What is rowing kit?
Rowers always need training kit, and you will soon learn you can never have too much.
Rowing kit is designed to be tight fitting (for safety – so that it does not get in your way or snag on blade handles and under wheels). Like all sports kit, it is made from technical sportswear fabrics which wick away moisture and keep you dry and warm or cool. General sports clothing is also ideal for training and can be a cost-effective addition to your kitbag.
Although you can choose whatever colours you like for training, if you buy Sudbury all-in-one, it can also be used for racing – bonus!
Our risk assessments and safety plan state that single scullers or anyone sitting in the bow seat must wear a hi-viz top so that they can be seen easily by other river users.There are hi-viz vests available in the club if you need one.
Why do I need SRC kit to race?
When racing, crews are required adhere to the British Rowing rules which state that competitors must wear clothing in club colours and that all members of the crew should be wearing similar or the same kit. Although this rule tends to be slightly more relaxed in the winter head season, in summer regatta season it will be enforced. If you are not wearing appropriate club kit you are at risk of being disqualified.
Apart from the rules of racing, the benefit of wearing team kit is well-known. It instils a sense of belonging and togetherness – and looks great in photos!
Our blades are registered with British Rowing as Oxford Blue and white and our racing kit is registered as navy and white side stripes.
What is SRC kit?
Our club colours are navy blue and white and kit usually consists of:
- An All-In-One (lycra unisuit)
- Base layers and technical training tops (short or long sleeved)
- Splash tops
- Club bobble hats by Big Bobble Hats Ltd – in stock, please purchase from the bobble hat order form: Bobble Hat Order Form - Google Forms
What kit do I need to buy in order to race?
Anyone racing must wear an SRC all-in-one (AIO) as a minimum.
We have a new AIO design for 2024. The new design marks our club’s 150th anniversary – a racing rebrand for SRC.
Matching leggings are also a good addition for winter racing or training.
Most SRC rowers also have generic, white base layers in both long and short sleeved to wear underneath their AIO for racing in winter and summer respectively.
What do I do now?
This year, our racing kit supplier is Powerhouse Sport. We will organise a number of ‘order windows’ for official SRC club kit each year. Look out for emails about these, usually in the spring and autumn. Lead times on most items are between 4-6 weeks so please order in plenty of time before your first race.
Please also visit their website to order general rowing kit.
What if I am going to race before my SRC kit arrives?
If your kit does not arrive in time, please speak to the kit officer (Amelia Moule) or your vice-captain who will be able to help you.
If you know you are racing at a particular event and need racing kit, please contact the kit officer who may be able to open an order window for that event.
Limited editions
There may also bulk orders for additional items throughout the year for items such as limited-edition kit ranges (like for our 150th anniversary in 2024), club blazers, fleeces etc.
If you have any questions about kit, or any suggestions for new items please do not hesitate to contact me.
Suppliers of general rowing/training kit
Other rowing/training kit such as splash tops, base layers, leggings can be bought from many good sports retailers including the following specialist rowing brands: