sprints
May
4
Race

Martindale Sprints

Parent info:

Racing:

HELPFUL info FOR NOVICE PARENTS:

  1. The bus leaves early so SET MULTIPLE ALARMS. If your kid misses the bus, they can’t race. If your kid can’t race, the whole boat may have to scratch. If the whole boat has to scratch, it's misery for everyone.

  2. Kensington is a huge animal preserve. There are no street lights and it is INCREDIBLY DARK! If you have a headlamp, bring it, especially if you're on tent setup.

  3. It's a good, brisk 10-minute walk from the parking area to the beach on a paved and not terrible trail. But if you're exhausted or trying to outrun an approaching storm, it's not short so BRING A WAGON! There is no running home between races and it's 20+ minute drive to the nearest restaurant. There are often food trucks but they're not a certainty. BRING A COOLER AND CHAIR!

  4. Umbrellas and pop-up tents are prohibited on the beach. This is strictly (and weirdly) enforced. You could put up a tent on the grassy area, but you will be sacrifiching the best view so BRING YOUR RAINCOAT!

  5. So of the worst sunburns ever seen have happened on the beach at this regatta. While it's still early in the season we're exiting winter in Michigan so do not be complacent. YOU AND YOUR KIDDOS NEED TO USE SUNSCREEN!

  6. There will be a tent selling all kinds of regatta merch. Your kids will want something. BRING $$$.

  7. GIVE EXTRA TIME to find your way and please be kind to the parking attendants. They are volunteers who love their kids and this sport so please don't run them over.

  8. VOLUNTEER and get involved! Meet other people who are also wondering how this has become their life These are now your people :)

  9. RESPECT THE BOUNDARIES! Being able to get the boats on and off the water efficiently helps keep the event running smoothly and as close to on-time as possible.

  10. Bring CAMERAS, PORTABLE CHARGERS, and BINOCULARS. These are your new best friend. There are going to be fleeting moments and epic memories that you will want to grab with both hands

    (This most excellent advice shared by the wonderful Novice Liaison: Mandy Dickerson!)

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CSSRA
May
31
to Jun 2
Race

CSSRA

event:

Time:

Location:

Parking:

Misc:

Travel and accommodation:

Travel: Details to come.

Lodging: Details to come.

Setup:

Details to come.

Racing:

Details to come.

Volunteers

Details to come.

Links:

Details to come.

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Start of Summer Celebration Parade
Jun
15

Start of Summer Celebration Parade

The 55th Annual Start of Summer Celebration in Downtown Rockford is slated for June 13–16. This year, the Rockford Rowing team will take to the streets showcasing the spirit and camaraderie of the rowing program. It's a fantastic opportunity to bring awareness to our rowing club and introduce new people to our beloved sport.

All team members are expected and encouraged to walk in the parade.

More details to follow.

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GR Invitational
Apr
27
Race

GR Invitational

event:

Location: 2001 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (Google Maps)

Parking: Parking is available in the Monroe parking lot off the entry road. Additional limited parking is available at the North end of the access road.

Volunteers and Setup:

Racing:

  • Racing starts at 8:30am and is scheduled to finish by 11:30am.

  • List of events

Links:

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Northview Scrimmage
Apr
20
Race

Northview Scrimmage

event:

Location: Jupiter Boathouse

Time: Athletes should arrive by 7:15am.

Parking: Athletes may drive themselves but must park towards the back of the boathouse.

Uniform:

  • Varsity and JV uniform: wear your uni. If yours hasn’t arrived, please ask to borrow one.

  • Novice uniform: wear your racing tank. If it has not arrived, please wear your spring shirt.

Misc: No cowbell allowed but please cheer for our boats as loud as you can!

Racing:

Athletes will launch upstream from the dock. The start line is in the cove, upstream from the boathouse. Athletes will race downstream and will race by the dock with around 150 meters left.

The finish line will be around 150 meters downstream from the boathouse. Athletes will return to the dock upstream as they would during practice.

parents:

First race is at 8:15am. Parents and spectators should arrive around 8:00am.

Athletes have priority for parking in the gravel lot. Parents may parallel park down the driveway or on the west side of the boathouse in the grass.

There is no overflow parking reserved since this is a smaller race. Please do your best to consolidate the number of vehicles you take to the boathouse.

Volunteers

Volunteer sign-up form.

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Spring Sprints
Mar
23
Race

Spring Sprints

event:

  • Buses leave Rockford High School at 7:00am.

  • Students should arrive by 6:45am.

  • Location: Forest Hills Central High School, 5901 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

parent info:

  • The first race is expected to start at 9:00am.

  • Awards ceremonies are expected to be complete by 2:00pm.

  • In the past there has not been a parking fee for this event.

  • Expect an admission fee (amount and ‘cash only’ unknown).

  • There are usually vendors with booths selling various items

  • No parent volunteers are needed for this event.

  • Find the Rockford Rowing parent section and come sit with us—we will be making lots of noise!

Links:

Details to come.

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Spring Dues Due
Mar
11
Parent

Spring Dues Due

All seven of the following steps must be completed to sign your athlete up for the Spring 2024 Rowing season. If any of these steps are incomplete, your athlete will not be eligible for the first day of practice.

  1. Medical Form

  2. Code of Conduct Form

  3. Rower Information Sheet

    • Print and turn in the Rower Information sheet to your coach before practice on March 11

  4. Rockford Rowing Spring Sign-Up Google Form

  5. Rockford Public Schools Athlete Registration

    • Register your athlete with Rockford Public Schools by March 11 before 5:00pm. A copy of the athlete’s sports physical must be uploaded to practice.

  6. Varsity and Novice Uniforms Mandatory Order

    • Order uniforms by March 11 by noon. Send payment to Rockford Rowing in one of the three ways listed below.

    • We will have uni’s, tech gear, tanks, and boathouse jackets available to try on for sizing at the Athlete Call-Out meeting on March 4 and again on Dock-In day on March 9.

    • JL Uniform sizing

    • JL Uniform and Boathouse Jacket Order Form

  7. Send in Spring Dues payment of $700 (less fundraising athlete credit, notified by email)

    • Spring dues are due by March 11 by noon. Send payment through one of the three ways listed below.

    • If you would like to set up a three-month payment plan (March, April, May) or would like to inquire about a potential scholarship, email Rachel at treasurer@rockfordrowing.com by March 7 by noon.

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Spring Dock-In Day
Mar
9
Crew

Spring Dock-In Day

Dock-in Day is the tradition that brings together our rowing team and their families to set the stage for an exciting season ahead. We invite all parents and kids to lend a hand as we place the dock back into the Grand River, tidy up the boathouse, and mark the start the Spring season.

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