What to Bring to Summer Rowing Camp

There’s nothing worse than showing up to rowing camp excited for the week… and realizing you forgot something important. Trust me, every rower has done it at least once. Someone always forgets sunscreen, another athlete shows up without enough water, and somebody inevitably learns the hard way why cotton shirts and Florida heat do not mix.

Summer rowing camp is a little different than other sports camps. You’re outside for hours, around water, in the sun, moving constantly, and learning new skills every day. The good news? You don’t need fancy gear to get started. Most of what you need is probably already at home.

Here’s what we always recommend bringing to summer rowing camp at Seminole County Area Rowing.

Water. Then More Water.

Florida summers are no joke. Between the sun, humidity, and workouts, hydration matters more than almost anything else.

Bring:

• A large reusable water bottle

• Electrolyte packets or sports drinks

• Extra water if you know you drink a lot during practice

One of the fastest ways to ruin a practice is showing up dehydrated before you even get in the boat.

Clothes You Can Move In

Rowing camps involve a lot of movement — rowing, carrying equipment, stretching, running, and sometimes getting splashed.

Best options:

• Athletic shorts

• Moisture-wicking shirts

• Lightweight athletic clothing

• Extra change of clothes

Avoid heavy cotton if possible. Once it gets wet, it stays wet.

And yes… you will probably get a little wet at some point.

Shoes That Can Handle Water

This surprises a lot of first-time rowers.

You’ll likely be walking on docks, ramps, grass, gravel, and sometimes shallow water while launching boats.

Good choices:

• Athletic shoes you don’t mind getting wet

• Water shoes

• Slides or sandals for after practice

Flip-flops are fine for after practice, but not always great around the dock.

Sunscreen Is Mandatory

Every experienced rower learns this lesson eventually.

You’re on open water with sunlight reflecting off the lake, which means you can burn fast — even on cloudy days.

Bring:

• Waterproof sunscreen

• Lip balm with SPF

• Sunglasses if you have them

• A hat or visor

At SCAR, we constantly remind athletes to reapply sunscreen because Florida sun can sneak up on you quickly.

Snacks Matter

Rowing burns a lot of energy, especially during summer training.

Easy camp snacks:

• Granola bars

• Fruit

• Pretzels

• Trail mix

• Protein snacks

Athletes always feel better at practice when they’re fueled properly.

A Good Attitude

This sounds cheesy, but it honestly matters.

Some athletes come to camp nervous because they’ve never rowed before. Others arrive already competitive and wanting to improve. Both are completely normal.

The athletes who improve the most are usually the ones willing to:

• Listen

• Learn

• Try new things

• Support teammates

• Laugh at mistakes

• Stay positive

Nobody shows up perfect on day one.

Don’t Stress About Having “Rowing Gear”

A lot of new families worry they need expensive rowing equipment before camp starts.

You don’t.

Most summer rowing camps — especially beginner camps — are designed for athletes with zero experience. We teach everything from the basics, and all you really need is comfortable athletic gear, water, and the willingness to try something new.

The rest comes with time on the water.

By the end of the week, most athletes leave tired, sunburned in weird places, covered in sunscreen, and already asking when they can row again.

And honestly? That’s usually a sign of a great camp.