You're a rowing parent now…..
Relatively few young athletes discover and develop a passion for this unique sport. Rowing is not a mainstream sport but one that will set your son or daughter apart and benefit him or her in ways you cannot yet imagine.
This is a great sport and one of the few that offers a chance to start at an older age (no one has been rowing since they were a small child!) and provides overall body conditioning. Your child will learn all sorts of things about teamwork, commitment and motivation while at the same time making wonderful friends and getting in terrific shape.
Here’s a quick guide for new rowing parents – so you don’t quite feel so out-of-the-water!
Responsibility
Rowing expects a lot from its athletes. They are responsible to their coaches, their teammates, the club, and themselves. Communication and contact with coaches rests on the rower’s shoulders. This sometimes leaves parents feeling like there’s no place for them but, rest assured, there is.
Rowing is a team sport like no other. If someone is missing, the rest of the crew may not be able to row. If someone is late, they may arrive to find the crews have launched without them.
In case of illness, your rower has a responsibility to email the coach and let them know early in the day so line ups can be readjusted.
Practice: Start and Finish
Arrive early. Warm up and preparation to get out in the boats takes time. Your rower will have a better practice if not rushed.
Practice may end later than scheduled. The water is unpredictable and clean up and stretching takes time. Plus young rowers do like to talk after practice (no talking on the water). So you may end up having to wait.
Dress for Success
Rowers wear spandex. Some kids are self-conscious in the beginning about wearing spandex – but anything else is likely to get caught in the seat mechanism of the boat when they are rowing. (This is also the reason for not wearing shirts that are too long.) Don’t worry – they get used to it fast!
Layers are important – as long as they are tight to the body and stretchy. And the brighter the better. We share the bay with power boats and float planes. Your rower should be visible!
Boats can’t go out when the water is too windy or rough, so your rower should be prepared for dry land training every practice. Running shoes and shorts are a must.
Lost and Found
Items left behind can be found just inside the clubhouse to the left of the door as you enter.
Meeting with the Coach
Practices are a busy time – especially at the end. If you need to talk to the coach, it’s best to email and set aside a time to talk.
Also, you should ask yourself if whatever you want to talk about should be handled by your child and give him or her the chance to address it before you get involved – the rower’s responsibility.