Here comes the Sun

Now that the three weeks of Summer in March are a distant memory, it looks like we really are getting a taste of summer. While each shed layer of outerwear should be celebrated, it is important to remember that the sun poses its own challenges to rowers on the water. Intense heat, direct UV exposure, and the total absence of shade results in serious environmental exposure risks. Below are several preventative measures that all rowers should consider. 

Hats

Light colored hats of breathable material with brims that shield the face and keep sun and heat off the top of the head. Hats designed for runners are a good choice.

Sunglasses

Protecting the eyes is very important not just from health point of view but also for visibility purposes.  A rower is sitting low to the water, and reflective glare is often a serious problem, sunglasses will increase the ability of the rower to see obstacles on the water even when facing the light. Ensuring the sunglasses are tight fitting or strapped is a good idea should you flip your boat.

 Apparel

Light colored, moisture wicking, and highly breathable athletic apparel. Well selected fabrics can permit a rower to stay cool even with long sleeves which protect maximum skin surface from UV exposure.

Sunscreen

Perhaps the most important preventative measure. When wearing a hat, often people forget to protect the tops of their ears, their nose, and the nape of the neck. Additionally, the underside of the chin and the back of the thighs can get burnt from sun reflecting off the water at low angles of incidence. Rarely do people expect these areas to be burnt since they are usually in shadow. 

Additionally, if a rower is shirtless or wearing a tank top, extra care should be taken to protect the shoulders and forearms as rowing form often places these body parts at an angle perpendicular to the sun's rays.

Water

Water, water, everywhere, and not a drop to drink. Make sure you have a water bottle in your boat. A long row is seriously dehydrating and you aren't going to reach over and drink from the water you are rowing on. Just because it is a water sport doesn't mean you can't get just as dehydrated as on land.