Novice Masters FAQ
What time are practices?
Practice times differ for each team. The 5am Team practices M/W/F 5:00-7:00am, the Mid Morning Team practices M/W/F 8:30-10:30am, and the Evening Team practices Tu/Th 6:45-8:45pm & Saturday 8:00-11:00am.
What happens if I can’t make a practice?
Each team has a different attendance policy. Your coach will discuss with you how to notify them of absences. If you miss a class, that is perfectly okay. Unlike LTR, we do not allow you to make up you class at a different time slot.
What should I wear to practice?
Rowing is an all-weather sport (except when there's lightning or strong winds). Be prepared to row in all weather conditions pending safety guidelines.
Therefore, wear clothes that are:
Will I or do I have to race?
All novice rowers are given the option to race at specific regattas. Although it is recommended, it is not required.
What races do we compete in?
We are a competitive team and so, obviously, we compete in regattas. These come in two general flavors: sprint (short, straight) and head (long, with turns) races. With some exceptions, sprint races for Masters rowers are generally 1 km in length and happen in spring. Head races may be 4-6 km and usually happen in fall. A general list of regattas the club has participated in is available on the SRA website (dates subject to change). Coaches will ask you to indicate your availability and interest for each one that we are participating in. Some regattas have a limited number of entries so not everyone may be able to race. Each regatta will have its own separate registration and associated fees. Local regattas will tend to be in the $50 range. Out of region regattas will be more expensive because of transportation costs and possible overnight stays. Feel free to talk to coaches or the captains if you want more information for planning out costs for the season. If you can only attend one regatta, make every effort to try and make the Master's Regionals in June. In 2015, Masters Regionals are June 26th to 28th (Fri through Sun) so also be aware you might need to take vacation from work on that Friday and maybe even Thursday afternoon (to drive to Vancouver, WA).
What is our racing uniform?
Racing uniforms are required and can be purchased twice a year. You will be informed via e-mail when that time arises. You must purchase the following if you are going to race:
Do I have to workout on days that we do not have practice?
As each team is different, the coaches will notify you of the expectations. As novices, it is often not required to workout on off days. However, the more experienced you become and the larger your goals are, the more frequently you should be doing off day workouts.
Practice times differ for each team. The 5am Team practices M/W/F 5:00-7:00am, the Mid Morning Team practices M/W/F 8:30-10:30am, and the Evening Team practices Tu/Th 6:45-8:45pm & Saturday 8:00-11:00am.
What happens if I can’t make a practice?
Each team has a different attendance policy. Your coach will discuss with you how to notify them of absences. If you miss a class, that is perfectly okay. Unlike LTR, we do not allow you to make up you class at a different time slot.
What should I wear to practice?
Rowing is an all-weather sport (except when there's lightning or strong winds). Be prepared to row in all weather conditions pending safety guidelines.
Therefore, wear clothes that are:
- Light, tight-fitting and will keep you warm when wet. These are generally made from synthetic fibers (technical fibers/spandex) and tend to be unflattering.
- Cotton should be avoided as it sucks away your body heat when wet.
- Anything heavy or floppy (including large pockets, loose shorts or long shirt-tails) will get caught in the slides or entangle your oars. JL Racing is the canonical (and not cheap) source for rowing clothing, but there are many other general athletic brands which offer items that will work well.
- High-visibility ("high-viz") colors are recommended, especially for night rowing, so you can be seen by other boats or when you fall into the lake and have to be fished out.
- Dress in layers. You will strip off layers as you get warmed up out in the lake, and put them back on when you cool off coming back to dock.
Will I or do I have to race?
All novice rowers are given the option to race at specific regattas. Although it is recommended, it is not required.
What races do we compete in?
We are a competitive team and so, obviously, we compete in regattas. These come in two general flavors: sprint (short, straight) and head (long, with turns) races. With some exceptions, sprint races for Masters rowers are generally 1 km in length and happen in spring. Head races may be 4-6 km and usually happen in fall. A general list of regattas the club has participated in is available on the SRA website (dates subject to change). Coaches will ask you to indicate your availability and interest for each one that we are participating in. Some regattas have a limited number of entries so not everyone may be able to race. Each regatta will have its own separate registration and associated fees. Local regattas will tend to be in the $50 range. Out of region regattas will be more expensive because of transportation costs and possible overnight stays. Feel free to talk to coaches or the captains if you want more information for planning out costs for the season. If you can only attend one regatta, make every effort to try and make the Master's Regionals in June. In 2015, Masters Regionals are June 26th to 28th (Fri through Sun) so also be aware you might need to take vacation from work on that Friday and maybe even Thursday afternoon (to drive to Vancouver, WA).
What is our racing uniform?
Racing uniforms are required and can be purchased twice a year. You will be informed via e-mail when that time arises. You must purchase the following if you are going to race:
- SRA White Hat
- SRA Racing Tank (or unisuit)
- SRA Racing Long Sleeve
- Navy spandex shorts (not required if have unisuit)
Do I have to workout on days that we do not have practice?
As each team is different, the coaches will notify you of the expectations. As novices, it is often not required to workout on off days. However, the more experienced you become and the larger your goals are, the more frequently you should be doing off day workouts.