Saturday, February 28, 2009

novice Boats at Green Lake 21 March Races

There will be two boats entered for OAR Junior Novices at Green Lake in the 21 March regatta.

One Girls 8+
One Boys 4+

We are a couple of boys shy of an 8 for that event, so there will be only a four entered for the boys.

... Mike Ruth (Parent Coordinator)

Green Lake V Boys Boats

UPDATE 3/15/09: The following are the lineups for Varsity Boys for Green Lake, as of Friday (from PJ, their coach):

Event 1: Open M 4x+/ JIT (Will coxing)---Mitch, Devin, Derek, Dylan W.

Event 13: Open M 2x/ Wintech – Eamon, Daniel.

Event 16A: Jr. M 4x+/ Les (Daniel coxing)—Ben, Dylan M., Evan R., Liam

Event 35A: Jr. M 4+/ NEW 4+—(Chris coxing) Jackson, Eamon, Daniel, Will.

You can get the Green Lake Regatta schedule from their website:
http://www.greenlakecrew.org/
It's preliminary for now, but probably won't change *too* much this week.
... Mike Ruth





The Green Lake Regatta will be 21 March in Seattle.
As of this moment, the OAR Varsity Boys boats will include:

Event 1: Open M 4x+/ JIT
Event 13: Open M 2x/ Wintech
Event 16: Jr M 4x+/ Les
Event 32: M LT 4+/ Tia ( if we scratch event 35 then we’ll use the NEW 4+)
Event 35: Jr. M 4+/ NEW 4+ (dubbed informally “The Godfather”-don’t ask me why)

This may change of course, but these have been submitted to the Green Lake organizers. I'm hoping to get the list for V Girls and Novice crews soon, to post to the Blog.

... Mike Ruth

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Erg Assessment This Week

PJ Clayton(Head Coach) has asked to have an ergometer test from Varsity rowers this week (week of 23 Feb). This is not a "test", but more of a baseline measurement of the crew's aerobic and strength conditioning. (If you cannot erg, please bring a doctor's note explaining why. But offhand I guess that anyone capable of rowing and racing can generally be anticipated to perform as well on the ergometer.)

Also, PJ says rowers must do light workouts on off days if you miss practice or on scheduled no-practice days. These should include hamstring stretches, abdominal strengthening, and some form of aerobic workout (running, biking, stair climbs, gym machines, etc).

These will help you increase your abilities, while reducing potential for injury. You'll feel much better when the sprinting training kicks in later this season.

Have a great second week of spring season training. ... Mike Ruth

Ragatta Update

The coaches have decided not to attend the Lake Stevens Regatta. So, the first regatta will likely be Greeen Lake on 21st March. Stay tuned for details to follow.

Also, Saturday Varsity Boys practice start time is moved to 9:30.
Saturday practice should be over by 11:45.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Varsity Boys Sat A.M.

To accomodate various schedules, the Varsity Boys will have Friday afternoon off. They will row Saturday mornings at 9:15 to 11:45 instead.

Possibly starting at 9:30 next Saturday I understand. Please confirm with PJ or the team captains (Daniel, Eamon, or Will).

Thanks ... Mike

Uniforms for Spring 09 Juniors?

Please let us know what you think about uniforms for this spring season. We have a couple of options:
- traditionally we ask the rowers to buy a Unisuit. This is a one piece (for both boys and girls) spandex suit with OAR colors on it. Cost is upwards of $80, though, and it takes some time get them ordered.
- OAR does have some tank tops (singlet) available immediately. These are also only $12. They are not as nice as Uni's, I suppose, since they are made of cotton rather than polyesters.

Please comment to this posting if you have an opinion. We'll need to make some decisions pretty soon if we are going to proceed with Uni suit ordering. ... Mike

Friday, February 13, 2009

Tough Love

For those of you who missed the parent meeting last night I need to know who is planning to go to Tough Love on Sunday (February 15th). I need a final count so I can enter you in heats. I need to know either way by today so I can submit a final entry.

You will need to bring the registration form and the waiver signed on Sunday. Also, since the $10 registration fee was not part of the winter training registration fee you paid in December you will need to bring the $10 to cover that as well. More information about the regatta is available at www.newworldrowing.com. This is a really fun indoor rowing competition and is a great way to end the winter season!

If you are racing you need to arrive at Howard Hall, University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland OR 97203 before 8:00 when the races start, 7:30 or 7:45 would be excellent. Everything should be done by noon and in most cases you should be able to leave right after you finish your race. There will be an awards ceremony for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each heat and a raffle drawing (last year it was an iPod!).

If you are NOT on this list i need to hear from you today! Thank you!!

Those who I know are going:
Fredrick
Ashley
Lucy

Those who I know are not going:
Leiya
Evan
Maura


If you have any questions feel free to call (360.951.6720) or e-mail (ulleryme@gmail.com)
Thanks again,
Liz

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

What to Wear to Practice

Rowing is a water sport and here in the Northweast often involves less-than-ideal weather conditions. Club policy is that crews do not go out on the water when the weather is breezy (> 10 knots), or if the water is choppy (at coach's discretion).

