When deciding what to wear whilst rowing, the most important consideration is that your choice of clothing must be close fitting. Wearing loose clothing whilst rowing presents risks from entanglement of oar/scull handles and trapping of clothing in the seat wheels.
The following types of clothing are inadvisable to be worn whilst rowing:
- Hoodies;
- Loose tracksuit bottoms;
- Baggy t-shirts; and
- Baggy shorts.
For novices and new starters there is no immediate requirement to invest heavily in rowing specific clothing – close fitting standard sports clothing (as you might wear for running) will suffice. It is worth wearing several thinner layers rather than just one thick layer so you can keep yourself warm but not too hot, and adjust the number of layers through the outing.
Whilst skin-tight lycra may not appeal to everyone, it is the best type of clothing to be worn whilst rowing. It not only reduces the potential for entanglement but also tends to hold less moisture whilst exercising anaerobically and/or whilst it is raining.
Single scullers and anyone in the bow seat of a coxless boat should always wear a high vis top.
As you progress, you may want to purchase the following items of clothing:
- Lycra all-in-one (AIO). Mandatory for racing in club colours;
- Leggings;
- Splash jacket (waterproof layer); and,
- Gilet (warm/windproof layer)
- Pogies, overgloves designed for rowing.
Our current kit suppliers are Rival Kit and there is a page on their website dedicated to YCRC – https://rivalkit.com/collections/york-city-rowing-club
You can also get off the shelf rowing kit from several manufacturers – Godfrey, Powerhouse, Stitch and Crewroom