This email is particularly intended to parents of novice rowers, but information is pertinent to everyone.

First of all … the season has started, let the fun begin. You are in for a great seasonn, and we welcome you to our rowing community. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Schedule of Events Tomorrow (all times are estimates, except for 9:00 start time)

  • 9:00 Rowers Report to Lake Bancroft Beach  4 — rowers will derig the boats and load them on the trailer for transport to Sandy Run Regional Park.
  • 10:30 to 11:00 ish — Mr. Shand will take the trailer down to the Sandy Run Rowing Facility. Rowers will make their way there. Typically, we don’t set up carpools (except for Spring Break), but if you need a ride have your child reach out to one of the Captains. The timing of this completely depends on how long it takes the kids to derig the boats. Parents don’t need to help with this, but it is fun to watch them learn to rig, lift the boats, etc.
    • Most of the rowers have gotten in the habit of stopping for a bite of lunch on the way down to Sandy Run, but nothing official planned — captains will chat with the kids tomorrow morning. Good idea to send a bit of cash with your child for lunch. Usually there is a contingent that stops at 5 Guys.
    • The GPS Address for Sandy Run Regional Park is 10450 Van Thompson Road, Fairfax Station, VA.  There are 2 major ways to get there — Down I-95 exit at Lorton or back roads (Lake Chapel to Ox, I think).  There is a lot of road work between the I-95 exit and the park, with ever changing configurations to get to Sandy Run.  The back way is scenic and less prone to detour but a bit slower.
  • 11:30 to 2:00 or 3:00. Kids will put the riggers back on the boats and prepare them for Monday’s practice. I encourage novice parents of rowers to come to Sandy Run tomorrow if it fits in with your schedule. Once we arrive some of the veteran parents will do a tour of the facility if people are interested. Wear your walking shoes … it’s a bit of a hike to the grandstands. In addition to rerigging the boats, we will have the new 8+ assembled, rigged and ready to go. Coach Mike was hoping that everyone would get a chance to row the new boat — a treat that does not happen very often.

BTW, there may not be drinking water at the park tomorrow so please bring your own filled water bottles. Looks like it is going to be a temperate day tomorrow. Dress in layers.

I look forward to seeing everyone.

Linda