Tips for novices

2021-01-23

Here’s a list of useful kit I’ve collected since I’ve started rowing.

General

• Have a small waterproof bag. Ideally you can fasten it to the footplate

  • Rigger jigger - sometimes useful mid outing,
  • tape
  • Maybe some food/fuel for long outings
  • A little snack
  • Keep your lights in there
  • Any dry clothes for the outing

• Kit bag

  • Decent size hold all for when you have training camps or a day racing.
  • Paracetamol & antihistamine
  • Plasters
  • Electrical tape or similar
  • Boat lights - Don’t get caught out

• Lights

  • If you’re going out at night, fog or early morning, good lights are essential.
  • Lights can be too bright. Your lights are for others to see you. If they’re blinding others, then you’re dangerous.
  • Aim for atleast 100 lumens (or whatever your club recommends)
  • Use electrical tape to fix on. Consider a boat mount like this one designed for bike lights.
  • Bike lights are generally better value and designed for similar conditions. They can get knocked, so use tape to secure it if you can’t wrap on the strap
  • Dim lights are dangerous.
  • Get ones that are “see-me” rather than lighting up infront of you. Otherwise you risk blinding other users of the river
  • Lights with a narrow field of view can make you invisible when turning. Try to buy lights with a wide field of view.

• Bring a towel and dry change of clothes - Often get splashed. Sometimes can capsize

  • You should treat yourself and include dry underwear and socks. Feels amazing
  • If you often get wet socks with wellies, consider waterproof socks. Recommended by my cox

• Decent hand cream for dry hands (O’Keefe’s working hands is good)

Winter

• If you can, bring a dry set of kit per outing
• Pogies are invaluable if your hands get cold. Don’t worry about looking uncool. Just row faster than them
• A hat is small and a nice way regulate your temperature