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Informed Athletes go
faster.
Dressing for Rowing and
Training
It may seem a minor and unimportant issue but
being correctly dressed for your sport can save a
great deal of time and prevent missed sessions
through injury and illness.
Here are some guidelines
going from Head to Toe:
Headwear: Up to 80% of body heat can be
lost through the head so wearing a hat is important
when it is cold, a thin hat is better as it is less
likely to cause you to over heat whilst you train.
People with hair long enough to cause distraction
(need to arrange it whilst rowing) should tie, pin
or restrain it under a cap. When the sun is out a
cap or similar sun hat is vital
Upper body: The important issues to think
about here are practicality and keeping at a
comfortable temperature. Both these issues can be
dealt with by wearing many thin layers, preferably
tight fitting. The reason for this is that close
fitting layers will not obstruct your hands around
the finish (As a Hoody or Sweater will). Layers can
also be taken off as you warm up rather than having
only the two options that a T-shirt and jumper
combination offers. Always tuck tops in, as oil
will ruin clothes getting stuck in runners during
training or racing and slow you down! When the sun
is out keep covered with a light coloured sleeved
top, remember the water intensifies the effect of
the sun on your skin.
Hands: These should be Jewellery free,
rings create and encourage blisters. Gloves should
be avoided as they decrease your control over the
handle. In very cold weather 'pogees' can be worn
these are fleecy mitten type coverings that encase
both your hands and the handle providing both
warmth and control.
Legs: Tracksuit bottoms should never drag
on the ground. As with the upper body the layers
principle applies. Tights or leggings will keep you
warm throughout the winter and you will never catch
your fingers on them when 'tapping down'.
[General note: Modern tight fitting
sport specific clothing dries very quickly
lessening the likelihood of catching a chill from a
rain soaked or sweaty cotton top.]
Footwear: Everyone without exception must
wear trainers designed for sports (running or
cross-training preferably). They should also be
done up so that the foot is fully supported. Skate
trainers may be cool but twisted ankles and shin
splints are very annoying.
Underwear: Girls, sometimes you are
required to run, common sense says wear a sports
bra.
Boys if you constantly need to rearrange
yourself then you haven't got the right underwear
on. Sports briefs may not be a number one fashion
item but they serve a purpose.
Coxes: Always wrap up in many layers, you
can always peel them off. Be aware that during the
winter the difference in temperature between shade
and sun can be very great. Always be prepared for
rain
Accessories
Sunglasses: If you find the sun
distracting or it gives you a headache then wear
sunglasses (Suprisingly relevant through out the
winter when the sun is low in the sky).
Scarves… Errrrrr NO! (Except for
coxes)
Some of the ideas raised in this sheet may seem
odd (boys in tights) but next time you are
at a regatta or head race look at the good
athletes. Almost all of them will be wearing
clothes as described here. They may look silly
initially but in deepest winter or on the hottest
June day the priority is staying at the right
temperature and ensuring your dress is not going to
hinder your rowing.
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