Occoquan Regattas

The majority of our away regattas, including the state championships, are held on the Occoquan at the boathouse at Sandy Run Regional Park. Please make note that this area is very spread out and involves a lot of walking. Make sure to wear good walking shoes—no sandals or flip flops. The area where the Regatta Headquarters is located includes the boat launch area, the boat trailers, the W-L team tent (where rowers hang out), and a concession area. 

The race finish line and the grandstand/cheering section are located further up the river. The two areas are connected by a trail that goes through the woods—about ½ mile. The trail is a dirt path, not paved, but is a lovely walk along the river and the forest. There is also a food concession stand at the grandstand, along with bathrooms. Unfortunately, no pets permitted in the park on race days. 

Team Bus

Coaches will let us know the day before the race what time your rower needs to be at W-L to catch the team bus. As always, rowers will stay all day at the race and return to Columbia Island Marina (CIM) to put boats up at the end of the day. The bus will then take them back to W-L (there will be a team text message when they are leaving CIM to return to W-L—you can also ask your rower to let you know when they are getting close).

Race Schedules

As usual, these will be provided by coaches on Thursday or Friday, or whenever they become available. Races *typically* start around 9:00 AM and *typically* continue through to late afternoon, but this can vary so look for the final schedule when available.  Tip: Because cell service is generally poor at Sandy Run, you might want to take a screen shot of the schedule before you arrive at the regatta.

Directions 

10450 Van Thompson Road, Fairfax Station, VA  22039

Take I-395 South to I-95. Continue south about 15 miles. Just after crossing the Occoquan River take Exit 160 (Route 123 North -Occoquan/Lakeridge) and proceed on Rt 123 approximately 3 miles to Hampton Road. Turn left at the light onto Hampton Road and go approximately 1 mile to Van Thompson Road and turn left. Follow Van Thompson to parking lots.

With no delays (check traffic report the morning of the race) the park entrance to Sandy Run Regional Park is about 30 minutes from Arlington. However, you should estimate an additional 1.5 to 2 hours once you get there to park and to then walk down to the finish line viewing area just in case the parking gods are not smiling upon you. The earlier you get there, the better chance of finding parking closer to the race course. 

Check out this Sandy Run map and learn more on the VASRA website.

Spectator Parking & Walking to the Viewing Area

There is no spectator parking at Sandy Run. All spectator parking is at:

South County High School
8501 Silverbrook Rd,Lorton, VA 22079

Parking at the high school is free, but you must take a bus shuttle to and from Sandy Run, which costs $10 per person each way, cash only.

The shuttles will begin 1.5 hours before the first race and conclude running from Sandy Run no later than 1 hour after the last race.

These shuttles are often school or charter buses that are not ADA compliant.

(Please note, occasionally, when there are events occurring at the high school, the shuttle bus and parking will move to an alternate nearby location. Please check the weekly Crew’s News email and communications from the coaches to learn of any changes.)

Once at Sandy Run, you will be dropped off at Lot C where you will take a walking path to the finish line/viewing area. This is about a 20 minute walk.  Feel free to ask others where the path(s) are to get to the viewing area—everyone is very helpful! When on this trail, you will come to a T in the path—go to the left to reach the viewing area. Going to the right will take you to the boathouse and the W-L team tent. Important Note: Please be sure to check for ticks after every race; this is a wooded area. Some have been found in past years. 

Accessible/Mobility Impaired Parking

Mobility Impaired Parking (with an official car hang tag or sticker, or with prior approval from VASRA), is usually available in Lot C at Sandy Run. If you have someone with mobility issues in your group, be aware that the off-site buses do not have ADA capacity as there is onsite parking in Lot C. It is helpful that those persons using this parking contact assisted.parking@vasra.org prior to the regatta to confirm arrangements.

