Winter is coming
3rd November 2024
KEEPING SAFE AND WARM ON WATER – IT MATTERS TO YOU AND YOUR CREW
Top winter tips from the Club Safety Advisor
With the clocks having now gone back and Head race training well under way, the winter months, “Tideway conditions” and colder sessions will soon be upon us. Rowing in winter introduces a number of additional risks and hazards for crews, particularly as the weather worsens and conditions deteriorate: in short, it’s getting wetter, colder and darker for the most part between here and Men’s Head of the River in Late March.
With a few tips below, rowers should think ahead and be prepared for the conditions you will face, along with important points to keep yourself and fellow crew members safe and well when faced with additional hazards this winter.
Lights & Visibility (see images below)
Although the mornings will be lighter for a few weeks, it won’t last long. On darker mornings or in poor visibility like fog or gloomy overcast conditions, it’s important crews remain highly visible. Crews without lights or bright clothing are more likely to remain unseen in lower light or gloomy conditions and the correct lights are an essential safety feature.
- Lights – When necessary – club supplied white lights should be fitter in at the stern (single, fixed light) and the bows (in the bow number slot, flashing – not strobing). The lights should be tied around the bowball or rigger to prevent fall off, and put on charge after use).
- Visible Clothing – Crews should wear bright clothing, especially in the bow and stroke seat to stand out against the shore/horizon. Even a bright cap will help you stand out and be seen when the skies are dull and grey.
If visibility or conditions are dodge – if in doubt don’t go out. There’s no shame in turning back if visibility is poor or conditions are unrowable – you’ll get far more out of an erg session if that is the case.
Layers
Layered kit in cold and when conditions is also important – allowing you to get warm whilst warming up, losing a layer for pieces and relayering after work or during technical.
- Multi base layers / lycra are recommended. There’s no shame in long sleeves and leggings.
- When you sweat then stop, you’ll cool down quickly. Keep your core warm and dry.
- Splash tops and Gilets will give you protection from the elements and cold river water/wash – keeping your layers under dry.
- Think about a neck warmer and hat when it really starts getting chilly.
- A dry bag or similar is good protection in the boat.
- Put SealSkinz socks on your Christmas List – you’ll thank me later.
Change of Kit
If doing multiple outings, a change of kit is essential – wet or sweaty kit will quickly cool you down and you won’t warm up again in a second session when the temperature is still low. So bring a change and warm up thoroughly between outings. A towel is well advised for a hot shower post outing.
A sugary hot cup of tea and snack between outings will also do wonders for keeping warm next outing.
Be efficient
No one likes hanging about on cold mornings for late arrivals or excessive faff.
- Be Prompt – Arrive early to be on time, get blades out and launch on the water so you’re ready to go and keeping moving.
- Minimise faff – check your feet and get the boat set up promptly and remain ready to get hands on, boat on the water.
- Efficient boating – as the maxim goes – get in, sit down, shut up and row. There’s no need to rush but get on with it, get your blade and gate sorted and be ready to push off when instructed. The stream can be especially strong in winter. You need to be switched on and ready to row so that your crew is safe and not getting cold.
- Give way to returning boats – Crews ending their outing will be cold and wet, hanging around queuing can quickly lead to coldness and hypothermia, so give way and give priority to crews returning to the hard. If there is queue when you return, consider a short extra loop or getting your layers back on to keep warm whilst waiting.
Watch your step
The hard can be slippery, even icy in winter especially on frosty mornings. So take care when moving about – especially when carrying boats – grippy boots are essential.
Speak up
If you do get cold on the water or see something that doesn’t look right or safe – speak up and alert your cox or crew mates.
Water Quality
It rains more in winter and the drains can’t keep up (thanks Thames Water) If it’s rained a lot water quality will be poor. Wash your hands, boat and blades after outings to avoid contamination and sickness.
Keep an eye on the Flag
With conditions being variable, pay attention to the flag status (available in the footer of the Cygnet website or see images below) follow the rules when it comes to Yellow and Red flag Status and pay attention when you are boating, out on the river or turning around stationary hazards like barges and buoys – things can happen much faster than you might expect or be used to – stay switched on as crew.
Bonus tip
We get the occasional sunny day in winter – the sun can be low and bright – sunglasses remain recommended for all and essential for coxes and steers.
Look out for each other and yourself in winter, the risks are higher – a wet cold outing can be not just unpleasant but dangerous. But Tideway conditions are character building and any seasoned HoRR racer will tell you – marshalling without enough layers is the worst part about Head racing, until you hit north sea conditions after Hammersmith Bridge and until the slow row home from Putney.
Build the good habits now: embrace the training, stay ahead of the conditions and look after your crew.
