training logistics
Training for crew has two phases: working out on the ergs during the winter and rowing on the water in the spring. Winter conditioning is held at LHS from November until late February or early March; spring training is held on the water at Sandy Run Regional Park. The exact start date for spring training depends upon the official start date for spring sports and when conditions at Sandy Run are suitable for water training.
Practices are generally Monday through Friday after school, and on Saturday mornings. Parents should also join our Groupme chat group to get last-minute notifications of any changes to schedules, such as weather-related cancellations.
Winter Conditioning
Winter conditioning is designed to strengthen physical condition, teach basic rowing techniques and build teamwork. Athletes will most commonly train using rowing machines (“ergs”). Training is held at OHS on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
The general schedule for winter training is: Monday - Friday (3:30 - 6:00), Saturday (9:00 - 12:00)
Spring Training
Spring training is designed to develop rowing technique and boat handling and is held on the water at the Occoquan reservoir. The specific date at which training shifts to the Occoquan depends upon the official start date of spring sports and conditions at Sandy Run Regional Park, and will be announced in advance. Rowers practice Monday through Friday after school and Saturday mornings.
The general schedule for spring training is: Monday - Friday (3:00 - 7:00), Saturday (9:00 - 12:00)
Spring Break Training - Required
Spring Break is a critical period of training —the team is able to double the amount of time on the water compared to a regular weekday practice, resulting in better technique and increased boat speed. It is essential that all athletes are available for training for the entirety of Spring Break. Racing opportunities will be preferentially assigned to those athletes who complete spring break training. It is a challenge, but also a crucial component of getting fast on the water and being competitive with other teams.
The coaches will determine the specific timing for Spring Break training over the winter, but will probably include two sessions with a lunch break in between. Spring Break training is held at the Occoquan. Parents are responsible for organizing transportation and for providing lunch, as there are no facilities to purchase food at the Occoquan.
Transportation
Carpools are strongly recommended. If you would like to be involved in a carpool, check the appropriate box when registering to allow the Booster Club to share your address and contact information. This information will be shared with others who are interested in carpooling. It is up to the parents to set up the carpools.
Buses are provided on days when the students have a full day of school. BUSES ARE NOT PROVIDED ON EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS OR STUDENT HOLIDAYS.
Winter Conditioning: Parents and athletes are responsible for transportation during winter conditioning.
Spring Training: The Booster Club provides bus transportation from Oakton High School to the Occoquan for all weekday water practices. Athletes must organize their own transportation on Saturdays.
Motor coaches provide transportation from OHS to the Occoquan and back to OHS during the school week. The travel time from Sandy Run back to OHS is about 45-55 minutes depending upon traffic, so athletes are usually picked up around 8:00 pm.
Spring Break: Parents and athletes are responsible for transportation during Spring Break.
Bus Schedule:
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3:15 - buses load from front of school by Door 11
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3:30 - buses depart promptly
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4:15 - buses arrive at Sandy Run
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No later than approximately 7:00 - buses load for return to Oakton
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No later than approximately 7:15 - buses leave park
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No later than approximately 8:00 - buses arrive at OHS, Door 11
Bus Rules
Bus Rules and Procedures are detailed in the Bus Rules document. All parents and students are expected to read and abide by them. Repeated failure to comply with rules and procedures may result in suspension from the bus.