Finish Line Shuttle

For those with mobility issues, there is also a Finish Line Shuttle that will take you from the main Shuttle drop off point to closer to the Finish Line area. This cuts quite a bit of the walk off for any individuals needing assistance, yet there is still muddy ground and inclines to traverse. The fee for the shuttle is $5 each way. One of these buses is ADA compliant, however, the off-loading point at the finish line may prove challenging. Also there is a paved road between the finish and the grandstand that might be easier to go down than come up. Contact assisted.parking@vasra.org directly which can provide a gator (golf cart) to the grandstand if needed. Once you are there and need transport up to the parking lot contact the primary person at the spectator concessions stand and they should be able to assist with getting the gator down for pick up. Please be aware that the gator may be employed on a different task and take some time to respond (5-20 minutes), but will respond as soon as possible.

Volunteer Parking

Registered VASRA volunteers get free parking in the Sandy Run Lot D; however it is good to be prepared in the event that the parking lot is filled prior to your arrival. Bring some cash for the shuttle just in case, and leave yourself plenty of time in the event you have to drive over to South Park High School. (Note: The on-site parking perk only applies to official VASRA volunteers, and unfortunately does not apply to W-L specific volunteer positions like food donations and tent setup.)

If You Are a Volunteer…

Please arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour before the job start time to allow enough time to park, walk to the volunteer check-in tent, and get to your job location. (The time listed on the SignUp Genius is the time you should be in position and starting the job.)

Upon arrival, sign-in at the VASRA volunteer desk near headquarters before your shift start time. The volunteer sign-in desk is located at the building past Regatta headquarters (3/4 down the hill opposite the boathouses, on the right hand side). You do not need to sign in if you are a W-L Team Tent volunteer.

Most of the volunteer jobs are located outside. Anticipate inclement weather and wear layered clothing (the temperature can change as much as 20 degrees) and a hat. Gloves are also recommended. Please wear an outer layer of waterproof clothing if rain is in the forecast. Even the jobs in the HQ building and the Finish Line Building will expose you to the cold weather.

Remember, every parent who is volunteering should see their child race. You may ask to be temporarily released from your duties to watch your child race. Please work with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) lead at your position. They should arrange for shuttles, launches, etc. to transport you to the grandstands to see the race. Please return to finish your shift after you see your child race.

Carpooling

For both volunteers and regular spectators, it is highly recommended to carpool. Talk to other parents or use our Slack channel to coordinate finding a ride.

Race Course & Viewing Area

The race course is on the Occoquan Reservoir. There is a permanent grandstand with a shade cover at the finish/viewing area. W-L parents tend to set up chairs and stand in front of the grandstand/along the water. Look for others wearing W-L hats/shirts and join us to cheer on our rowers. Remember the “Go W-L” chant! 

Check out the schedule for all the W-L boats’ races and plan to cheer all our rowers and boats on. It is wonderful when we have a lot of W-L parents (regardless of being novice, freshmen, or Varsity) to support all the W-L boats as they row toward the finish line!

Food

Rowers need to bring their own lunch and snacks for races at the Occoquan. They should pack a lunch, snacks, and drinks. It is a long day, so make sure they have enough healthy food/snacks to sustain their energy levels.

There is a concession stand near the launch area with grilled food, so your rower should also bring some money if they want to purchase food. There is also a concession stand at the viewing area for parents to get food.

The W-L team tent will have water for the rowers. Rowers need to bring their own water bottles.

Shirts

Your rower will also be able to purchase a shirt that commemorates the race (or you can purchase it for them at the concession stand).  The price is usually under $20 and is (again) payable only in cash.

Items for Parents to Bring

  • Folding chair
  • Sunscreen/hat
  • Bug spray         
  • Binoculars
  • Cash for parking and food
  • Snacks/water
  • Reading material for between races
  • (not allowed in the park are dogs, bikes, or alcohol)

Also—there are only porta-potties. (We suggest you bring hand sanitizer or hand-wipes. Pack some for your rower, too, along with bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat for them).

Heat Sheets, Race Results & Drone Video

VASRA typically posts heat sheets and result on its website, VASRA.org. You can also find drone video of the races at MaverickRowing.com.

Have fun!