Regatta Packing List Essentials
Prepping for a regatta isn't just about the physical training and mental prep, but also ensuring you have the right tools for success on race day. The last thing you want to realize on race day is that you've forgotten to pack your favorite sunglasses, your team's unisuit, or your lucky warmup shirt. Below, you'll find a list of important items to remember to pack, whether you're going traveling to your own lake or across the country.
Black Kids Go Fast by Joshua Rafferty
Last summer, I had the privilege of attending the Black Student-Athlete Summit in Los Angeles, CA. At the conference, there were over 500 varsity student-athletes across all NCAA divisions. I had the honor of meeting the most talented, hard-working, smart, and kind people with whom I have ever interacted. As I met track runner after track runner, I began to wonder where the rowers were. Joshua Rafferty interviews Black athletes and coaches on their rowing journey, poses the question "How can we get more Black kids in college boats?" and discusses ways that we can diversify our sport at the higher levels.
Celebrating the Launch of Xavier Rowing Club
In September 2023, New Orleans Rowing Club and Xavier University of Louisiana partnered to launch the Xavier Rowing Club program, becoming only the second of its kind at a Historically Black College or University. The initiative is currently led by NORC members Elizabeth Manley and Chloé Jobin. Over the past months, more than a dozen enthusiastic Xavier students with no previous rowing experience have learned the fundamentals of the sport on the waters of Bayou St. John and at the NORC indoor rowing facility. The team is eager to continue to train this season with a group of capable and eager novice rowers, and they hope to race in fours or eights in the spring.
Athlete Spotlight: Makayla Malandra
Introducing Makayla, a sophomore on the Purdue Women's Rowing Team! Makayla is currently pursuing a degree in Creative and Professional Writing at Purdue, and she has been rowing since middle school. She loves rowing in a 4x and an 8+, and her favorite seat is 4 seat. Makayla recharges after practice with sunny side up eggs, and while she isn't at the boathouse, she loves spending time with her friends. We sat down with Makayla to delve into the world of collegiate rowing, and learn more about her experience with the sport she has grown to love!
The Boys in the Boat Movie
The Boys in the Boat is a sports drama based on the #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction book written by Daniel James Brown. The film, directed by George Clooney, is about the 1936 University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite rivals from around the world. The movie will open in theaters on December 25.
Athlete Spotlight: Grace Kennel
Meet Grace Kennel, a sophomore on the rowing team at Purdue. Grace loves 6 seat because she gets to follow, but likes to be in stern four, and she enjoys practicing in a 2-, but racing in a 4+ or 8+. "All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled gets her pumped up to row a 2k, and you'll find her eating handfuls of dry cheerios as a post-practice snack on the way home from the lake. Outside of rowing, she enjoys cooking since it is a fun way to destress after practice while also fueling herself. We sat down with Grace to find out what it's like being a student athlete, and what she has learned from the sport of rowing.
Back to Scull: A Wardrobe Guide
With the fall season approaching, it's time to spruce up your rowing gear! Whether you are going back to school, or you are going into your next masters season, here are 14 different items that will be a perfect addition to your fall kit. There is a mix of gear for warm weather, as well as some pieces for when the weather starts to turn. This list of versatile items will help set you up for success this upcoming season! For more fall gear, check out our Back to School Survival Guide on JL Athletics!
Best 2k Songs: A Playlist for Erging
We asked our followers what their go to 2k songs were, and the responses did not disappoint. From Metallica to the Cast of Glee, the genres are all over the place. Speaking from experience, it is so hard to pick a good song/playlist on 2k days. Some songs are too long, too short, or too repetitive. This playlist has a wide range of different genres, so hopefully it can strike some inspiration if you are at a loss for what to listen to! Tap on the link below to see the full playlist!
Athlete Spotlight: Nikki Hallahan
Meet Nikki Hallahan, a freshman on the rowing team at Purdue University. Nikki started rowing in high school, and hasn't looked back! Her favorite pre-practice snack is a protein shake she makes in her dorm room with protein powder, almond milk, vitamins/supplements, and yogurt. Her favorite seat is bow seat in a 4x, and she is also bisweptual when rowing sweep! Read about how special rowing is to her, what her goals are for the season, and what she recommends to high schoolers considering rowing in college.
