Thanks for sharing that Joann!

Prep for steering a race - Review race rules as provided by the race producer. Attend any pre-race meetings online or in person, as scheduled by race officials. Know how boat needs to be loaded and unloaded, directions for heading to the start line from the docks, and returning. Review maps for the body of water where the race will be held, and research direction of race course (if unfamiliar). Monitor weather forecasts for wind direction. If tidal, research tides for that location. On site, ideally the day before, or very early before racing begins, if possible walk the race course with drummer, and possibly coach. Depending on experience level of the drummer, possibly discuss where the finish will be called. Review race grid and note which lanes the crew is assigned. If possible, watch some other races before own crew's race. During morning 'team chat', if not being covered by the coach, inform the whole crew of important race rules and directions from race officials directly relevant to them. 200m race - be prepared to pay attention to own balance and a 'fast start'. Aim to be well lined up because very little time to correct. 2k - carefully review rules with focus on right of way, turn corridor and how the start for each boat will be called. Attend a 2k pre-race meeting if scheduled. Need to know how boats will be directed to line up and intervals between boats starting, and specific race calls. Ensure the full crew is aware and emphasise the need for them to respond quickly to any commands. Ensure drummer knows how they can signal if a boat is close to overtaking. Once course is set up for the 2k, if possible, look at all the turn makers and be clear on those marking the turn corridor. If possible, watch a race or two.

@Liisa Reimann Oops - typo. Should have been 'turn markers', (buoys).

I don't think I've experienced washriding. Or if I have, I did not recognise it as such.

Most of the above. I would like to 'sit in' on video reviews of paddlers, to try to learn what other coaches are observing to improve my 'critical eye'. How to train and develop a drummer Tips on integrating novice paddlers with an experienced crew - pitfalls as well as wins. For strength training, creativity for home workouts with minimal equipment.

Rainier Festival in Tacoma, WA in May - 3x300m, good season opener; mixed crew and will also help with community teams; one day event. Seattle Festival in May - for regular crews, 1x250, 3x500; registered mixed, women. Also special category divisions - open (10 paddlers in a standard boat) 1x250, 2x500; masters (40+) 1x500m. Most of our paddlers will be on more than one crew, so will be pooped by the end of the day. Olympia, WA in July - 250m, good introductory race for less experienced paddlers; not registered yet; one day event. CanAm Montreal in July - first time attending; working on getting people to sign up; multi-day event. Portland, OR September - 4x500m, plus 'Around the Bridges' if we qualify; will register mixed, women, open (combine with another crew), 'Legends Cup' special category (40+, mixed, women). This is one of my favourite race events - tents are set up in a park that is a little like an amphitheatre, so just about everyone can see the second half of each race.