Regatta Survival Kit

 (This is an all-day, outside, elements-exposed experience)

 

Race types:

    Fall season- head style races.  Crews line up in a single file with about 10 seconds between each boat.  They approach the starting line at half pressure, once they get to the starting line they are at full pressure...coxie raises her hand.  Each crew is timed.  You crew...the is a good thing.  Races are 5000m long...some courses are longer some shorter.

    Spring season- sprint style races.  Crews line up together at a starting line.  Ready all, go! command is given and the crews race 1500m in the US and 2000m in Canada.

 

Clothing - A change of clothes or many layers (could be warm or cold out, wind can be a factor, often both as it is a long day and especially changeable).  Don’t forget hats, gloves, raingear, and warm jackets for the spring regattas!  Encourage your rower to at least wear “under-armor” (thermal stretchy long sleeve) and a skullcap when it is really cold.  The girls sometime sit out on the water for long periods.    

Footwear - Comfortable shoes/sneakers/hiking boots (depending on temperature).  There can be lots of walking and wet, soggy, muddy ground!  Bring rubber boots.  Good days make sure you have easy on easy off sandals.

Sunscreen - For parents and especially oarsmen, back of neck.  Watch the ears!  Wear sunscreen - enough said.

Binoculars - Look for the colors of the oar blades (Blue on the back with a white Fleur de lis) to distinguish the crews.

Camera or Video Cam - The boats on the water are a long ways away, but good shots can be had!  Look for professional photographers who may be around.  They usually post to websites and have great on-water shots.  It is worth the cost to capture at least one close-up!!

Chairs - Regattas last 3 to 8 hours.  Don’t forget one for your daughter as well!

A Good Book - For between races.

A Cooler with Beverages and Food - Usually you can buy stuff, but your own is better and healthier.  Any goodies you would like to bring and share at the tent will be welcome! 

Bike – There are a few regattas that you will not be able to view the activity at both the starting and finishing lines.  If you want to witness the entire experience at these particular events, a bike would provide you the ability to do so.