Preparation:
- Sleep! Before each regatta, plan to get a full night’s sleep.
- Monitor the weather! Regattas can be much colder and wetter than it is in Ithaca.
- Pack smart—always come prepared for an unexpected change in weather conditions. Bring rain boots and flip flops/slip-on sandals and a dry change of socks. Bring an extra change of clothes in a waterproof plastic bag. (Extra plastic trash bags usually come in handy to keep your stuff dry!) For cold weather, wear layers (long-sleeved polypropylene white or black shirts to wear under racing uniforms/shirts) and long spandex pants; pack hats and gloves to wear while waiting.
- What to bring:
- Homework, a book, and an iPod to make best use of travel time and down time between races. Rowers should plan on completing homework assignments on the bus or between races. Cell service is usually sporadic at best for many of our races.
- A filled water bottle and snacks/small meal for the bus ride.
- Money for t-shirts or other regatta gear/souvenirs.
- A flashlight, tissues, and toilet paper. Regatta port-o-potties aren’t always well supplied!
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat.
- Insect repellent.
- Always go to the trailer first when you get to the race course. Boats need to be rigged, and your coaches need to know that you're here.
- Pre-race food: Eat a healthy and light breakfast before your race. Stay away from greasy food or a lot of protein. Some rowers find that yogurt (particularly high fat/whole milk yogurt) and carbohydrates, like bagels and cheese, do not bother you when you row. If your race is at the end of the day, eat a good breakfast, but light lunch.
- Stay hydrated!
- Be conscious that you are representing CBC and always show good sportsmanship at regattas.
- In addition to rigging boats and being prepared for your race, be aware of other jobs that might need filling at the regatta and pitch in when you can. Parents can always use help with filling up the water jugs and taking trash to the dumpster.
