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We get asked a lot for suggestions for rowing clothing. The information provided here are suggestions of various coaches based on our experience. No one is required to purchase these specific brands, but are more supplied for reference so that you can find similar items. There are many great items available at stores like Target, Walmart, etc. The clothing does not have to be expensive to work well, however there may be a few things that we do suggest spending money on to get the better product because we know that brand works well. We have noted those items.
Rain Gear
This is a must have it will rain and it will rain all day! Both parents and rowers should have good rain gear. Please note that rowers will not generally row in their rain gear, but they will use it before and after practice and during regattas.Rain suit >> (this is just a suggestion)
Rain jacket: Sometimes they do not like the pants they are sticky and hot, you can just wear a rain jacket. We do offer a rain jacket (called a Regatta Jacket) through JL.
Rain boots - a pair of taller rain boots that you can easily slip out of are helpful when the river is high and the boatyard is wet.
Cold Weather Base Layer
These itesm are tight (think long underwear) so your shorts go over them and shirt is for under racing gear. There are lots of brands that range in price. You do not need to get soemthing expense, but some of the more expensive brands can wash better and last longer. Here are some links to some suggestions:Cold Weather Pants
Could row in them or wear them over Uni/Trou and take off before racingWomen's Cold Weather Pants - any black leggings will work. Fleece lined might be a little bit too warm to race in, but could be OK for colder weather practices. Women can also wear capri leggings.
Regatta Pants
I would not row in these you would get very warm, but these are good for staying warm: Could wear over racing gear and then put back on after the race.Other Cold Weather Layers
I suggest multiple layers when rowing in cold weather. In addition to the suggestions above, the following items may work for you when layering. A few key reminders when choosing items:No pockets, or pockets that zip
Full zip jackets can rub against hands while rowing
Synthetic fabrics work best because they dry more quickly and won't bog down like cotton
Keep in mind how you will get in and out of these layers in a boat
Items to consider include:
Fleece jackets
Fleece pullovers
Fleece vests or turtleshell vests (we offer a turtleshell vest through JL)
Waterproof socks - These are a nice to have but not a must have. Some of the rowers like wearing these to help keep their feet dry.
Men's Shorts To Row In
Avoid “basketball shorts” they are too long and will get caught in the tracks of the boat. Look for a 5 inch inseam (running shorts). Most discount stores will have a black running short (5 inch) that would work. They need to hit above the knee and be close to mid thigh. When they sit in them the leg holes can not be so big that they “hang down” to the floor when their knees are bent.Trou
**I honestly would suggest ordering a pair of these through the JL store either on your own or when the club has the store open. Here is the JL link and for the price getting the rowing trou is better. It does not roll up your legs while you are rowing some of the “bike shorts” will. Most rowing trou is unisex and enough rowers on the team have this item below that if you wanted to try on a size that can be arranged.Bike shorts option - If you wanted to buy something like rowing trou somewhere else or be able to try those items on I would suggest biking gear:
Women's bike shorts options >>
There are lots of options for women's athletic shorts. I do not recomend running shorts, but bike-type shorts work well. Do do not really need the padding, but there are times when it doesn't hurt. Women can also wear capri leggings.
Shorts To Wear Over Uni/Trou
Sometimes rowers do not like waking around with “tight” bottoms on but really tight bottoms are the best to row in. I suggest if they do have or plan to wear Uni/Trou they should bring some athletic shorts or pants (no matter the weather) to walk around in. Any athletic shorts or pants are fine.Socks
Bring lots of pair more then you think you need. Racing in socks is a must! Any socks will do for warm weather. But all socks will get wet and muddy every practce/regatta. Buy lots of socks!Cold wether socks: Suggest a wool or wool blend. Feet get cold in a boat even if the rest of them is warm. Hiking weight works well. Smartwool is a good brand, but really any wool or wool blend socks are great.
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