TEAM USA Women's National Teams

2025 Senior  A (40+) and B (50+) and C (60+ short boat)

Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany -- July 14-20, 2025 

TEAMUSA-SrWomen.org

TRAVEL TIPS

CLIMATE

Typically warm, with average highs around 23°C (73°F). The average low temperature is around 15°C (59°F). There's a good chance of rain, especially in the afternoon and evening. 

RACE CLOTHING

• TEAM Uniform: Regatta Sport racing tank, any navy shorts or leggings

• cool max stuff (long or short sleeve) for practices

• gloves (just in case the water is cooler)

• rain gear/jacket/pants/poncho (to stay warm in between races)

• slippers (for between race rests)

• bathing suit

• water shoes

• chair/ground mat

• You typical race day munchies/energy bars/drinks/gels...etc. Bring whatever you can from home, to make your away race experience - "just like at home"

EQUIPMENT

• • • • • paddle (Adjustable is strongly suggested)

        • butt pad

        • sun block, sun glasses, hat, headband

        • resting mat/towel

        • navy pants/shorts (for opening ceremonies)

        • long sleeve shirts

        • PFDs not required

IMPORTANT STUFF TO PACK

• • • • • CARRY ON

          • • TRAVEL APS, ESIM for international calls/internet

            • PASSPORT! Make sure expiration date is Jan 31, 2026 or later, otherwise your risk not being allowed into Germany.

            • personal medication (aspirin, advil...etc)

            • Racing top and bottom

            • Wear a mask! cough drops

            • carry on stuff you can't afford to lose (racing uniform, paddle)...check the rest.

            • Long haul flight: ear plugs, eye cover, compression sleeves (legs), pillow

        • CHECKED LUGGAGE

          • • a listing of your medical requirements

            • a photo copy of your "Banned Substance" form

            • a photo copy of your passport's photo page

            • Be very careful of the cough/cold medications you bring...make sure they do NOT include anything listed on the banned substance list.

            • Your race day munchies, foods (don't expect to find the AMERICANIZED munchies in Germany).

OTHER STUFF:

• • • • • • • ADAPTOR or CONVERTER for GERMAN electrical outlets use the F Plug. Hotel have adaptors for rent.

              • • Europe operates on a standard voltage of 230V, differing from the 120V standard in the United States. Most modern chargers, including those for iPhones, can handle voltages ranging from 100V to 240V. This adaptability eliminates the need for a voltage converter, simplifying your charging experience

            • tote bag. Most German shops do NOT provide free bags. Also, expect to need a EURO coin to unlock the shopping carts. 

            • ear plugs for your snoring roomie

            • Eye mask

            • cell phone with charger, cables, e-sim account, and several extra external batteries

            • ATM card, credit card

            • binoculars

            • 2 wallets:  1 to walk around with (an old ID like an expired driver's license, some money and 1 credit card), 2nd to keep in the hotel safe with all your important stuff

            • tons of plastic sandwich bags for your extra breakfast food for race day lunch or for just stuff.

            • copies of your airline ticket(s), passport identification page, credit cards, driver's license (if you are planning to rent a car), and other documents you plan to carry with you. Store these records in a separate place from the originals to expedite the replacement process

            • Team USA trading stuff (our practice shirts are good trading item), club gear, anything with USA

            • Wear some team USA gear when travelling so it's easier to find teammates at the airport

• PASSPORTS

  • • Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your departure from Germany.  Example: If you plan to leave Germany on July 21, 2025, your passport must expire after January 22, 2026.

    • VISAS

      • • U.S. citizens and Schengen-region passport holders can travel visa-free for up to 90 days.

        • UK's non-visa permission to travel document is the ETA. Apply iF you are planning a visit or a stopover in UK that requires you pass thru border control. It takes about 3 days to process and costs 10EU. If UK is just a stopover airplane transfer to continue to the rest of Europe, then you do not need to apply for the ETA-UK. 

        • EUROPE's non-Visa permission to travel document is the ETIAS BUT the system will not be ready until 2026 - therefore: U.S. passport holders do not need to register for ETIAS and travel is free for US Passport holders for all of 2025.

TO DOs:

• • • • • • • Suggested travel wear: TEAM USA Polo and navy pants

            • Look for message from your captain or TEAM USA rep on some lobby bulletin board

            • If you miss team shuttles, TAKE A CAB! Otherwise, always be 15 min EARLY!

            • Be travel aware and with common sense

WHAT TO EXPECT ON RACE DAY:

• • • • • • • You will compete in 2-3 races within 2.5 hours on race day. So plan your clothing accordingly, as in ponchos, rain gear to stay warm between races.

            • Alternates should ALWAYS be in marshalling with the team with paddle in hand, but will not be scheduled to race.

            • Hang around the coach/captain/drummer as racing rosters are being fine tuned and racing numbers handed out

            • Lots of cool down between races

            • 1 hour ride between hotel and race site

            • 1k and 2k days are shorter "one and done" days.  Which could still be 5-6 hours from time you leave hotel until you return.

            • 200m and 500m days could be