Hello Parents,
Our varsity and novice boats will be racing both Saturday and Sunday. This is a great opportunity for the novices to get more racing under their belts and experience an away regatta. This PDF will be your guide to getting ready for this awesome trip!
Trip Dates/Times: Rowers need to be at the Caspersen Rowing Center’s parking lot at 3:45 on Friday, April 28th. The drive to Saratoga is around 4 hours and we will NOT be stopping for dinner, please plan a to-go meal accordingly. Athletes will leave the racecourse Sunday around 5-6 PM and should be picked up in the parking lot (approx. 9:30-10 PM). Rowers will notify their parents when we leave, and give them a 45-minute warning before arrival.
Registration: Because this is not a home regatta, we have to pay for entry fees, transportation, housing, and food. The trip total is $400 and can be paid for here. If this cost is an issue, PLEASE TALK TO YOUR COACH! We do not want the cost of the sport to hamper any child from participating. Your rower must be registered before they leave Friday for the trip.
P.S. – If you do not register by May 13th you will incur a $15.00 late fee
Racing: Please check here for the Tentative lineups and schedule.
What to Bring: Please keep in mind the shared spaces we will have this weekend and try not to over pack! Below is a list of the essentials:
- Racing Gear- White Mercer Shirt/Dark Blue or Black Spandex for novice, Unis for varsity
- Socks, so many socks. Pack at least 2 pair per day
- Underwear/sports bras
- Sleepwear/loungewear
- Sweatshirt/sweatpants
- Rain gear, extra layers
- Casual clothing for 2 days
- Toiletries- toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, soap, hairbrush
- Sunscreen! Hats/visors/sunglasses
- Phone and charger
- A meal for Friday night and some $$ for snacks/swag at the racecourse
- Any homework that needs to be completed over the weekend
Extra Items:
- Hair ties and headbands
- Small travel games
- Specific snacks if you have allergies
- *If you have any medications please let your coach know*
- Blister tape/bandaids/Neosporin
Contact Information: If any issues arise please reach out to the parent coordinators first and then the coaches. If there is a problem we will reach out to you ASAP.
- Amanda Klaiber-Short: 760-223-2064, aklaibershort@rowpnra.org
- Jamie Hamp: 716-560-1858, jhamp@rowpnra.org
- Jen Closser: 202-360-8683
- Jeb Barkenbush: 609-712-3036
- Kevin Heyeck
- Kurt Kinter
- Natasha Gajewski
- Kimberly Cushman
Transportation: We have rented 15-passenger vans for this trip. The parent coordinators, Jamie, Amanda, and chaperones will be driving. If you plan on driving up and want to take your child home from the racecourse, please let a parent coordinator and coach know so our head count will reflect that change. The racecourse address is Lee’s Park, 1464 Route 9P, Saratoga Springs, NY.
Lodging: The team will be staying at:
Hilton Garden Inn
125 South Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
11 minute drive to the racecourse
Food: Please bring a meal for the ride up and money for a short dinner on the ride home after racing on Sunday. All other meals are provided for in the trip costs. Please let your coach know if you have any allergies or special dietary restrictions. It is never a bad idea to pack a couple snacks for the drive and race course!
Weather Forecast: The weather looks mixed for the weekend. Saturday will be a high of 60 degrees but possibly raining, so bring rain gear and a plastic bag to keep your clothes dry. Sunday is cooler with a high of 50 degrees and windy, so additional layers may be needed to stay warm (hats, gloves, etc)
Parents/Spectators: This race is a great opportunity to see some of the most competitive junior teams compete before regionals! If you plan on attending, please note that there are similar rules on race day like we have at a home regatta. Before the race the coach will need the rowers’ full attention and parents should not follow rowers to the trailer. After their race, the coach will debrief their rowers and then release them back to the parent/food tent. We appreciate parents following these rules; it helps their athlete’s focus and keeps parents safe from rogue boats and oars moving around. We also don’t mind parents spending time with their athletes as long as there is not an activity planned with the team.
GO MERCER!