Kit

RGS Rowing kit can be purchased from the Club Manager.  Payment is taken via SPOND.

• Orders can be placed at September BBQ or at any time by emailing rgshwgrowing @ gmail.com (remove spaces)

What kit does my son need?

• Initially and for training you don’t need special or expensive sports kit.  School PE Kit (or equivalent) are fine.  

  • The fabric should be good at wicking and allow you to move easily but not too baggy – you don’t want them getting caught in the oars or the runners.

  • Leggings, tracksuit bottoms and compressions top can keep your son warm when shorts and t-shirt alone will mean they get cold.  It is always slightly cooler on the water than on land.

  • Avoid cotton and items with pockets unless they can be zipped up.

  • Short- or long-sleeved t-shirts are great for all weather – worn on their own in hot weather or built up in layers in colder weather. In the cold it’s better to have lots of thin layers rather than one thick one! 

• Footwear: Most rowing boats come equipped with shoes so trainers are fine for getting to the boat.  

  • If you are using a training boat then trainers will be kept on your feet in the boat.  

  • In winter, have a pair of wellies in case the ground is muddy.  For tideway races (tidal Thames) these may be necessary for boating.

  • Many boys prefer to have sliders in the summer.

• Bring a hat - woolly for winter and a cap for summer.

• Gloves are not ideal for rowing as you can’t feel or hold the blade handle correctly. However you can use ‘pogies’, which are specifically designed to keep hands warm when rowing – they’re like fleece bags that go over your entire hand and the handle. Gloves are essential if you’re coxing in cold weather.

  • https://www.rock-the-boat.co.uk/collections/pogies

  • https://www.crewroom.co.uk/products/softshell-pogies

• Socks: It’s a good idea to wear socks when you’re rowing as chances are you’ll be putting your feet into the shoes in the boat. Football style socks are particularly good as you can pull them up to your knees and keep your legs warm if it’s cold!   Sealskinz is a waterproof sock brand that many boys wear to row,.

• Splash Jacket: In wet weather it’s a great idea to wear a waterproof top layer. A normal waterproof will suffice but a splash top is designed specifically for rowing, RGS has a branded jacket.

• Racing Kit: 

  • Initially and in the winter for races, an RGS Rowing T-shirt will mean that the boys are all wearing matching kit.

  • For Regattas, boys must wear an RGS branded All-in-Ones, this is one of the Rules of Racing. The boys may initially feel awkward wearing skin tight kit.  Its fine to wear a compression top or T-shirt under and/or leggings.

  • When racing especially in winter boys may have to sit around before they race, often they wear extra layers including a splash  jacket and then take them off to race.

Safety: Long hair must be tied up.  If your son capsizes there is a risk that loose hair will get caught on riggers and prevent easy exit from the boat.

RGS Branded Kit

This kit can be ordered if there is sufficient demand, we do have some sizes in stock from prior orders