Beach Crew Buzz — January 2026
Beach Crew Spotlight
Happy New Year from the coaching staff and athletes! Beach Crew ended the fall semester with a bang! The varsity and novice women and the novice men competed in the Christmas Regatta, while the varsity men volunteered their time at the regatta aligning boats at the start. Read on to find out how our teams fared at the regatta.
Our second annual Beach Crew Triathlon, breakfast, and gift exchange was held on Saturday, December 13 at the Pete Archer Rowing Center, with over 35 athletes participating and two alumni.
The BCA met its donation match for a new women’s boat with significant donations from Elizabeth Ronneau, Angie and Greg Harrington, Clark Avery, and a core of ladies who rowed for CSULB in the early 80's. With their 50% donation of the boat, they will have naming rights for the new boat, which will arrive to us in late March from Hudson (Hudson is a boat manufacturer, to those who believe we are still rowing in wooden Pococks 🙂).
Thank you for reading and your continued support of the program — Go Beach!
Christmas Regatta Results
We are thrilled to highlight the outstanding performance of our Varsity Women, Novice Women, and Novice Men teams at this year’s Christmas Regatta. This annual event is well-organized, with over 100 volunteers managing 700 entries from Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and all parts of California.
The Varsity Women’s Team displayed remarkable skill and teamwork, placing an impressive second place against some very competitive teams. The novice women team made their mark with a breathtaking performance. Each rower showed incredible potential, promising a bright future for the program.
The novice men took the waters with infectious energy, displaying immense growth and perseverance as the men placed third in a highly competitive masters eight race. The event served as a crucial learning experience, allowing the athletes to refine their skills while racing against seasoned opponents and placing third.
The Christmas Regatta was a resounding success, filled with excitement and achievements for all our rowing teams. We commend each athlete for their hard work, sportsmanship, and dedication. As we celebrate this festive season, let us carry forward the spirit of teamwork into the new year.
2nd Annual Beach Crew Triathlon
We are excited to share the highlights from our recent Beach Crew Triathlon, a fantastic event that combined endurance, teamwork, and competitive spirit! Featuring a challenging 5K ergometer race, a 2-mile run, and a unique 100-car push, this triathlon put our athletes’ strength and determination to the test.
Athletes kicked off the triathlon with a fierce 5K ergometer race, showcasing their rowing strength and cardiovascular endurance. Our top individual performers were Vaughn Popp and Eli Vance.
After the 5K ergometer challenge, participants transitioned to a 2-mile run along the scenic path at Marine Stadium. The runners not only battled the clock but also encouraged one another, making it a true display of team spirit.
The final leg of the triathlon was the exhilarating 100-car push. This unique challenge tested the strength and teamwork of our athletes, as they rallied together to push a car down the course. It was a sight to behold!
CSULB Winter Rowing Camp: Rising Above the Elements
The week of January 12–16, 44 dedicated CSULB rowers embarked on an invigorating week of training at a winter camp in picturesque Idyllwild, California. Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, the camp provided an ideal environment for our rowers to push their limits, enhance their skills, and unite as a team, all while embracing the unique challenges presented by the elements.
Hard Work on Lake Hemet
The heart of the training camp took place on the scenic waters of Lake Hemet, where our athletes faced windy conditions that tested their resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges these conditions posed, the team approached their water workouts with determination and intensity, focused on refining their technique and building strength for the upcoming season.
Building Endurance at High Elevation
In addition to on-water training, the team engaged in vigorous ergometer workouts at an elevation of 6,000 feet. Training at high altitude presented a unique challenge, as the reduced oxygen levels pushed the athletes to dig deep and focus on their endurance. This setting offered an exceptional opportunity for each rower to enhance their cardiovascular fitness and improve their overall performance.
Embracing Nature Through Hiking
Recognizing the importance of balance and recovery, the camp also included invigorating hiking excursions in the stunning natural landscape surrounding Idyllwild. These hikes allowed the athletes to bond and unwind, connecting with each other in a beautiful setting while appreciating the serenity of nature. The breathtaking views and fresh mountain air provided a much-needed refresh between intense training sessions.
Team Spirit in the Kitchen
As part of the camp experience, both the men’s and women’s teams came together in the kitchen to prepare meals for the entire group. The shared responsibility of cooking not only fostered teamwork but also instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment. From hearty breakfasts to nutritious dinners, the athletes learned the importance of fueling their bodies with healthy and balanced meals to sustain their energy levels throughout the rigorous training.
Conclusion: A Week of Growth and Dedication
The CSULB rowing team’s winter training camp in Idyllwild proved to be an unforgettable experience that went beyond athletic training. Each athlete emerged stronger, not only in body but also in spirit, as they forged lasting friendships and developed a deeper commitment to their sport. As they continue their journey toward the upcoming rowing season, the lessons learned during this week will undoubtedly influence their performance both on and off the water.
We are immensely proud of our athletes and look forward to seeing their hard work and dedication translate into success for the CSULB rowing team as they approach the spring season. Go Beach!
Special Shout Out to Alumni Who Continue to Support our Program
Another shout out to Mark and Jan Brady, who donated money to help defray the cost for the novice men’s team to buy uniforms and polo shirts. The novice men really appreciate the donation. The novice men were told they must use Double Diamond Jewelry of Lake Tahoe for all future engagement rings and other jewelry needs moving forward!
