Concept2 Forum

With USRA (and other national championships) and WRICH now behind us, the 2024 racing season is effectively over. Turning my thoughts to 2025, I’m very hopeful CRASH-Bs will return. But with what focus, timing, format, tweaks?

USRA is clearly on to something with the hybrid format, and same-day local events. That system seems here to stay. Where does CRASH-B fit in? Seems unlikely that the CRASH-B organizers would be happy as one of the feeder/host sites for USRA. But they also can’t compete head to head for participants—the lure of a being a USRA National Medalist is pretty strong.

The culture, tradition and in-person format of CRASH-B seem worth saving, but some new thinking is in order.

Thoughts?

It would be a real shame if CRASH-Bs fades into nothingness. It was the first of its kind, and all major championships owe a debt of gratitude to the organization for growing the sport to where it is today.

They say that they will return in 2025, and I certainly hope that they do so, even if it can't be the king of the hill. The ErgSprints in Alexandria has been regularly drawing some 2,000 competitors, and the atmosphere is much like CRASH-Bs in their heyday. It can be done. It will have to be on a weekend that does not conflict with either the USRowing National Championships or the WorldRowing Championships. And it will have to get the information out well in advance so that competitors can make travel and lodging plans. I've got my fingers crossed that it will happen. It was always my favorite event.

For me, the three-week spacing between USRA and WRICH was perfect. Maybe two weeks would have worked. One week? Not ideal. So where would CRASH-Bs fit in? Perhaps they become the Great Kick-Off Event, positioned a few weeks prior to USRA? Or a Great Wrap Up Event, after WRICH? Staying in good form over a 5 to 6 week period would be an interesting challenge (and create a Triple Crown possibility?).

(Yes, I realize my US/North America emphasis is showing---I know there are other Nationals at different times of the year...)

As Rick said, picking a date early will help. Also hoping CRASH-B stays in-person---there are plenty of virtual options now. They will always have Boston and the coolest hardware!