If the weather prevents going out on the water, you will very likely get to run for part of your workout, yes, even in rain and cold. So, always come to practice with running shoes and decent socks to run in, running (or rowing) shorts, and an athletic shirt.

You can bring gloves for running and land training days. But rowers never wear gloves on the water because gloves reduce the ability to control the oar handle reliably.

On the days you will go on the water, there is always a good possibility of getting splashed, or getting caught in a rain shower. Or it might just be cold. Generally you will warm up while rowing, but then cool down quickly when you are back on the dock putting the equipment away. Wet feet are a common malady, since the dock often has puddles.

You will need rowing shorts, tight fitting (so they don't hang off you and interfere with the moving seat motion or get caught in the tracks). Rowing shorts will be useful as the season warms up.

For February and March, you should plan to dress for cold weather and AVOID WEARING COTTON ON COLD DAYS. We recommend:
- spandex long sleeved shirt (made by Under Armor), fairly thick and tight fitting. This fabric keeps you warm even when wet, unlike cotton.
- long nylon tights, to ankle length. Again, Under Armor makes these.
- Nylon socks, which dry quickly and stay warm when wet. There are many types but I got mine at South Sound Running
- A Hat! Brimmed hats keep the rain off your face. A polypro watchcap can hold in a lot of heat on a wet or breezy day.
- Splashjacket: These are fairly expensive and most people don't like to use them much except on rainy days. A windbreaker (or splash jacket) is very nice if you are riding in the launch for some practices.

You can buy these items at Alpine Experience in Olympia. Or from JL Rowing (www.jlracing.com). Most of these items are so durable (and stretchy) that you can anticipate years of wear.

Please make sure you will have sufficiently warm athletic clothing, which is not cotton based, and provides warmth down to the ankle and out to the wrist.

Junior Regattas for Spring 09

The following are regatta's which are tentatively planned for the Junior Season. Go to the OAR website for current listings:

http://www.olympiaarearowing.org/SitePages_public/Rowing/Youth/junior_calendar.aspx

Some boats may go to some of these, not all will necessarily go to all. Novices might have fewer regattas in general. But here is the tentative list:
3/14 Lake Stevens Spring Regatta
3/21 Green Lake Spring Regatta
3/28 Vancouver Lake Spring Regatta
4/11 Covered Bridge Dexter Lake (Eugene OR)
Late April - looking for a scrimmage race (TBD)
No regattas planeed in May until the Regionals
5/15-17 USRowing NW Junior Regional Championships

The only two events which may require a hotel overnight are Covered Bridge and Regionals. Again, not all crews will attend these races. The Head Coach (PJ) will make determinations about what boats go to what races as the season progresses.

Watch the Blog and the OAR webpage for updates.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Junior Parents' Meeting 12 Feb @ 7:00

Hello Spring Rowers -

We are hosting a Parents' Meeting for Junior Rowers on Feb 12th at 7:00 pm. It will be held at the Olympia Center Room 103 (222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, 98501 - at the corner of State and Columbia, downtown.

We will provide an introduction to new parents of novice rowers, and introduction to the coaches. Families of experienced rowers should attend to hear the regatta schedule and receive other information about the spring season. As always, we will provide time to ask and answer questions. The meeting is planned to end at 8 or 8:15 or so.

As you know, the Spring Season registration forms have been released to the OAR website, and sent out to many of you by email, as well.
http://www.olympiaarearowing.org/SitePages_public/Rowing/youth/junior.aspx

Please consider sending your completed registration forms and payment to the meeting on Thursday evening. We can discuss anything possibly missing from your registration packet, in time to fix it before the practices start next week. And this way you won't have to stand in line at the boathouse on Tuesday, either!

Feel free to phone me anytime (350-8115) about anything related to the Junior Rowing Program.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Two Weeks! (Same as the e-mail)

Hi Crew!
So, you are on your own for the next two weeks (ish).

We have Tough Love in Portland on the 15th of February it is your responsibility to get down there. The first race will go off at 8:00 and every 15 minutes there after, so you should arrive at 7:45 to be ready. Here is a link to more information and directions to the race: CLICK HERE! Each rowing MUST have THIS WAVER SIGNED (click this link) before they race. Bring it with you, mail it to me, what ever but if you show up in Portland on the 15th with out it, you will not be racing!!

Until the 15th I want you to continue working out on your own. I trust you all to stay in shape and not lose all of the strength and endurance you gained over the last two months. (Yes, you can lose in in "only" two weeks). Continue with the weights you were doing last week (4 circuits). You should be able to get at least two more days each of legs and arms. Remember to alternate to give your muscles a chance to recover. I want you to do a little cardio every day, run, erg (lightly and NO 2K!), do elliptical, just do something.

If you have any questions let me know. Try to workout together, it makes it more fun that way and you can hold each other accountable to get it done. Take this time to get a head with your school work so that when spring racing starts you can commit fully to the season. If you want to be competitive this spring each and everyone of you need to commit fully, mind, body and spirit.

Last thing: check the blog regularly for updates and encouragement.

See you on the 15th in Portland ready to race!
Liz