WHAT TO WEAR
What to Wear - In general, the best clothing for rowing is soft, stretchy, breathable and fairly form-fitting. One of the basic clothing requirements is Spandex shorts/trousers for wearing in the shell. Loose shorts can get caught in the slides under the moving seats, so avoid basketball style shorts, sweatpants, or warm-ups. You should avoid cotton. Cotton does not keep you warm when it gets wet; instead it makes you colder.
On the Water - Conditions on the water often are 10 degrees cooler, and the wind is frequently stronger than on the land, so the best advice is to wear layers that will do the best job of keeping you warm. You will get wet from perspiration, rain, and splash. The key is to have the synthetic clothing that will keep you warm even when wet. The best clothing for rowing is soft, stretchy, breathable, and fairly form-fitting. Loose tops can get caught in the oar handles, so avoid bulky jackets or sweatshirts.
Hands - Hands can get cold while rowing. However, you will not see rowers using traditional cold-weather gloves. The reason for this is that rowing requires a tactile feel of the handle. Many rowers will use rowing tape or waterproof first aid tape to protect hands from blistering.
Socks - Socks should be synthetic or wool (SmartWool socks are good, for example) to help ensure that feet stay warm while wet. You should have a second pair on land. Good socks will help prevent blistering from the hull's shoes. Change your socks every practice in order to prevent fungus or athlete's foot.
Shoes - All rowers and coxswains should bring a pair of running shoes to every practice. Even when we are on the water, sometimes water conditions prevent us from taking to the water. In such circumstances, it is not uncommon that the team will run together. This is a perfect use for those ratty old sneakers that are no longer good for jogging. Also, Crocs or Slides are used for taking the boat to the dock.
Tape - Waterproof tape is recommended for hands, as they will blister. Nexcare Absolute Waterproof First Aid Tape works great and isn't too expensive.
On the Water - Conditions on the water often are 10 degrees cooler, and the wind is frequently stronger than on the land, so the best advice is to wear layers that will do the best job of keeping you warm. You will get wet from perspiration, rain, and splash. The key is to have the synthetic clothing that will keep you warm even when wet. The best clothing for rowing is soft, stretchy, breathable, and fairly form-fitting. Loose tops can get caught in the oar handles, so avoid bulky jackets or sweatshirts.
Hands - Hands can get cold while rowing. However, you will not see rowers using traditional cold-weather gloves. The reason for this is that rowing requires a tactile feel of the handle. Many rowers will use rowing tape or waterproof first aid tape to protect hands from blistering.
Socks - Socks should be synthetic or wool (SmartWool socks are good, for example) to help ensure that feet stay warm while wet. You should have a second pair on land. Good socks will help prevent blistering from the hull's shoes. Change your socks every practice in order to prevent fungus or athlete's foot.
Shoes - All rowers and coxswains should bring a pair of running shoes to every practice. Even when we are on the water, sometimes water conditions prevent us from taking to the water. In such circumstances, it is not uncommon that the team will run together. This is a perfect use for those ratty old sneakers that are no longer good for jogging. Also, Crocs or Slides are used for taking the boat to the dock.
Tape - Waterproof tape is recommended for hands, as they will blister. Nexcare Absolute Waterproof First Aid Tape works great and isn't too expensive.