Due to the nature of crew, more than likely you will get wet. Would you rather sit around in wet clothes all day or sit around in dry comfortable clothing? The following is recommended to be brought with you during a regatta or even during a practice.
- Clean change of clothing and undergarments (they may get wet and the old saying “it’s better safe than sorry” does pertain). The change of clothing should be comfortable (eg, t-shirt, shorts, sweatshirt, sweatpants, etc.…no jeans or similar “binding” clothing).
- At least 3 pairs of clean athletic type socks.
- Two garbage bags, large enough to hold the wet clothes you may be getting out of (you’re parents will thank you later for this…trust me).
- Sport Sunscreen (At least SPF 15 please, you aren’t here to get a tan…and sport sunscreen is a must so when you sweat it doesn’t run into your eyes and create that awesome stinging feeling).
- Pair of light weight gloves (it may be cold on some days/mornings).
- Rain gear/slickers (or light weight water repellant foul weather type gear) for rowers, full “Gorton Fisherman” apparel for coxswains because we do and will row in the rain.
- Under armor…lots and lots of under armor (it is recommended that you bring at a minimum one complete set, long sleeve/short sleeve shirt and leggings).
- Uniform shirt & navy trou for all rowers.
- WATER BOTTLE!! (It is not recommended that you drink the water you row in, ie from the lake/pond/river…bring a refillable water bottle and we’ll give you all the cool, clean water you’ll need).
- Something to do during the down time (homework, a deck of cards, a good book, travel game etc).
It is extremely important that, as a rower, you keep yourself relaxed, warm and comfortable during down time. It may become chilly and we're sure you wouldn’t want to shiver all day. If you do shiver all day, you’re wasting valuable energy that could be used elsewhere, like on an oar, and you’ll just be plain miserable.
Many rowers will pack two separate bags (athletic type bags/backpacks). One will hold their racing gear and one will hold the extra clothing/items above.
Hopefully if you follow this, you won’t be “left out in the cold”, so to speak. Good technique starts with being relaxed and being warm, fuel provides the energy your body will need to show off that awesome technique. The two combined correlates to the timing and speed of the boat which, if done very well, gives the crew a very good chance of winning a race….or 20.
Think of it this way, if you don’t bring it with you, you won’t be able to put it on/use it if you want to and some Regattas can last all day.