preparing for regattas

Below is a comprehensive guide for navigating upcoming rowing regattas. Here, you'll find everything you need to know about what to expect and how to prepare effectively for these events.

What should athletes pack?

Uni or Novice Tank
Varsity Team Visor
Varsity Team Boathouse Jacket
Black Long Spandex Pants
Black Long Sleeve "under armor"
Rockford Rowing T-shirts
Black spandex shorts or other snug fitting shorts or tights (absolutely NO soccer or other loose styles may be worn)
Slip on shoes, tennis shoes or rain boots
Extra socks
Rain Coat
Water Bottle
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Something for downtime (homework)
Food if there are dietary restrictions

Equipment awareness

Rowing equipment is very expensive and must be handled with care. Boats and oars are very long—be cautious of your surroundings when moving around them. The boats and athletes do have the right of way. Try to stay off the sidewalks when standing, away from the trailers and docks.

"Heads Up" = Duck

Attendance and Transportation

For all spring races, we will have transportation to the regatta provided by the school, it is important to be punctual for those busses, as the team is required to travel there together. If we miss the bus, the races that athlete is apart of, will be scratched, and will not race.

Athletes will be onsite for the race between an hour and a half and two hours before the first race, they will rig the the equipment before any boats hit the water.

After the racing has concluded for the day, the athletes will de-rig the equipment and load the trailer, athletes will not be dismissed for the day until the trailer is fully loaded.

Athletes are allowed to travel home with their guardians, if their guardian is not at the race, the bus will bring them back to the High School. Athlete and Guardian both must check out with a coach if driving home separately from the team.

food

At every race, we will have a food tent, with food provided by the team, unless previously noted. The food tent is primarily for the athletes, and generally serves Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks. If we are racing two days in a row, the team will provide dinner for the athletes as well. The food tent does its best to accommodate dietary restrictions, but please plan accordingly for your athlete.

Parents are welcome to eat if there are extras, but please plan to bring some of your own food. If you have any concerns, please get with the coaches or the board.

Athlete-Only Areas

We love support and spectators, but parents and guardians need to stay away from the trailer and equipment, you can think of that space as our locker room at a race. Please allow the coaches and athletes to do what they are there to do first and foremost.

Parents also need to avoid the dock areas, as those are typically only for coaches, athletes, and regatta officials.

Your athletes are welcome to come see you at the food tent/cheering section.

parent volunteering

Rockford Rowing thrives on the dedication and volunteer efforts of parents, who play a crucial role in its success. Supporting the team through volunteering is highly encouraged. To learn more, visit the Volunteer page under the Parents tab.