General
Can I practice the course before the regatta?
You are welcome to row on Lake Tahoe anytime you'd like. Full course information, including compass headings and GPS waypoints, may be found on the Venue page. Please note that we will not provide any on-water support before or after the regatta - if you practice the course, you do so unsupported and at your own risk.
We do plan to be on the beach in front of the Crown Motel in Kings Beach (closest point on land to the starting line) from 6:00am to 8:00am on Saturday, August 3rd. We will conduct a detailed briefing and overview of the two courses, after which you may practice either course at your discretion. If you attend this briefing, you may skip the Sunday morning briefing prior to the race; however, you will still be required to have your boat safety checked and cleared prior to launch on Sunday.
Why is the regatta on a Sunday?
Why not? This way you get an extra day to acclimate to the high elevation and, perhaps, take a practice run on the course. It also makes things easier on the organizers, as we have all day Saturday to get ready.
Acclimate?
The air is thinner at high elevation. 10 miles at 6,225 feet above sea level is going to feel like 15 miles at sea level.
What should I do to acclimate?
Three things:
- Get in shape. The better your cardiovascular conditioning, the easier it will be for you to adapt.
- DRINK WATER. Lots of it. The air is very dry at Lake Tahoe, so start hydrating as soon as you arrive. Consider taking some electrolyte solution as well.
- Arrive early. The more days of training you can do at high elevation before the regatta, the better you’ll feel.
Will there be food and refreshements available at the race?
Yes! We will have brunch items (breakfast burritos, scones, fruit, coffee, etc.) available for everyone before and after the race. And beer (for the grownups, of course).
I'm not rowing, but I like boats and seeing other people suffer. Where can I watch?
If you have access to a kayak or SUP, that's going to be your best bet. Most of the race course is pretty far offshore. The start/finish is about 200m off Kings Beach and the two turns are 100m or so from shore at Dollar Point and Ridgewood. Those are the three closest points to land, and all of the shoreline between Dollar Point and Ridgewood (the leg of the course closest to land) is private, so the best views are going to be from the water.
A motorboat or (gasp!) jet ski are possibilities as well, but please NO WAKES and KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. The only thing worse than getting waked by an inconsiderate powerboat driver when you're in a 14-inch-wide boat with 4 inches of freeboard is getting run over by a jet ski.
What happens if there’s a wildfire?
While there is the potential for wildfires in the Tahoe area, the more likely scenario is poor air quality due to wildfires elsewhere in the West. If air quality is unhealthy, the event will be canceled. Keep an eye on PurpleAir - if the US EPA PM2.5 AQI reading is above 150 in Tahoe Vista at 5pm on August 2nd (Friday), 5pm August 3rd (Saturday), or 7am on August 4th (Regatta Day), we will call the event. If the reading is below 150 on Thuday and Friday, but the smoke forecast shows it is likely to be above 150 at 7am Sunday, we will also most likely call the event (as we did in 2021).
Entry/Course Rules and Safety
What safety equipment is required?
Regardless of which course they are rowing, all boats must carry a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each rower. PFDs do not have be worn, but they must be present on the boat. In addition, each boat must carry one (1) noise maker (either a whistle or an air horn).
In addition, all boats on the Long Course and Ultra Long Course must be built to an open water or coastal specification, including a closed/sealed self-bailing hull and positive flotation. Flat water shells lacking these features will not be permitted on the Long Course.
What kinds of boats are allowed on the Long Course?
Only boats specifically designed for open water or coastal conditions are permitted to row the Long Course or Ultra Long Course. Flat water shells are only permitted on the Short Course.
Can I row a racing (flat water) shell on the Long Course?
No.
What if I stuff my flatwater shell with flotation? Can I row it on the Long Course then?
No.
If I just show up with my flat water boat and attempt to row it on the Long Course, will anyone stop me?
Yes. All boats must clear a pre-launch safety check prior to being allowed to depart the beach. Boats that are not designed for open water or coastal conditions will not be permitted to race the Long Course.
But I’m a very experienced rower!
Great, but your boat is not appropriate for open water conditions. Row the Short Course or choose a different regatta.
But I take full responsibility for myself if something goes wrong.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. We can not permit you to participate in the Long Course or Ultra Long Course events if your equipment doesn’t meet the required specifications.
BUT I WANT TO ROW THE LONG COURSE!
I want a gold-plated toilet, but it’s just not in the cards. If you get access to an open water or coastal shell, you are welcome to row it on the Long Course or Ultra Long Course. Otherwise, your only option is the Short Course.
Do I need to bring a marine radio or mobile phone?
