training logistics
Crew training takes place in two phases. From November through late February, athletes participate in winter conditioning at OHS, focusing on erg workouts and strength training. In the spring, practices move to the water at Sandy Run Regional Park. The exact start date for water training depends on the official FCPS spring sports calendar and conditions at Sandy Run.
Practices are generally held after school Monday through Friday, with additional practices on Saturdays. Parents should join the team’s Slack and Team Tracky platforms to receive current information about practice schedules, transportation, and other logistics.
Winter Conditioning
Winter conditioning helps athletes improve their fitness, learn fundamental rowing techniques, and develop teamwork. Training involves primarily uses rowing machines, commonly called “ergs or ergometers,” as well as strength training in the weight room, and is held at OHS on weekday afternoons and Saturdays.
The general winter conditioning schedule is Monday through Friday from 4:00–7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Spring Training
Spring training focuses on developing rowing technique, boat-handling skills, and teamwork on the Occoquan Reservoir in preparation for the racing season. The transition to on-the-water practices depends on the official start date for spring sports and conditions at Sandy Run Regional Park. The team will announce the start date in advance.
The general spring training schedule is Monday through Friday from 3:00–7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Required Spring Break Training
Spring Break is one of the most important training periods of the season. Extended practices allow athletes to spend significantly more time on the water than during a typical weekday, helping them improve their technique, increase boat speed, and prepare for competition. All athletes are expected to participate throughout Spring Break. When determining racing lineups, coaches will give preference to athletes who complete the full training program.
The coaches will announce the Spring Break schedule during the winter. Training will likely consist of two daily sessions with a lunch break in between and will be held on the Occoquan Reservoir. Parents are responsible for coordinating transportation and providing lunch, as food is not available for purchase at the training site.
Transportation
Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Families interested in participating in a carpool should select the appropriate option during registration, authorizing the Booster Club to share their address and contact information with other interested families. Parents are responsible for coordinating and organizing all carpool arrangements.
Winter Conditioning: Parents and athletes are responsible for transportation to and from all winter conditioning practices.
Spring Training: On regular, full school days, the Booster Club provides motor-coach transportation from Oakton High School to Sandy Run Regional Park for weekday water practices and returns athletes to OHS afterward. Buses are not provided on early-dismissal days, student holidays, or Saturdays; families are responsible for transportation on those days.
The return trip from Sandy Run to OHS generally takes 45–55 minutes, depending on traffic. Athletes typically return to the school at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Spring Break: Parents and athletes are responsible for transportation to and from all Spring Break practices.
Typical Weekday Bus Schedule:
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3:15 p.m. — Buses begin loading in front of OHS at Door 11
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3:30 p.m. — Buses depart promptly
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4:15 p.m. — Buses arrive at Sandy Run Regional Park
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Approximately 7:00 p.m. — Buses load for the return trip
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No later than 7:15 p.m. — Buses depart Sandy Run
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Approximately 8:00 p.m. — Buses arrive at OHS, Door 11
Bus Rules
Bus rules and procedures are outlined in the team’s Bus Rules document. All athletes and parents are expected to review and follow these requirements. Repeated violations may result in the suspension of an athlete’s bus privileges.