So your child has decided to try rowing? GREAT news! Rowing is a terrific team building sport for people of all ages. Cape Cod Rowers have earned over $400,000 in college scholarships after participating in our competitive rowing programs. The camaraderie, friendships and self confidence that rowing brings is a phenomenal way for kids to blossom and grow.
Since you are new to the Club, we thought we would include some general information for you as the rowing season starts quick and before you know it, you will be pulled into the process before you know what has hit you!
FUNDRAISING
Rowing equipment is very expensive, with shells running from $18,000 to $40,000 each, not including oars! Our equipment has been well taken care of over the years, but many boats are past their prime and in need of replacement. We are a non-profit club with no source of constant revenue, so we must rely on our fundraising efforts to raise money for equipment.
Throughout the year we run various programs including the Wine & Beer Tasting, Spring & Summer Car Washes, Food Booth Concession at Valinor Farm, Holiday Cookie sales etc. The kids, Parents and Masters are responsible for fulfilling their portion of the fundraising.
Our fundraising committee is headed by parent, Laurie Reney. If you have any ideas or would like to join the committee, please contact her at laurieoncape@gmail.com.
RACE DAYS
Spring races are called Sprint Races, where all teams in a heat start at the same time and the first finishers are the winners. Fall races are called Head Races and each team is timed start to finish and the results are not known until all teams have finished the course.
Some races have different rules, but generally a Novice racer is one who is in their first full year of competitive racing. Any youth racer that has completed their first year moves on to Varsity. Coxswains can be interchanged as needed in both types of races. The "cox" is vital to the boat's success and can strongly affect the race results.
Competitive rowing takes a ton of energy and our race days are full day events. In order to keep our kids nourished and hydrated, parents are required to help with what we fondly call the "Hospitality Train," which is run by the Parent Boosters and can be reached at capecodrowingnews@gmail.com. During the week prior to a race, emails will be sent to all rowers and their parents to sign up for a food or staple item to supply for race day. An on-line spreadsheet is completed with the items we need and you will be asked to choose an item and make sure it arrives at the race. Which brings me to....
Competitive rowing also requires a ton of encouragement from the shore. We strongly encourage you to spend the day with us at the races.....the kids won't let on, but they are so proud when they place or win and having a parent there to congratulate them is priceless! It also helps when they do not do as well as we must keep them motivated for "next week." Of course we understand if you can't make every race (we all have work and other commitments), but a food item commitment is a must.
Race days are early days; we typically leave the Cape at 6:00 am and caravan to the race. Many are held at the UMASS boathouse in Lowell. Directions will be provided in advance and any questions can be directed to one of us parents. What else should you bring?
In addition, we desperately need parents to assist with set-up / take-down at the races. The Club provides covered tents, a portable grill and tables all of which need to be set up on arrival and taken down at the end of the day - this is an "ALL HANDS ON DECK" requirement. We all want to get home after the races and we all need to help to get the job done. Kids will be expected to help with trash pick up - 60 kids can generate a lot of trash! Please do not be surprised if you are asked to pitch in!
That's it in a nutshell. We are glad you are a part of our Club!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions,
Marianella Van Etten
Parent and Board of Directors-VP
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