What to Expect When You are Expecting a Boat Move

Coach Nate had another awesome Fun Friday session for the rowers. I would encourage you to ask your rowers about it. I am so appreciative of our coaching staff and the amount of time, effort, and energy they put into coaching our kids.

Regarding the boat move on Sunday, I know we have a lot of new rowers and parents so I wanted to provide a bit of an overview of what to expect.

Sandy Run: All of our boats are stored at Sandy Run Regional Park located at 10450 Van Thompson Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039. This is also where all regattas take place. If you have not been there, I would encourage you to join us on Sunday to get an understanding of how everything is laid out. I can walk you around the facility.
Parking, Walking, and Boat House: On Sunday you will be able to park close to the boat house across from the gravel lot where trailers are stored and parked. This is not the case of regatta days. Justice Rowing is located in the second boathouse up from the river. The terrain between the parking lots and boat house is very hilly. There are portable toilets.
Trailer: Justice Crew Boosters owns a trailer that we use to move the boats from Sandy Run to Lake Barcroft. Currently, Coach Nate has a truck capable of towing the trailer. It would be nice if there were someone else who owns a truck and is experienced and capable of towing more than 5,000lbs as backup.
Who’s in Charge: Under the direction of Coach Nate, Captains will manage the loading of the crew shells. Rowers are generally responsible for moving all boats and equipment from the boathouse (bottom of the hill) to the gravel parking lot where the trailer will be located. Rowers should wear sturdy shoes for this. Rowers have been learning about the rules of working around the boats.
Rigging and De-Rigging: Boats are stored in the boat house with the riggers attached. For moving on a trailer, rowers de-rig the boats. This takes time. There is chatting. There is talking. There is working. Once the boats are de-rigged they can be loaded onto the trailer. The reverse happens at Lake Barcroft: Chatting, Talking, and Rigging (in that order).
Time: It will take a few hours to de-rig, load the boats, and stow the gear. Also, time is relative. If the trailer is supposed to arrive at 12:00, 12:45 is still on time 🙂
How You Can Help: If you are a parent and wanting to help while down at Sandy Run, please ask one of the coaches or me what to do. Please let the Captains work with the rest of the team. It is a good learning opportunity for them in leadership.
Food: Please eat breakfast before you arrive. We will have donuts and stuff. Feel free to bring food to share (sharing is caring). I plan on ordering pizza when we get back to Lake Barcroft for lunch.
At Lake Barcroft: We need some parents and rowers to help set up the temporary fencing at Lake Barcroft Beach 4 (3526 Duff Dr, Falls Church, VA 22041). Bob Finley will be there to manage and direct what needs to be done.
Cell Service: Verizon coverage at Sandy Run is pretty poor. Phone calls go through and texts are generally good. I don’t know about other carriers.