LLRC SAFETY BULLETIN #1: YOUR ‘ROW BAG’

(Borrowed, in part, from Mike Woodmansee’s article in a 2003 issue of the LLRC Newsletter.)

The weather can change significantly during the hours leading up to a practice. Therefore, rowers should come to each practice prepared for anything. In this regard, it is recommended that each rower prepare and carry a ‘row bag’ containing personal items for each workout.

A well-prepared rower should have these items in their row bag (as a minimum):

• long and short rowing trou (*)
• rainjacket with hood (*)
• long and short-sleeved shirt and tank top (*)
• fleece top (*)
• windpants/rainpants (*)
• brimmed cap and winter hat
• dock shoes
• gloves or pogies
• warm socks
• water bottle
• sports drink powder
• snacks (granola bars etc.)
• change of clothes
• plastic bag for wet clothes
• sunscreen (non-greasy)
• bug spray
• sports tape and antibiotic ointment
• your training log (in a plastic bag)
• towel
• blinkies
• sunglasses (rimless, for checking over your shoulder)

Items marked with an asterisk (*) should be snug fitting, particularly around the torso to avoid catching the oar handles or seat tracks/wheels.

Clothing items should be synthetic or wool (i.e. NO COTTON). Good materials include: polyester, polypropylene, nylon, Lycra, Gore-Tex and Ultrex. Check the tags. Some name-brand sports apparel items which carry names like DRI-FIT may contain cotton and therefore may not be suitable for your needs.

The color of your outer garments is important for your safety on the water. Chartreuse, bright yellow and international orange shirts, jackets and hats are much more visible at greater distances than those that are brown, blue, maroon, dark green, black or even white. We share the lake with jet skiers, fishermen, wake boarders, water skiers and other high speed water craft. At least one person in each shell should wear a high visibility garment during practice or while recreational rowing.