Regatta Survival

How to Survive Your First Regatta
(Click Here to open a .pdf copy for downloading)

Things to Consider taking

You should think day hike in the woods when preparing to go to a regatta.  You may want to take a small back pack to carry sunglasses, binoculars, camera, snack, water, book (lots of waiting between events), small bills for the snack bar, and money for tee-shirts that are for sale that your new rower may want. Dress in layers (it can be brutally warm in the sun, then incredibly chilly if the wind were to pick up and we won't talk about rain).  Some like to bring those folding chairs that fit into a satchel or a stadium cushion for the cement bleachers.

Parking

Once you turn off of Hampton Road on to Van Thompson Rd. (when you see the power lines), you will encounter parking attendants who will collect $10.00 from you and direct you where to park.  The earlier you get there, the closer you park to the facility.  CARPOOLING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Prepare to Hike

From the parking lot, look for the signs that point to the pedestrian trails. Take what you'll need for the day because you won't be going back to your car until it's time to leave.  There are two ways to get to the finish line.  Catch a shuttle van for $2.00 at the parking lot by the gate or plan on walking for 20 minutes on a 4 foot wide trail through the woods (dirt, gravel, steep at times - consider wearing boots or sturdy shoes).  Langley parents can be found down by the water or on the top right corner of the bleachers.  Wear a Langley sweatshirt so you'll be easy to recognize!

You're There!

Look at the schedule that you've downloaded so you can follow along with the announcer and know who is racing and figure out when your rower will be racing.  Chat with all the other great Langley families that are there and cheer for all our boats!

Other Tidbits

-         You can't see a regatta from the boathouse.

-         The port-o-johns at the finish line are more tolerable than the ones at the boathouse.

-         Buy at least one program during the season for your rower.

-         Plan on seeing your rower after the race back at the boathouse (another 20 minute walk)

-         No matter how much you wave at them when they're rowing by, they won't look at you.

-         Your rower should ask his coach the day before the regatta what time they have to be there