No. While we recommend you carry one or the other, we do not require it. We will be monitoring Marine Channel 68 during the regatta. The Regatta Director's phone number will be provided during the briefing.
Depending on your mobile carrier, there should be mobile service available on the entire course. If you have issues during the race, pelase call 415.203.4737 for assistance.
Are there junior and/or scholastic events?
Yes! For the first time ever, we are accepting Youth entries in 2024!
What types of boats can Youth enter?
Doubles, fours, and quads only, please. NO YOUTH SINGLES! This is for everyone's safety.
Which courses are open to Youth rowers?
Short Course (7km) only. Nobody under 18 will be permitted on the Long or Ultra Long courses.
What other special considerations are there for Youth rowers?
THIS IS AN OPEN WATER REGATTA. The course (even the Short Course) is long and exposed. There is the strong potential for wind, waves, waterskiers, wakeboats, and all other manner of obstacles and nuisances. Only experienced and skilled Youth rowers should enter - no Frosh Novices, please! The course requires the ability to handle rough water safely and confidently, and it requires open water navigation skills.
We will, of course, have motorized coverage on the course at all times, but there is no substitute for proper experience and preparation. If you have any doubt whatsoever about a Youth rower’s ability to handle this course, please do not enter them - or consider entering a combined masters/junior boat so they have an experience adult with them. Others have successfully entered mixed Masters/Youth boats in past Tahoe Regattas.
That said, we know there are some very talented youth open water rowers from the Bay Area and beyond who would be very comfortable on this course. If that sounds like someone you know, feel free to register them.
What about eights? I don't see an event for eights.
We do not accept entries from eights in this regatta. The course has some extremely sharp turns with limited room for error (especially when moving as fast as an eight does) that make it inappropriate for eights.
Besides the required equipment and acclimation to the elevation, is there anything else I should do for safety?
Bring water in the boat with you during the race. It's a long race and the air is very dry here (see commments above about acclimating). The race officials will have extra water in their launches, but we strongly recommend bringing some with you.
It would also be a good idea to bring a snack in the boat with you. You'll be out there for a long time, and might need a quick break to refuel.
And wear sunscreen. The sun is strong up here. UV intensity increases 8-10% for every 1,000 of elevation gain, so even if the air temperature isn't that high, you will still burn much faster than you would at sea level.
Where are the docks?
What are these "docks" you speak of? We have beaches. Carry boat down beach, walk into water, put boat in water, get in boat, row. (Yes, wet-foot launch!)
Should I bring any other gear with me to make my life easier?
Yes, we have two specific recommendations:
- Water shoes or heavy sandals for launching. Our beaches are mostly sandy, but there are some rocks and pebbles. Your feet will thank you.
- A phone holder of some sort. Mount holder on rigger, place phone in holder, turn on your favorite navigation app (ours is Boating by Navionics), and follow the little line to stay on course (you've remembered to program the route in advance, right?).
When can I get my bow number?
Bow numbers will be issued on during safety inspections. For the first time ever, we will be providing bow number decals to all competitors. These are the OFFICIAL bow numbers of the regatta, and will be provided to you after your boat has been cleared by the Safety Committee. The bow number is your ticket to the starting line. Only boats with official North Tahoe Regatta bow numbers attached will be permitted to race.
Note that the bow numbers are temporary, removable vinyl decals. They are easily removed, leave behind no residue, and will not damage your boat in any way.
When can I launch?
All boats will be inspected for seaworthiness and proper safety gear prior to launch Sunday morning. You may not launch until your boat has been cleared. We will clear Long Course and Ultra Long Course boats first, then Short Course boats. If you attempt to launch prior to being cleared, you will be disqualified.
Can you start the races earlier?
No. The course markers must be placed and our motorized safety boats must be in place on the course before the races begin. The majority of this coverage comes from Tahoe City, so they have a pretty long trip to get to us before we can start. In addition, the course markers can NOT be set the night before, as this would violate Coast Guard rules.
It's an open water/coastal race with open water/coastal conditions. Deal with it.
Do I have to be a USRowing member to enter the regatta?
Yes. A valid USRowing membership and up-to-date USRowing Liability Waiver status are required to enter.
The Basic USRowing membership is $25 per year. You can join here.
Do I get a participation trophy?
No. Winners get medals; second place is first loser.
Equipment Availability
Can I rent a boat?
We have limited boat rentals available. You can see the complete list with current availability here. The rental rate is $50 per seat (i.e. $50 for a single, $100 for a double, etc.). Please contact us if you are interested in renting a boat to confirm your selection. Note that boats are NOT considered reserved until payment is made and you receive a formal confirmation from us.
