Last Wednesday I was at the dock practice down at the Estuary on what was undoubtedly the worst weather that the crew has actually gone out in all season.

It was cold and wet. Chris Daad offered to let me take a ride in the launch, but, lacking foul weather gear, I decided not to chance it.

Our intrepid novice crew members, however, went out. Some of them only wore a teeshirt and shorts. Even when I offered some clothes that I had in my van, they machoed it out. I suspect there was an element of peer pressure at work here.

Apparently this is a novice crew phenomenon. The varsity crew seemed more sensibly dressed.

A list of suggested clothing:
(webmaster: All clothing articles mentioned in this article are available from our crew merchandise folks.)

Polypro long sleeve shirts are available at REI. They are about $20. The advantage of polypro is that it can get wet and still keep you warm.

There are also some polypro socks available. They are called 'sealskinz'. Also at REI.

Polypro shorts, or "trou" as crew lingo has it, will be available through the US Rowing Magazine which we should all be getting soon. I suspect biking shorts may be similar.

Wool caps or 'Beanies' are helpful as a lot of heat goes out of our heads. Apparently there are some BHS crew beanies that may be for sale. Have your crew kid check up at practice.

Last, but not least is a special rowing jacket called a 'Stevenson'. Many of the Varsity crew have them. They have a BHS logo and the crew person's name on them. We can order them before the holidays, but they will probably not be here until the Spring. Cost will be approximately $90. Could be a good gift idea, with a card, since they won't be here until Spring.

The main advantage of the 'Stevensons' is that you can row in them and they will keep you warm even when wet. This jacket is designed for rowing.

Finally, remember that the only reason that a practice will not take place on the water is if it is too windy or if there is lightning. If it is just cold and wet, they will be going out, so make sure they have some warm clothes. And hope they are willing to wear them....