How to Dress for Cold Weather Rowing

Rowing is an outdoor sport and everyone should know that we will row in pretty much any weather including rain, snow, etc. However, we WILL NOT row if conditions are unsafe. Unsafe conditions include lightening and high winds. We are also not on the water when the water temperature drops below 40 degrees.

However, in the Spring when the weather starts out pretty cold and in the Fall as the weather turns cooler, it is helpful to know how to dress for rowing. Here are a few tips.

How to Dress

For the Boatyard...

Waterproof Slip On Boots or closed toe footwear - The ground can be very soft, especially in the spring, so it's a good idea to wear waterproof boots to the boatyard. Because rowers are going to slip them off and on when they are getting in and out of the boats, wearing boots that slip off somewhat easily is probably a good idea (something like rain boots). At a minimum, closed toe shoes are a must, but bear in mind that shoes could end up getting wet and muddy, so having spares in the car might not be a bad idea.

You can transition to slip on shoes (although still closed toe - like Crocs or Keens) when the ground firms up a bit.

For coxswains...

If you are coxing, please DRESS WARM (coxswains will also wear life vests in the boat at all times). You will be sitting and not moving much, so it can get very chilly. Life vest must be put on OVER all other layers.

I can not stress this enough - PLEASE DRESS AS WARMLY AS POSSIBLE. Even if you think it's a nice day out, you will get chilled out on the water. Please wear coats, gloves, long underwear, etc. The sun is always setting at the end of practice, so it gets colder as practice goes on. Please check the weather and be prepared. I sit in the launch, so I'm the same position you are in. Believe me when I tell you, it gets cold out there, and once you get cold, it is difficult to get warmed up.

For rowers...

• You may get hot while rowing, but will probably get chilled before and after practice so wear layers that you can shed easily in the boat then put back on. For example:

  • Light short or long sleeve base layer

  • Fleece vest or light jacket

  • Jacket or fleece

• Technical fabrics such as poly blends and fleece dry more quickly and won't get weighed down. Cotton fabrics tend to get weighed down when wet, do not dry quickly, and stay cold.

• For your feet, we have a few options that we recommend…

  • **Wool socks work well for keeping feet warm and they don't hold water so will dry more quickly. When the weather is nicer, regular socks are fine. Wool socks are highly recommended for cold weather rowing.

  • You can find waterproof socks if that is something you think migtht be helpful. There is a brand called Sealskinz that is very good. They are a little bit pricy, but they work. There are also other brands that you can find on Amazon.

  • I highly recommend having an extra pair of socks with you at all times.

• We take off our shoes when we get in the boat, so it is helpful to have shoes that slip on and off easily but that also have some tread on the bottom. Athletic shoes are fine, but some kind of closed toe slip on shoes that can be worn around the boatyard are recommended. Keans and Crocs are 2 good options.

• Please avoid sweatshirts or jackets with pockets (like hoodies with front pockets) as oar handles can get caught in pockets and cause problems (pockets with zippers work well).

• Pants/shorts should not be baggy to avoid having them get caught in the tracks of the seats.

• Either avoid or be prepared to tuck in long sweatshirts, shirts or jackets as they can get stuck in the tracks.

EVERYONE Pack a Rowing Bag

I would also like everyone to pack a rowing bag with a few things. You should have the bag WITH YOU at practice. If you drive yourself, you can leave it in the car, but if you are dropped off, you should plan on bringing it to the boatyard with you.

• FULL Change of clothes - You don't have to end up in the water to get wet and want a change of clothes! When the weather is cooler, it is important to have a change of clothes (including socks and underwear) WITH YOU to help avoid hypothermia if you get wet. If you have questions about this, just ask some of the Juniors Team rowers.

• Hat & Gloves - We do not ever recommend rowing with gloves (see the info on blisterss), but please have a pair of gloves handy for before and after practice. A hat is also good to have if you get chilled before or after practice.

• Warm Jacket or Fleece - I always wear a jacket when I am getting the boat and oars ready, then take it off right before I row. This can go in your rowing bag, or on your body then be hung on the rack.

• A Rain Coat - As a rower, a rain coat is an essential piece of equipmnet. Please have a rain coat with you.

• Athletic Shoes - If you wear slip on shoes to practice, please have a pair or athletic shoes with you. It is always good to be prepared.

• A towel - Towels can be handy for drying yourself off, or putting on the seat of the car when you ride home.