The Rowing Tutor10 Essential Items for Every Rower's Kit Bag
A checklist of 10 items for your rowing kit bag: 10 mm and 13 mm spanner, finger tape, waterproof plasters, dry clothes, snacks, layers and sun cream.
By Louis Zaidman · Updated · 4 min read
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Every rower’s kit bag needs 10 essential items: a rigger jigger, tape, spare socks and underwear, a cloth, antiseptic and plasters, food and water, an all-in-one, leggings, a base layer and a waterproof. Rowing means mud, spray, blisters and cold hands, and each of these items solves one of those problems. If your bag is small, the first six matter most.
1. Rigger jigger
A rigger jigger is a double-ended spanner, usually 10 mm at one end and 13 mm at the other. It fits the nuts on most riggers and is the most common tool in rowing. Clubs have them, but your own saves waiting. Keep it on a lanyard or in a small labelled pouch so it doesn’t end up on the riverbed. If you rig boats often, add 6 mm and 8 mm hex keys, the usual sizes for rigger bolts.
2. Finger tape
Blisters usually form on the fingers and palms, and a plaster slips off within a few strokes. A thin wrap of heavier fabric finger tape stays put, and Twickenham Rowing Club recommends it over lighter zinc tape. Wrap snugly, never tight enough to affect circulation, and keep the adhesive off raw skin. A roll of electrical tape is handy too, for strapping riggers together on a trailer or holding a light in place.
3. Spare underwear and socks
If you fall in or get soaked, dry basics make the trip home bearable. Pack them in a plastic bag so they stay dry even if the rest of the bag doesn’t.
4. Old rags or a small towel
Use them for wiping seats, slides, hands and oars. A wipe of the slides before you get in removes grit, and a cloth clears water from the boat afterwards. Our boat maintenance guide explains why a clean slide matters.
5. Antiseptic and plasters
Carry antiseptic wipes and waterproof plasters. Clean broken skin properly and cover cuts before you go afloat. The NHS advises covering cuts with waterproof plasters and showering as soon as you can after being in water that may be contaminated, because leptospirosis can enter through cuts, the mouth or the eyes. If you get flu-like symptoms after rowing, see your doctor and mention that you’ve been on open water.
6. Snacks and water
Pack a banana, malt loaf or cereal bar, and a bottle of water or squash. As a rule of thumb, 500 to 750 ml covers a one-hour outing in mild weather. Take more on a hot day. Our pantry essentials list has more ideas for food you can leave in a bag.
7. An all-in-one
The classic rowing suit is snug, stays in place and can’t flap into your slide or handle. Fit matters, so try one before you buy. Our guide to what kit to wear compares it with shorts and a top.
8. Leggings or tights
They stay clear of the slide, keep your calves warm on cold mornings and protect your legs from slide marks. Pack them all year, since a dawn outing can feel cold even in June.
9. Long-sleeved base layer
A thin base layer holds warmth early on, then you can strip off as you warm up. You’re usually warm while rowing, but you cool quickly while waiting for a coach, a launch or a race.
10. Waterproof jacket
Rain and spray soak through quickly, and a wet rower gets cold fast. Pack a light waterproof for before and after rowing, and for the walk to the boathouse.
Extras by season
| Season | Add to the bag |
|---|---|
| Summer | Sun cream of at least SPF 30 and 4 stars, cap, sunglasses, extra water |
| Winter | Hat, gloves or pogies, a warm top for after, hand warmers |
| Any time | Plastic bag for wet kit, hair tie, any medication you need, a pen for labelling |
The NHS advises reapplying sun cream every 2 hours, and straight after you get wet. UK sun is strongest from 11am to 3pm between March and October. Our page on protecting yourself from the sun has the detail. For cold mornings, see how to warm up your hands.
Quick checklist
Run through this the night before an early outing.
| Before you launch | On the water | Afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| Rigger jigger, tape, plasters | Layers you can shed | Dry socks, underwear and top |
| Water bottle filled | Sun cream or cap | Towel and warm layer |
| Boat and blades checked | Water and a snack for long outings | Food soon after you land |
Common mistakes
- Leaving wet kit zipped up. Damp bags smell within a day or two. Empty the bag when you get home.
- Keeping keys and phone loose. Use a dry bag, and leave them ashore unless your club requires a phone on board.
- Taking too much afloat. Loose items can roll into a slide. Leave the bag ashore and take only what you need.
If you’re buying for someone else rather than packing for yourself, our gift guide for rowers lists items that are hard to get wrong.
Frequently asked questions
What size spanner should I keep in my rowing kit bag?
A rigger jigger, which is a double-ended 10 mm and 13 mm spanner. Those two sizes fit most rigger and top nuts, and 6 mm and 8 mm hex keys cover many rigger bolts.
How do I stop tape coming off my hands?
Use heavier fabric finger tape rather than a plaster, wrap it snugly but not tightly, and let the tape overlap itself so it grips. Keep adhesive off raw skin.
Do beginners need all 10 items?
No. Start with dry clothes, water, a snack, plasters and a layer for after the session. Your club will have spanners, and you can add your own once you row regularly.
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