This weekend, Hamp Crew started off its racing season, sending the varsity squads to Lawrence, MA to row against teams that were three and four times their size. Hamp Crew varsity, racing in quads, eights, and fours, raced Greater Lawrence as well as Concord High School crews. While our team is significantly smaller in numbers, they still raced competitively, winning in the boys varsity 4+ and coming in second in the boys varsity 8+. The girls varsity 4x raced alongside the boys lightweight 4+ and held their own. Next weekend, the varsity and novices will travel to a closer locale- Holyoke, MA- for a dually hosted regatta between Holyoke Rows and Hamp Crew. Racing will take place between 9-11AM. Hamp rowers would love to have their friends and family come cheer them on! 

The youth spring season has begun! Docks are in and boats are regularly hitting the water. Every day nearly seventy rowers gather before splitting into squads and putting hands on boats. Many of these rowers are new. There are two parents meetings next week (4/11 and 4/12) to give parents an opportunity to watch the end of practice and to meet with coaches about the season's expectations. Wednesday, 4/11, from 5:30-6:15 will mark the MAKE-UP Meeting for Varsity, Novice, and First-Time Novice parents. Thursday, 4/12, from 5:30-6:15 we invite Development Team parents to stay for the meeting. Both meetings will be brief and will cover pertinent information for a successful season.  

The Spring Season for high school racers begins tomorrow, March 26! Varsity, Novice, and First-time Novices will be meeting at the boathouse, located on Old Springfield Rd in Northampton, at 3:30PM. High schoolers with no experience are welcome to come and give it a try for a week. All participants should come ready to help unload the trailer, rig, and unpack from winter storage for the first part of practice. The coaches are very excited to get the spring season started and boats on the water, preparing varsity for the race on April 15 and the varsity and novices for the HolyHamp Regatta on April 21! 

There will be no practice today, March 1, due to the weather. I hope everyone stays warm and safe. We will all be together (varsity and novice) tomorrow, Friday, March 2 at AllSport. See you there!

The 2012 spring regatta schedule is now posted on the Programs page. Check it out and put it on your calendar today!

As I sit at my desk, I see the the first snowflakes starting to fall. It reminds me that we might just have some weather that will potentially effect practices. Hamp Crew's policy is that we cancel practice ONLY IF Northampton High School is closed or has an early dismissal. Please note that this does not mean that practice is cancelled if NHS has a day off for a teacher in-service day or holiday ONLY IF it is closed for weather. Additionally, you should make your own decisions based on what is safest for you and your family. On that note, I anticipate seeing many of you for practice this afternoon. Please be safe in your travels!

Hamp Crew youth and masters will row towards 1,000,000 meters in an eight-hour period. Is it possible? With the awesome gang of women and men who have been hammering away all winter, spinning the erg, lifting weights, and staying fit it is certain. Come show your support and help donate to a good cause- Eastworks, First Floor 9AM-5PM Saturday, Feb. 11. All donations made on the Hamp Crew website or on the day will go towards much-needed equipment and the Easthampton Community Center. 

The 6th Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction at the Sierra Grille was a huge success. We had the largest turnout, with members and people from the community who came to enjoy the awesomely delicious food and wines. The auction items boasted services such as acupuncture to gift baskets from top businesses in the Valley. The event raised $2000, which will go towards financial aid. Many thanks to all who helped make this event a success. Please visit The Sierra Grille on your next dinner out! 

Due to extremely icy conditions, Crew U will be cancelled tomorrow (Tues, 1/24) for the AM Group. The PM Erg Team will still be on in the afternoon. For anyone who does travel, use caution!