WE NEED YOU TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Our dedicated volunteer committee works together every year to ensure the success of the Head of the Passaic and we need your help too! See below for descriptions of volunteer positions. Our volunteers manage everything from river control to registration. No job is too small and we strive to be as flexible as possible so that you may volunteer and also see your friend or family member in the race! Just ask us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

HEAD OF THE PASSAIC PLANNING AND VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

Coming Soon…

Volunteer Position Descriptions

ANNOUNCING: Members of the team should have a good knowledge of rowing and the HOPR, should be able to speak clearly, provide insightful commentary, and convey excitement and enthusiasm throughout the event.

AWARDS: Awards volunteers are responsible for the awarding of all medals and trophies for the HOPR. Our volunteers help organize the medals packets and award medals to all eligible finishers. Our volunteers are cheerful, organized, self-starters, with a love of the sport and the regatta.

SPECTATOR SERVICE:  We welcome people, keep spectators off the docks and ramp, and direct spectators to the best course viewpoints.

START AND FINISH LINE TIMING: Timing volunteers are responsible for ensuring a fair and accurate time is provided for all of our participants. Timers are stationed at the start line and the finish line. Our volunteers use computers and iPads to record times and are supervised by professional timing staff, as well as receive training. No experience necessary. Hands down, best job on the course.

***COURSE LAUNCH DRIVERS***: Course Launch Drivers responsible for setting, maintaining, and cleaning up the race course buoys. Prior the race weekend, we place all buoys to mark the entire course. Throughout the weekend, we check the accuracy of buoy locations and make adjustments, as needed. At the conclusion of racing, we remove and store all buoys, lines, tethers, and anchors. All volunteers must possess a NJ boating license and undergo course training. CLICK HERE for instructions to attain your boating license. You will be fully reimbursed by HOPR for course and testing costs should you satisfy your regatta volunteer commitment. You will also be entered into a drawing to win one of three incredible gift baskets assembled by our Masters teams. BE A HERO AND VOLUNTEER TO BE A LAUNCH DRIVER!

TRAILER PARKING PRRA LOT: We are responsible for assisting parking for trailers and chuck wagons on the Sunday of the Regatta. We also provide location information for each trailer to help participants and spectators find their teams’ trailer. At the conclusion of racing, we help to oversee the safe departure of all trailers.

HOSPITALITY MANAGER & ASSISTANTS: We provide lunches and refreshments to the HOPR volunteers and staff throughout regatta weekend. We are responsible for arranging craft-service for regatta volunteers and coordination of VIP Deck area.

INFORMATION SERVICES: Information service volunteers provide general race information, results, directions, trailer locations, and other helpful information to spectators throughout race day posted across several race locations.

PARA ROWING SPECIALISTS: Volunteers assist para rowers in getting on and off the water to make their regatta experience as smooth as possible. Para Rowing Specialist volunteers will assist in the launching and landing of para rowers by helping as needed with rowing equipment, guiding rowers as needed to and from the dock and helping manage para athlete mobility equipment (prosthetics, crutches, wheel chairs, etc).

REGISTRATION/WELCOME TABLE: We are responsible for preparing and distributing athlete registration packets. Prior to the regatta, we assemble and organize all athlete race materials including bow numbers, bibs, and competitor information. During the regatta, we manage the check-in process, compliance, and distribution of race packets for all athletes. 

MEDALS & AWARDS: We are responsible for preparing and presenting athlete medals and awards. Prior to and during the regatta, we organize, assemble and distribute all awards.

RIVER TRAFFIC CONTROL: We maintain the easy and safe flow of all on-water operations. Must be experienced with boat and race operations.

DOCK MANAGEMENT & ASSISTANTS: We coordinate the operations at entry and finish locations assisting rowers, managing traffic flow and maintain the launch and landing patterns.

REFEREES: The Referee team is responsible for the safe and fair running of the regatta. With over 15 Referees across 5 stations, the Refs provide and important role in the regatta. In addition to spotting crews and assessing penalties during racing, refs are responsible for hearing and communicating appeals to the Head Referee.

BOAT SAFETY INSPECTORS

RACECOURSE SET-UP AND TAKE-DOWN MANAGER & ASSISTANTS

FLOATERS