San Diego Crew Classic Regatta

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Here is a brand new, never-before PPS photo shoot! For the first time, we will act as “unofficial” photographers for the San Diego Crew Classic in Mission Bay. There may be an opportunity for us to gain special site access in future years after we have impressed the crew organization with our work. For this first ever shoot, 20 photographers will represent PPS at the regatta.

Founded in 1973, the San Diego Crew Classic is a two-day, nationally acclaimed rowing regatta, consisting of over 100 races with more than 4000 athletes. Colorful and action-packed, a regatta will be a challenging opportunity for you to test your photographic skill and imagination. From being among the athletes as they prepare their racing shells, to the 2000 meter races between 8-man rowing (and other) crews, to the traditional water dunking of the coxswain (kind of the “pilot") after the winning crew reaches shore, this is a colorful and active event. See more details about the event history and other information at www.crewclassic.org (http://www.crewclassic.org/).

WHEN: Our photo shoot will be at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2016, so we can catch the morning light. Meet outside the main entrance at 7:00 for the group photo. A free shuttle will run from the Ski Beach parking lot starting at 5:30 a.m. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES TO GET FROM SKI BEACH TO THE ENTRY ON THE SHUTTLE. STREET PARKING WILL PROBABLY BE SCARCE ACROSS FROM THE ENTRY, EVEN EARLY IN THE MORNING. If you are lost onsite or choose to arrive later, call Mark McLaren (858-350-4004) or Walter Koenig (619-886-7893) to help find us on the beach. The first race will start at 7:20 a.m., with the last race at 3:20 p.m. We will stay as long as we like, as long as it is fun! The local sunrise on April 2nd will be 6:53 a.m.

LOCATION: Crown Point Shores, Mission Bay. Just East of the Ingraham Street Bridge, where Crown Point Drive meets Corona Oriente Road. Parking will probably be at a premium in that area, and there is shuttle service from Ski Beach if the adjacent parking is full. Details about the parking and shuttle service location are at http://www.crewclassic.org/for-spectators/general-information/public-parking-shuttle/ . On the same page are instructions about their arrangements with Uber for convenient access to the event. A map showing the event and Ski Beach locations is at: http://www.crewclassic.org/pdf/Driving%26TrailerDirectorswithmap.pdf (http://www.crewclassic.org/pdf/Driving&TrailerDirectorswithmap.pdf)

COST: Admission is $12 to the non-profit Crew Classic organization, pay at the entry.

As for recommended equipment, your longest lenses, to 200 - 400mm and above will work best for the boat races. Tripods or monopods will be helpful. There will plenty of opportunity for human interest and action shots close to shore as described above, so bringing shorter zooms, or even your wider lenses might give you some great shots. A polarizing filter may help you with water glare if you like. If it is windy that day, blowing sand on the beach may make gear changes problematic.

Don't forget to bring a hat, sunscreen and other San Diego outdoor gear. It is over a mile between the start and finish of the races, so it might make sense for us to walk back and forth to gain different perspectives. We will be learning as we go about how to find the best shots at this venue.

Please Note: By submitting a YES RSVP and participating in any PPS event, you agree that PPS, Organizers, and Event Hosts are NOT responsible for your safety or for any injury or damage to your person or your property, or that of your guest(s).You agree that you have read the instructions of the announcement and that you and your guest(s) are assuming all risks of participating in the event.