A reader asked me how I manage to stay warm when racing, especially if it’s raining.
Out of interest, how do you cope and what do you wear as in gloves, socks, thermals etc for racing in cold temperatures regattas, like in Tassie, expected 1-3 ℃?
Louise, NSW Australia
Here’s what I did this past weekend rowing in Wanaka, New Zealand (early morning 2 degrees, high of 15 with a wind chill too).
I layer up, big time. I pack 3 changes of clothing per day of the regatta.
We were wading out into the water to wet-launch our boats into the lake. I am bare foot, have my warmest leggings on; socks in my waist band. Get in the boat and put the waterproof socks on first (before fixing up so my feet start to warm through).
I wore four layers on my torso – silk undershirt, t-shirt, thermal long sleeve and a waterproof jacket. I had a neck warmer (half fleece, half cotton) and a beanie hat too.
For my hands, I have shooting mitts which are sheepskin but leave my palms open to the oar handles. Those are fine most of the time…. pogies don’t keep my hands warm, I’m afraid. And if I get wet I always change my clothing so I stay dry on land, even if it means putting wet clothes on to go out to race.
Now, let’s run through the Winter Rowing Kit Rules
Rowing clothing – the layering principle
Have many layers and take them off to suit your needs on that day. Our check list for winter rowing:
- Base layer (next to your skin)
- Leggings, shorts or All-in-one row suit
- T-shirt
- Long sleeve thermal shirt
- Winter tights or leggings
- Warm socks – waterproof if you like
- A hat (thermal) or a cap plus a neck warmer tube
- Before and after rowing I also have a hoodie or jacket
There’s a balance between clothing that is too tight and too loose which a rowing-designed garment should get about right. Too tight and it restricts your movement. Too loose and it flaps around or gets caught in the slides.
Wicking Fabrics
Your first layer should be all about keeping dry and not allowing the sweat to linger on your skin. You want it to evaporate as quickly as possible in an action referred to as ‘wicking’. The layer should be thin and snug. Don’t wear cotton in winter because it doesn’t wick and you get very cold wearing wet cotton clothing.
Insulation
The second layer is about insulation – keeping your body warm while still allowing sweat to evaporate. A great fabric choice is lightweight fleece or wicking wool.
A sleeveless vest or gilet is a good option, especially if you are wearing a long-sleeved wicking shirt underneath. You can also opt for a full-sleeved top in fleece. Lightweight and medium weight fleeces are good options for rowers.
When choosing your insulation layer, you should opt for clothing that has a partial or full zip. The zipper allows you to open up the vest or the top slightly if you find yourself overheating and allows air flow.
Protection from wind and water
Your final layers should focus on being as lightweight as possible and also be waterproof and windproof. If you choose the first two layers correctly, you may not need the third layer at all times. The idea is to only wear the third layer if the weather requires it – heavy winds, extreme cold, or rain.
Covering your extremities
While these tips will keep your core body warm and protected from the elements, winter also forces you to think about your head, feet and fingers. Cold weather means blood is mainly flowing to your torso in order to protect your internal organs. This leaves your toes, fingers, and head vulnerable to the colder air.
Select garments from the same insulating fabrics you used in your second layer. Although you can’t always change shoe size, check the thickness of your thermal socks with your rowing shoes to ensure the material doesn’t make them too tight. When choosing gloves, opt for something that provides proper grip to ensure you don’t get blisters. While gloves, good socks and a hat are generally enough, you might want to add a hood or neck scarf tube to cover your neck and prevent draughts.
