Athletes should bring:

  • Uni (and any extra specific long-sleeve if needed)

  • Cox boxes (for coxswains)

  • Team sweatshirt/t-shirt/warm-up/Stevenson jacket - you should be wearing Shaker gear on top at all times during a regatta.

  • Several pairs of socks for practice and regatta day.

  • Weather-appropriate practice gear.

  • Weather-appropriate layers (both under layers and clothes that can go over uniforms to stay warm and dry between races).

  • Weather-appropriate outerwear as needed (waterproof coat, hat, gloves, fleece) 

  • Appropriate shoes for water launches (slides, crocs, flip flops)

  • Running shoes

  • Hat/visor, sunglasses, and sunscreen

  • Plastic bag for wet clothing 

  • Full reusable water bottle.

  • Medication: if you need daily medication - epi-pen, inhaler, etc. - make sure you bring it! 

  • If we’re staying overnight: an overnight bag with toiletries and clothes.

  • Make sure you have an extra set of warm/dry clothes for the bus ride home.

    It may be nice to bring:

  • Small blanket or sleeping bag for the team tent 

  • Boots if it’s mud season (which it usually is).

  • Homework (you’ll have lots of time to work on the bus)

  • Cash/card for purchasing t-shirts and other novelties (we will let you know if, for longer trips, you need money for meals).

    Please don’t bring:

  • Large electronics: speakers, video game players, etc.

  • Anything you don’t want to get dirty/lost

  • Lots of cash

Spectators may want to bring:

  • Cash for parking (not always needed - check RegattaCentral for venue details before leaving home)

  • Camp chair

  • Reading material, screens/homework/games for siblings 

  • Binoculars

  • Camera 

  • Weather-appropriate clothing for layering (the temps may go from the 40s at arrival to 70s+ by the afternoon). 

  • Weather-appropriate footwear for walking through wet grass or mud

  • Raingear/umbrella if rain is forecasted

  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

  • Cell phone & battery charger

  • A small blanket can be handy for keeping warm/dry and for sitting on

  • Link to heat sheets/event times from RegattaCentral/HereNow. *Check with your rower for their events - lineups may change at the last minute! 

  • Snacks and drinks: families are welcome to eat in the team tent and there’s often food available for purchase at the regatta site, but if you have food allergies or preferences it’s best to bring it with you. 

  • Your enthusiasm, support for your rower, and readiness to help out in the team tent! 

Tips for families and spectators:

  • The areas around the boat trailer and launch docks are off-limits for spectators and families. Think of your athlete as "at work" from their report time until they are dismissed by a coach to come back to the team tent. 

  • If a coach shows up at the food tent please remember that they are working. Regattas are NOT an appropriate time to discuss issues with coaches. 

  • Arrive early! Parking can be an adventure at regattas. If there is a race you want to see, get there in time to find a parking spot, walk to the water, and find the best viewing spot.

    • The time it can take to do this should not be underestimated. 

    • Pack light or bring a wagon, you may be hauling your gear a long way.

  • Assume everything will be running on time, even though that is not always the case.

  • Expect a lot of downtime. Regattas are a “hurry up and wait” activity. It’s a good time to volunteer as the day will go much faster if you have a job to do, and it’s a good way to get to know the other team families. 

  • Stay alert - 65' long, heavy boats are being carried, possibly by novices, and the student-athletes are not necessarily watching where you are. Try to stay clear of the boat path to and from the water. If you hear “Heads Up!”, it means “Watch Out”!

  • From a distance, all boats can look alike. Look for the red uniform tops with the small white “Red Raider” on the back and the big white “SH” on the front of the uniforms. Oar blades may be Shaker-colored or white.