Regatta tips:

If you've never been to a regatta before, you might have some questions about what to expect. Here's tips for first time regatta goers.

Where to go: Directions to each regatta can be found here.

When to go: If the regatta schedule is available ahead of time we will post it to the website so you can plan your day. Sometimes the schedules don't come out until very close to race day so you have to keep watching our homepage to see if its here. Your rower will probably find out his/her race schedule on the day before the event so ask them what they know. Once you get an idea of the schedule, you need to get to the race area finish line in time to see it. For regattas on the Occoquan, remember that there is a pretty lengthy walk required from the Sandy Run parking areas to the finish line via wooded trails. We suggest you leave home at least an hour before the race start time to give yourself enough time to drive there, park and then walk to the finish line area.

What to wear: Dress very casually! Warm jacket, boots/shoes good for walking on hilly dirt paths that often turn to mud and of course your official Viking Crew hat especially on sunny days. Rowers' uniforms are determined by their coaches but normally they all compete in the same Woodbridge outfit.

Regatta costs: At Sandy Run regattas, you have to pay to park - usually $10. This goes to the Park, not the teams. Also, there is a shuttle van to take you up and down to spectator site. Each way in the van is $1 per person.

What to bring: If you want to sit down during the events you can walk down the trails to the finish line area where you will find a concrete bleachers area. Bring a soft cushion to sit on. Many Woodbridge Crew parents congregate on the point just to the east of the bleachers about 300 yards from the finish line. There's no seating on that point so bring a lightweight folding chair. Binoculars help you see the action a lot better so bring them too. Bring some sunscreen 'cause it can get very bright sitting by the water's edge all day. Bring water or you can always buy some food at the snack bar they have at the finish line (soda, water, hot dogs, burgers, etc). Bring some money to buy the event's special T-shirt and money to stock up on even more Woodbridge Crew Spirit Wear. Buy a copy of the regatta schedule at the snack bar stands.

Where to park: For those events happening on the Occoquan, park at the end of the access road to Sandy Run Park in one of the parking lots. There will be traffic guides in the road to direct you and to take your $10 parking donation. The Halloween Row is an exception to this general rule. Since that late October event finishes in the vicinity of our boathouse, park in the parking area above the boathouse in the Lake Ridge Park lot.

Regatta operations: Volunteers make it happen so find out how things work by getting involved. You too can operate a chase boat, help the refs, or otherwise assist. See our volunteering point of contact get more info.

What you'll see: A lot of people having fun rowing surrounded by a lot of people having fun watching. Regattas can last several hours so find out when you're rower's race will be starting. As schedules get published for each regatta, we'll try and post them here.

A regatta safety checklist

• Tips for surviving a regatta
  • In order to remain warm, you must remain dry
  • It is always about 10 degrees colder near the water
  • It is just as important to stay hydrated in the cold as in the heat so drink liquids.
• Recommended clothing for spectators:
  • Multiple layers are better than one even in warm weather
  • Good, warm, comfortable, waterproof walking shoes or boots. The forest paths at Sandy Run will turn muddy when the crowds arrive so don't wear your best, white sneakers!
  • Rain gear
  • Hats with visors
• Additional recommendations for volunteers and participants:
  • A complete change of clothing
  • A dry towel
  • If your assigned duties place you on the water, avoid red or orange clothing/hats
• Recommended gear for spectators:\
  • Sun glasses
  • Sun screen
  • Stadium seat
  • Pocket hand warmers
  • Medications
  • Umbrella
  • Lip balm
  • Insect repellant
• Important facts for parents and athletes to keep in mind:
  • Keep allergy medication with you at all times
  • Wear a medical alert!
  • Please let your coaches know if your student has allergies or other health concerns
  • Athletes should carry whatever medications they may need even during the race.
• All regattas have volunteer EMT squads on site. They are there for your benefit. They, like everyone else involved in the regatta, are donating their time. Please let them know how much you appreciate their contributions. Please note that several laws govern what the EMT can and cannot do in the event of a medical emergency. The EMTs provide us with two levels of response: basic life support and advanced life support. In the event that advanced life support is activated, they are legally required to evacuate the victims to the hospital to be further attended to by a physician. Generally, in addition to a serious accident, any situation that would require an EMT to administer medication, other than oxygen, is considered advanced life support. If you or your student receives minor first aid from someone other than the EMT during the course of the regatta, please stop by and have the EMTs review your incident at your earliest convenience.