How long is the Crew season?

Though "land training" begins earlier, the crew season begins in late February and runs through the end of May.  Regattas begin the first week of April.
 

Where are regattas held?

Regattas are held at three locations: Georgetown (Potomac River), at Thomson's Boat House), Occoquan (Sandy Run Park), and Anacostia (Capitol Rowing Club).  See "Regatta Schedule" for exact dates and locations.
 

How are practices organized?

The crew bus leaves Wakefield High School after school (at about 2:30 PM) and goes directly to the Capitol Rowing Club on the Anacostia (next to the Navy Yard).  Practice includes both land training (running, stair climbing, weight training, etc.), workouts on the ergonometers (rowing machines), and rowing practice on the water.  The crew team spends about half its time on the water and half on land.  On the water the coaches are always present in motorboat launches directing and supervising the water training.  The bus returns to WHS at 6:00 PM.
 

Do I need to worry about safety?

Safety is the coaches' primary concern.  No one can be a member of the crew team without first passing a swim test.  Water-safety training is addressed at the beginning of the season, and no boat is permitted on the water without supervision of a coach in a launch supplied with life-jackets.  During on-the-water practice, each crew member is expected to obey team rules and to behave appropriately.
 

Is there crew practice during Spring Vacation?

Yes. Because the regatta season is about to begin, attending this series of practices is important to team development.  It is held every day, usually twice a day.  Unfortunately, no bus transportation from WHS is available, but car-pools with older team members and parents are easily arranged.
 

How much will crew participation cost ?

All rowers must agree to pay a $50 rower's dues PLUS accept responsibility to fundraise an additional $200, for a total annual contribution of $200.  If a rower's total amount raised is less than $200, the shortfall must be covered by an additional check/cash payment.  New rowers are expected to fundraise $100 and are strongly encouraged to begin as early as possible.  Fundraising is made as easy through numerous Crew Booster Club fundraising activities (for example, car washes, Giant Food coupons, seasonal sales drives, etc.).

A scholarship program is also available.  If a student is able to raise $250 or more, their $50 rower's fee will be refunded on request.
 

Why does this sport have fees for participants?

Crew receives limited financial support from the school system.  Rowers' dues and fundraising efforts, as well as parents' volunteer support, must therefore provide the additional funding (to operate the team, to purchase new boats and oars, to maintain launches, to make repairs, etc.).
 

Do I need to buy a uniform?

No.  A uniform will be provided, but it must be returned at the season's end.  Any rower who does not return the uniform is required to pay $30 for its replacement.
 
 

 

FAQ's for Parents Only

How can parents support the team?

First and foremost, parents can support the team through their presence at regattas.  Come and cheer all the Wakefield boats!  It really means a lot to the team to know they have strong support for all their hard work.

Second, attending parent meetings during the crew season will keep everyone informed of all activities and expectations.
 

Must parents volunteer time?

Regattas are staffed by a large team of parent (and former parent) volunteers from across the Washington metro area.  The National Capitol Area Scholastic Rowing Assoc. (NCASRA) requires all participating schools to supply volunteers for each regatta in which our team participates.  Each crew family, therefore, should fill a minimum of two (2) volunteer assignments per season.  These jobs are of all kinds -- from helping at concession stands to driving a launch for judges during regattas!  All the jobs are usually fun and rewarding experiences, as they are each a part of making the whole event successful!
 

Do I need special training to help at a regatta?

No, nearly all volunteer jobs need only a few moments of instructions.  Driving a launch (motorboat) is the only job requiring specific training.  The WHS Crew Volunteer Coordinator will provide an information packet describing each of the jobs available.  Regardless of the volunteer job selected, each requires only three to four hours of service during the regattas in April and May.
 
 

 
 

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