Berkeley High Men's Crew Clothing

by R'Sue Carnon (minor updates by Bill Wong)
[webmaster: All prices are circa 2003, they are only approximate (meaning low).
Most items mentioned here are available from Crew.]

The distinguishing clothing article for rowers is the trou, which are similar to bicycle shorts but without the padding. The Mens Crew sells two types of trou. The lycra trou are stretchy and fit snugly. They are black with a red stripe down each side and sell for $30. The polyester trou are plain polyester and fit more loosely that the lycra ones. They are plain black and sell for $20.

Otherwise, any clothing that keeps the rower warm even in wind and rain and allows him to move freely is useful. Polypro (and the like) shirts are very useful and can be found at any sporting goods store. The Crew sells a long-sleeve workout shirt made of Coolmax. It is black with a wide red stripe and two bordering gold pinstripes down the sleeves and sells for $40. You will need a second Coolmax or Polypro shirt for cold days (on cold days, rowers wear two shirts for warmth).

Warm socks made of wool or polypro are also useful. The rowers walk on the damp dock without shoes, so darker colors are recommended. Some rowers get scrapes on their calves from the rails in the boats. Socks that come up over the calves can reduce this problem, although rowers consider "track burn" just an occupational hazard. Thorlo makes wool skateboarding socks that have extra padding in the calf.

REI carries SealSkinz Waterproof socks. Considered overkill for most conditions, there are a few days in December when warm feet are appreciated. Search www.rei.com under Footwear > Specialty Socks > Waterproof Socks. About $30.

Rowing tights or lycra leggings keep the knees and legs warm and are appreciated during the cold days of winter.

In the past the Crew has sold Stevenson jackets by special order. These are loose-fitting, waterproof, breathable jackets that are designed especially for rowers. They cost about $80. The Stevensons are not really needed for workouts on the estuary, the guys are happy with one or two layers of polypro, but Stevensons' are seen in the boats on especially bad days. However, during a recent Ocean Rowing expedition (sea-going sculling shells) the guys did have their Stevenson's on. Open Water Rowing.



Clothing can also be purchased at the clothing tables at Crew events.