For spectators, regattas can be long, lovely days spent by the riverside, watching beautiful boats and people go by. They can be days of leisure, of socializing in the sun, punctuated by intense bouts of cheering as boats go flying by. But regattas can also be long, cold, muddy days of trying to stay out of the rain and out of the way, all the while keeping track of the races. Check the forecast!

Regattas are generally a significant drive away, and it’s important to plan carefully to get there, find a place to park, and get to the NYCRI tent on time. Though parents are not required to attend, it is well worth the effort to be there. Rowing is a physically and mentally challenging sport that thrives on the support of teammates and families. In the event that you cannot attend, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for your rower to get to and from the event. Rowers are expected to attend the entire regatta to give support to their team. They are also required to be on hand to participate in the unloading and loading of the shells and other equipment at the beginning and end of all regattas.

Regattas are made more interesting to observers by understanding the workings of rowing. If you want to, there is a great deal to be learned. At a minimum, you might familiarize yourself with the terms found on the Crew Dictionary page of the NYCRI website. It helps to know that each boat has a numbered bow marker identifying its sequence in rowing. The positions within each boat are numbered from bow to stern. The bow seat is always #1, and the last seat in the boat is called the “stroke” seat. You can identify teams by the color of their oars as well as their uniforms. Each team has a unique oar color/pattern. Be aware of the difference between fall events (“Head Races”), in which boats start at 10 second intervals and are timed individually from start to finish, and spring events (typically “Dual Races”), in which several boats at a time race together. Head races are generally around 20 minutes long and dual races 7. Feel free to talk to other parents or coaches at regattas to be as informed and involved as you choose.

At regattas parents help to keep rowers safe, dry and fed. NYCRI has large tents that parents put up and take down as dictated by weather. First aid equipment is available and is administered by coaches. There is also a fabulous food tent, made so through the participation of all rowers’ families. Be sure your rower makes a nutritious contribution to the table for each regatta. The table is staffed by volunteer parents in shifts; please sign up on this website as the date approaches.

Here is a list of items athletes will need at regattas:
uniform (coxswains, too)
warm-up clothes
extra changes of warm
dry clothing and socks
running shoes
flip-flops
hat/visor
rain gear
water bottle
sunglasses
sunscreen
A water-resistant bag for all of this is helpful.

Parents may want:
a folding chair
sunscreen
umbrella
binoculars
a blanket
hat and gloves
rain and wind gear
sunglasses
camera
waterproof footwear.