Rowing Essentials
What to Wear When You Row
Let’s face it: Rowers like to look good, but their attire is not just a fashion statement. It’s really about function and safety. To avoid hypothermia, we wear synthetic materials (which wick moisture away from the skin during exercise) and wool or polar fleece (which are warm even when wet).
*Cotton is not a good choice! We leave cotton on the beach because wet cotton (particularly heavyweight sweats) will rob you of your body heat faster than if you are buck naked (yikes!).
Rowers wear Lycra/spandex shorts or pants, which are form-fitting so that they don’t snag in the wheels under the seat. This attire also allows for an unrestricted range of motion, which is important. Long shirt-tails, baggie shorts, cut-offs, and jeans are considered only après row apparel.
Friendly Tips
✔ Always leave a duffel bag containing warm, dry clothes in your car or non-motorized vehicle.
✔ Apply sunscreen at home and wash your hands before rowing so the oar handles don’t get sticky.
✔ Please leave rings—yes, even your wedding bands—at home so they don’t damage the oar handles or your hands.
Rowing Life Jackets for Use on Lake Superior and Their Importance
Why Life Jackets Are Essential on Lake Superior
Lake Superior is known for its unpredictable weather, strong winds, and cold water temperatures. Even in summer, the water can be dangerously cold, increasing the risk of hypothermia if a rower falls in. Strong currents and waves can make reentry into a shell difficult. Wearing a life jacket (PFD – personal flotation device) provides critical buoyancy, increasing survival time in emergencies
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all boaters, including rowers, wear a PFD while on the water. The cold shock from sudden immersion in Lake Superior can incapacitate even the strongest swimmers. Additionally, since rowing shells are narrow and sit low in the water, they can be prone to capsizing in rough conditions.
Life Jacket Considerations for Rowing
Unlike traditional boating life jackets, rowing PFDs need to be lightweight, low-profile, and nonrestrictive to allow for proper stroke mechanics. There are two main types of life jackets rowers can consider:
1. Inflatable Belt Pack or Vest PFDs (Recommended for Rowers)
Pros:
- Minimal bulk, allowing full range of motion
- Unobtrusive design
- High buoyancy once inflated
Cons:
- Manual or automatic inflation required
- Not suitable for non-swimmers
- May not be effective in unconscious situations
- Co2 cartridges are required to be routinely replaced
Recommended Models:
- Hyde Wingman Inflatable Life Jacket – Low-profile, manually activated, designed for high-performance sports.
- Mustang Survival MIT 70 (inflatable PFD) –automatic or manually inflatable, lightweight, and offers 15.7lbs of buoyancy when inflated
- Spinlock Alto Belt Pack – Compact and discreet; inflates to provide buoyancy under the arms.
- Onyx M-16 Inflatable Belt Pack – Affordable and commonly used by rowers.
2. Low-Profile Foam PFDs (Recommended for Safety and Rough Conditions)
Pros:
- No need to activate inflation
- Provides constant flotation
- Can be more reliable in emergencies
Cons:
- More bulk than inflatable options
- May slightly restrict movement
Recommended Models:
- NRS Vapor PFD – Lightweight and comfortable with large arm openings.
- Astral YTV Life Jacket – Minimalist design, great mobility.
- Stohlquist Edge PFD – Low-cut design that allows good arm movement.
Key Features to Look for in a Rowing Life Jacket
US Coast Guard Approved – Ensures it meets safety standards.
Low Profile – Choose a style that is not bulky and won’t interfere with the rowing motion.
Manual Inflation (for inflatables) – Gives control over when to activate.
Secure Fit – Should not ride up or feel loose during rowing movements.
Where to Purchase
If you are looking for a rowing PFD near Lake Superior, consider visiting local outdoor and marine stores or purchasing online if specific models aren’t available locally
Buy Locally
- Down Wind Sports (Marquette, MI): Specializes in outdoor gear and may carry performance PFDs.
- Dunham’s Sports (Marquette, MI): General sporting goods store with boating safety gear.
- L&M Fleet Supply (Marquette, MI): Offers a variety of life jackets for water sports.
Online
Final Thoughts
Rowing on Lake Superior presents unique risks, and wearing a PFD significantly increases safety. Always check conditions before heading out, and ensure your PFD is in proper working order. Safety should always come first on open waters like Lake Superior!