With the high school season already under way and the middle school season starting on Tuesday, weather is usually on a few peoples' minds.
One question we get a lot is "Is practice cancelled today" due to inclement weather. The most common answer is "no" for a few reasons so unless you hear otherwise, assume it's on. First, it's Florida and we understand the weather when kids are getting out of school may not be the same as when practice starts. We try to keep in mind that for our high school rowers, there are a lot of carpool situations where the rowers are being brought to the park at the beginning of practice but then picked up by someone else at the end. Canceling practice can leave kids without a way to get home.
That said, the first concern SORA has is safety which is why the decision to cancel practice is made by someone at the park with an eye both on the sky and the radar/weather reports. If it's deemed the forecast calls for bad enough weather to make even getting to the park dangerous the call will be made.
If it's just a typical summer afternoon/evening with some storms in the area, it's likely practice will still go on, even if it's land-based under our grounded pavilions. If there isn't lightning in the area (as indicated by the park's lightning sensor) we may even go on the water in rain. Rowing is a rain or shine sport and we encourage all rowers to be prepared for practice in the elements.
If practice is cancelled, the primary (and sometimes only way depending on timing) we will let you know is the text message system so it's crucial all parents AND rowers sign up at Text Message Sign Up
If you have more questions or concerns about this, please talk to your coach.
