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Boats & Kit

Getting out on the water means learning a new vocabulary as well as a new skill. Boats come in different classes, each with its own feel, and even the blades and the footwear have details that matter. Our guides explain what each piece of kit does before you spend any money.

If you are starting out, your club will usually supply a boat and blades, so you only need the right clothing and a few essentials in your bag. Later on, you might think about buying a boat of your own, and that decision deserves some care.

This section also covers looking after your equipment. Shells and blades are costly and easily damaged, so regular cleaning and a careful check before each outing will keep them safe and working well for years. Always follow your club’s safety rules and your coach’s advice when you are on the water.

Best place to start

Boats

Boats & KitChecklist for Cleaning and Inspecting Your Rowing Boat Before a RaceA pre-race checklist for rowing boats: hull, riggers, gates, slides, footplates, buoyancy and rules compliance, so nothing fails or delays you at the start.Boats & KitEasy Rowing Boat Maintenance and How to Do ItA practical routine for looking after a rowing boat: rinse and dry after use, check fittings and riggers weekly, protect the hull and store it properly.Boats & KitFinding a Rowing Boat for SaleFinding a rowing boat for sale: where to look, a used-boat inspection table, serial number checks, questions for the seller and UK registration.Boats & KitHandy Rowing Boat AccessoriesThe handy rowing boat accessories worth buying first: tools, spares, cover, slings, lights and rate meters, sorted by club rower, owner and coach.Boats & KitHow Big Should Your Rowing Shell Be?How to choose a rowing shell size: crew weight ranges, boat type, stability and where you row. A guide for buyers and clubs choosing the right boat.Boats & KitHow to Maintain Your Rowing ShellLooking after a rowing shell: cleaning the hull, caring for riggers, slides and fittings, repairing minor damage and storing it to prevent warping.Boats & KitRow Boat vs Sailboat: Which Is the Better Choice?Compare a rowing boat and a sailboat on cost, effort, speed, storage, skill and safety, to decide which suits where and how you want to spend time on the water.Boats & KitRowing Boat Types: A GuideA guide to rowing boat types: every class code from 1x to 8+, typical lengths, minimum racing weights, coastal and fixed-seat boats, and how to choose.Boats & KitRowing Boat vs Rowboat: What's the Difference?Rowing boat and rowboat sound the same but are used differently. Learn what each term means and how racing shells differ from general-purpose rowboats.Boats & KitRowing vs KayakingRowing vs kayaking: boat sizes, muscles, learning curve, cost, UK waterway licences and safety compared, with a clear verdict on which to pick.Boats & KitThe Anatomy of a Rowing Shell: Understanding the PartsA plain guide to the parts of a rowing shell: hull, bow ball, riggers, gates, seat and slides, footplate, fin and hatches, and what each one does.Boats & KitThe Benefits of Owning Your Own Rowing ShellThe pros and cons of buying your own rowing shell: freedom to row when you want, a boat that fits you, plus the costs of storage, insurance and upkeep.Boats & KitThe Best 5 Rowing Shell ManufacturersFive well-known rowing shell builders: Empacher, Filippi, Hudson, Pocock and Vespoli, and how to choose between them for your club, crew or budget.Boats & KitWhat Is a Rowing Kayak?A rowing kayak is a kayak fitted with a sliding seat and oars, so you row rather than paddle. See how it works, who it suits and what to check before buying.Boats & KitWhat You Need to Know Before Getting in a Rowing BoatFirst time in a rowing boat? Learn about safety, swimming ability, what to wear, how to get in without tipping, and what to ask your coach before you go out.

Blades and equipment

Clothing and kit

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