Vashon Island Rowing Club brings home the gold from Head of the Bull Trout

The team found many successes despite the cold weather and frost on the ground.

By Delany Steele for The Beachcomber • November 2, 2023 1:30 am
(Courtesy Photo).
(Courtesy Photo).

Despite the cold weather and frost on the ground, the Vashon Island Rowing Club’s youth team found many successes at the Lake Stevens Rowing Club-hosted Head of the Bull Trout this past Saturday, Oct. 28.

“This was our first time going to the Head of the Bull Trout regatta — the park was beautiful and the weather was great. It was a really fun way to wrap up the fall season for the novice rowers,” said head coach Ben Steele. “We were lucky to have many of our families there supporting us and staying flexible with last minute changes due to injuries and illness affecting some of the boat lineups.”

VIRC took home a total of 11 first place finishes in the Men’s Junior 4+, Women’s Junior 2x, Women’s Open 1x, Men’s Junior 4x A, Women’s Junior 4x, Women’s Open 2x, Women’s Novice 4x+ A, Men’s Novice 4x+, Women’s Open 4x, Women’s U17 4x+, and the Men’s U17 4x+ (who set the fastest course time for the entire regatta).

Adding on to the stack of first place medals were four second place finishes in the Men’s Junior 2x, Men’s Junior 4x B, Women’s Novice 4x+ B, and the Men’s Open 4x A; and a third place finish in the Men’s Open 2x.

“The boats we raced were nothing but kind and encouraging. Everyone was extremely friendly and helped make sure we could all get out on the water. It was truly a great experience and a beautiful day,” said Women’s U17 4x+ rower Kina Ladbon-Reusch. “We’re looking forward to closing out the season with the Head of the Lake Regatta in Seattle on November 5th. Our team has put in a tremendous amount of work and this will be a great test of the skills and strength they have gained.”

Next up for the youth and adult team is the final regatta of the season, the Head of the Lake regatta in Seattle.

VIRC Youth Rowing will continue throughout the winter 2023-2024 season with primarily indoor strength training starting on Nov. 14. New rowers are welcome to join over the winter. Some practices will be held on the water. More information can be found here.

Delany Steele is the boathouse director and novice coach of the Vashon Island Rowing Club.