Rowing is one of the most demanding and rewarding sports you can do. Here's what being on the team involves for both student-athletes and families.
Season Overview
Justice Rowing is a spring sport with structured preparation leading into racing competitions.
Winter Conditioning (Late November to February)
- Optional indoor training with ergs, strength, and conditioning at Justice High School
- Builds fitness and introduces rowing technique
- After school on Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri until 5:30 PM
- Play a winter sport? Winter sport athletes join when water training begins
Early Water Training (Mid-February to March)
- On-the-water practices begin at Lake Barcroft, weather permitting
- Team meets after school with a warm-up run to Beach Area 4, then rows on the lake until 5:30 PM
- Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri practices focused on applying technique on the water
Spring Rowing Season (March to May)
- Practices move to Sandy Run on the Occoquan Reservoir
- Team bus transports rowers after school and returns to school around 7:30 PM
- Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri practices
- Saturday regattas begin mid-March
- Season concludes with VASRA State Championships at Sandy Run and qualified boats advancing to Stotesbury or Nationals
Time Commitment
- 4-5 practices per week starting in mid-February
- Regattas on weekends (typically Saturdays)
- Optional winter conditioning 4 days a week from late November to mid-February (indoor ergs)
Roles
Rowing is inclusive of many body types and athletic backgrounds.
- Rowers provide power and rhythm in the boat
- Coxswains steer, strategize, and lead crews during races
Justice transitioned to only scull, where the rower users oars on both sides. Many of the other area high schools focus on sweeping.
Expectations for Rowers
Rowing requires dedication, but no prior expertise. Athletes are expected to:
- Commit to regular practice attendance
- Support teammates and put the boat first
- Focus on learning proper technique and improving throughout the season
- Represent Justice Rowing with integrity and sportsmanship
Rowing rewards effort, consistency, and a willingness to learn.
Expectations of Families
Parents are an essential part of Justice Rowing. Through the Justice Rowing Boosters, families play a vital role in supporting the program and helping it operate successfully. Parent volunteers contribute in many ways, from equipment maintenance and fundraising to regatta logistics and team coordination. Because Justice Rowing is a small, community driven program, each family should expect to take on multiple volunteer roles throughout the season. This shared commitment helps ensure a positive and sustainable experience for all athletes.
Fees
Justice Rowing at Justice High School is a club sport. Like other club programs, it is run and supported by the families of participating athletes through the Justice Rowing Boosters. Annual fees help pay for coaches' salaries, insurance, bus transportation, regatta fees, boat maintenance and storage, and other seasonal expenses. Rowers participating in post-season competitions like Nationals, may be assessed fees to cover the travel expenses (transportation, hotel and food) associated with these events.
The Justice Rowing Boosters are committed to making rowing accessible to all interested students. Families who are unable to pay the full fees are encouraged to complete the financial assistance section on the registration form.
Fundraising
To keep fees as low as possible, annual dues cover approximately half of the program's regular season expenses. Fundraising helps make up the rest and allows the team to replace boats, boat parts, outboard motors, trailers, and oars. All team members are expected to take part in team fundraisers throughout the year, which include car washes, concessions sales, wreathes & poinsettia sales, and more.
Questions? Contact us at justicerowing@gmail.com