This note is for Wayland Weston Varsity athletes, including novices moving up to varsity, and selected novices who are considering rowing as lightweights.

IMPORTANT NOTE: US Rowing has announced (in September 2021) that it will no longer sponsor junior lightweight events. This is disappointing news, as our program has experienced considerable success in this area.

For the near term, this does not represent a change in preparation for the individual athlete. All athletes should stay healthy, remain fit, get strong, and eat healthy. Do what is right for your body.

It does of course represent a shift in the concreteness of racing goals. For spring 2022, there is no formal scheduled race dedicated to lightweight athletes (athletes who naturally find themselves to be in the lightweight category - 130 pounds for girls, and 150 pounds for boys).

A small number of colleges still offer programs dedicated to lightweight athletes. It would be helpful if you could tell Coach Paul if you have an interest in rowing as a lightweight.

[For future reference only, the process we would use would be:

1. Think over whether or not you would like to compete as a lightweight for a spring season.

2. Talk it over with your parents. Have them sign the parent’s permission form (to be attached).

3. Tell Paul Hoffman (paul@wwcrew.org) of your decision.

4. Make an appointment with your physician. Have your physician fill out the attached form. It requires them to provide a fair amount of historical data, so give them warning of what you need beforehand.

5. Send all forms – signed by doctor, parent, and athlete – to Paul Hoffman – 45 Old Concord Road – Lincoln MA 01773. Keep a copy for your records.

6. Stay healthy, eat to fuel, stay fit, get strong.

7. Compete as a core part of the Wayland Weston team, and perhaps there will be a few lightweight races as well.

Final framing comments

It’s important to remember that WWRA is NOT primarily a lightweight program. Over the course of the racing season, athletes of all weights will be placed in boats that have the best chance of doing well. It is possible that one or more of these boats will be in lightweight events. Getting into a potential lightweight boat will likely be a competitive situation, so you should choose the weight class at which you feel strong and vibrant. It is quite possible that some athletes preparing as lightweights will not actually end up in a lightweight boat.

The most important thing is that you do what is healthy for your body. Eat to fuel, be strong and healthy, and then find out if that means that you will race in a lightweight event.

Your coaches look forward to working with you to enhance your strength and fitness, and to create fast boats!