Do rental boats come with oars?
Yes. You are also welcome to use your own oars, if you prefer.
If I rent a boat, can I practice the course in it before the regatta?
Yes. We will bring rental boats to Kings Beach Recreation Area on Saturday, August 3rd for course practice. See details on course practice in the General section above.
Will boat storage racks be available at the venue?
No. This event is BYOS (Bring Your Own Slings).
I don't feel like packing a PFD. Can I borrow one?
No. In past years, we had limited numbers available to borrow, but some people misinterpreted "borrow" to mean "take home with me and never return." So blame them for ruining it for everyone.
If you forget to bring a PFD, there are several local stores from which you can obtain one. The Ace Hardware and Adrift Tahoe in Kings Beach (less than a mile from TVRA) are good bets. Even some of the grocery stores carry them here. They shouldn't be hard to find.
Travel and Accommodations
Where should I stay?
There are several options. First, the closest hotels to the race venue are Firelite Lodge (across the street), Franciscan Lakeside Lodge (next door) and Mourelato's Lakeshore Resort (two blocks west).
We also have a block of rooms reserved at the Crown Motel one mile east (the former regatta venue, and closest to the starting line). Please note these rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so CALL THE MOTEL ((530) 546-3388) to book as soon as possible. Tell them you are with the North Tahoe Regatta (Wyatt Nordstrom).
There are several other hotels and motels in the area, both on the lakeshore and over at Northstar Resort. However, Tahoe is extremely popular in the summer, and hotels book up early.
If you can assemble a larger group of people, renting a big house on AirBNB or VRBO is a great option. Vacation rentals also book up early, but the bigger the house (and, therefore, the higher the price), the less competition you’ll have.
By the way, if you do go the AirBNB route, please (please, please, please) behave yourself and be respectful of the neighbors. Too many rude and unruly tourists have destroyed local sentiment toward short-term rentals. The last thing we need is complaints about “those North Tahoe Regatta people.” Keep it down, don’t use charcoal or fireworks, clean up after yourself, and be Bear Aware.
As a last resort, try staying in South Reno and driving up the morning of the race. It’s roughly a 40-minute drive over the Mount Rose Highway to Kings Beach.
Where can I load/unload boats?
See the Venue page for more information and maps.
Where can I park?
See the Venue page for more information and maps.
Where can I park my boat trailer?
While we do not have "official" trailer parking, there ARE several places available to park trailers this year. This inlcudes the TVRA lot directly across the street from the venue, which has twenty-four 45-foot-long pull through trailer spaces. These spaces are FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, and fill up quickly in the morning with motorboaters launching from the TVRA boat ramp. So please arrive EARLY. Note there is no overight parking permitted in this are. The fee is $10 per space per day.
Please have a look at the map and pictures over on the Venue page to be sure your trailer will be able to navigate this parking lot. There are some tight turns.
In addition, there are long stretches of curbside street parking all along N Lake Blvd, including at the venue itself. Again, these areas are day use only (no overnight), with no time limits. You can park your trailer early in the morning and leave it there all day!
There is parking available on the side streets in the area (hint: check out West Agatam Avenue; there's a nice stretch of shoulder directly across from the Old Range Steakouse). Although not directly adjacent to the venue, these locations do allow overnight parking.
Finally, we've had some success in the past with trailers being allowed to park at the Safeway in Kings Beach. This is directly across the street from a good launch location. NOTE: This is not an "official" parking space. If you want to park there, please call the Safeway and speak with the manager to make sure it's ok. Please don't say "Wyatt said it's ok," because Wyatt didn't say that and will deny it if confronted about it.
We recommend coming up a day or two early to acclimate and get the lay of the land so you don't struggle with parking the day of the regatta. To be clear, the regatta organizers do not take any responsibility for your equipment or challenges getting it to the race. If you choose to attempt to bring a trailer, we encourage you to do so, but to do your research in advance.
Can I leave my boat on the beach the night before the regatta?
We have confirmed with NTPUD, the owners of Tahoe Vista Recreation Area, that we may store boats on the property overnight before the regatta. However, please note that neither the regatta organizers nor NTPUD are going to provide any security. Moreover, camping overnight on the TVRA property is forbidden. Neither NTPUD nor RowTahoe assume any responsibilty whatsoever for damage, theft, or vandalism of your equipment if you choose to do this.
The same goes for other locations, including Kings Beach. If you leave equipment unsecured overnight, you do so at your own risk. Note that much of the shoreline is PRIVATE PROPERTY, so please obtain permission from the property owner before dumping your boat on their beach. This includes the beaches behind hotels, which are the hotels' private property.