Shopping List
This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the site — thank you!
What You Actually Need for Rowing
Rowing is an accessible sport that doesn’t require an overwhelming amount of specialized equipment to get started. Whether you’re joining a rowing club, training at a gym with rowing machines, or planning to row on water, having the right gear makes a tremendous difference in your comfort, performance, and safety. This shopping list covers the essentials every beginner rower should consider, from clothing and footwear to protective equipment and accessories that enhance your rowing experience.
1. Rowing Machine (Ergometer)
A rowing machine simulates the actual rowing motion and is perfect for training indoors, building strength, and improving cardiovascular fitness. Modern ergometers provide accurate feedback on your performance metrics including distance, time, and power output. They’re an excellent investment for beginners who want to develop proper technique before getting on the water.
Why beginners need it: Rowing machines allow you to learn correct form and build the muscle memory needed for efficient rowing without the intimidation factor of being on water initially. They’re also weather-independent and accessible for home training.
What to look for: Choose machines with adjustable resistance levels, a clear display screen, and sturdy construction. Look for models that offer smooth rowing motion and proper seat comfort for extended training sessions.
2. Rowing Shoes
Rowing shoes are specially designed with a heel cup that connects to the footrest of the rowing machine or boat, providing stability and power transfer during the stroke. These shoes feature a stiff sole and secure fastening system to keep your feet locked in place during intense pulling motions. They’re distinct from regular athletic shoes and specifically engineered for rowing mechanics.
Why beginners need it: Proper rowing shoes prevent your feet from slipping during the drive phase and ensure you’re transferring power efficiently from your legs through the rowing stroke. They also protect your feet and ankles during repetitive rowing movements.
What to look for: Look for shoes with a heel cup that fits your rowing machine’s footrest, a reinforced sole for rigidity, and comfortable padding around the ankle. Ensure the shoes have a secure closure system like velcro or laces.
3. Quick-Dry Athletic Shirts
Rowing is an intense cardiovascular activity that produces significant sweat, making moisture-wicking clothing essential for comfort. Quick-dry athletic shirts made from synthetic fabrics or merino wool pull sweat away from your skin and dry rapidly during and after your workout. These shirts prevent the uncomfortable feeling of wet fabric clinging to your body during extended training sessions.
Why beginners need it: Moisture-wicking fabrics keep you comfortable during long rowing sessions and reduce chafing, which is especially important when developing the calluses and durability that rowing demands. Proper athletic wear also helps regulate your body temperature during intense aerobic exercise.
What to look for: Choose shirts made from polyester, nylon, or merino wool blends that explicitly advertise moisture-wicking properties. Avoid cotton, which absorbs sweat and stays wet, and look for seamless construction to minimize friction.
4. Rowing-Specific Shorts or Leggings
Rowing shorts and leggings are designed with minimal seams in critical areas to prevent chafing during the repetitive sliding motion on the rowing seat. These bottoms typically feature moisture-wicking fabric and a supportive fit that keeps everything in place during dynamic movements. Many rowing athletes prefer longer lengths or leggings for sun protection and additional comfort.
Why beginners need it: Standard gym shorts often cause chafing and discomfort on the rowing seat, especially during longer workout sessions. Specialized rowing apparel is engineered to withstand the unique friction points and repeated motion of rowing.
What to look for: Look for minimal interior seams, a comfortable waistband, and moisture-wicking material. High-waisted options provide additional support and coverage, while pockets are a nice bonus for storing small items during indoor rowing.
5. Protective Gloves or Rowing Mitts
Rowing gloves protect your hands from the constant friction and pressure of gripping the oar handle, preventing blisters and calluses from forming too rapidly. These mitts provide padding in key grip areas while maintaining enough contact for proper oar feel and control. They’re available in fingerless designs or full-finger options depending on your preference and water conditions.
Why beginners need it: New rowers typically develop blisters and raw spots on their hands during their first weeks of training, which can be painful and limit training volume. Quality gloves allow you to train more consistently while your hands build natural rowing calluses over time.
What to look for: Choose gloves with padded palms and fingers, a secure wrist closure, and breathable materials to prevent moisture buildup. Look for brands specifically designed for rowing rather than general work gloves, as they’re engineered for the gripping motion.
6. Compression Shorts or Base Layer
Compression shorts provide muscular support and improved blood flow during intense rowing workouts, reducing muscle oscillation and fatigue. These fitted undergarments help stabilize your core and legs during the powerful drive phase of the rowing stroke. They’re particularly beneficial for longer training sessions where sustained power output is essential.
Why beginners need it: Compression wear enhances muscle stability and proprioception, helping beginners maintain proper form throughout their workout even as fatigue sets in. The improved blood circulation can also reduce soreness and accelerate recovery between training sessions.
What to look for: Look for genuinely graduated compression (not just tight-fitting shorts), moisture-wicking fabrics, and seamless construction. Ensure the fit is snug but not restrictive, allowing full range of motion through the rowing stroke.
7. Water Bottle or Hydration System
Staying hydrated is critical during rowing, as this intense cardiovascular activity causes rapid fluid loss through perspiration. A quality water bottle or hydration pack allows you to maintain consistent fluid intake before, during, and after your training sessions. Insulated bottles keep water cool during lengthy workouts, while squeeze bottles allow easy drinking without breaking rhythm.
Why beginners need it: Dehydration significantly impacts rowing performance and recovery, with even mild fluid loss reducing power output and increasing perceived effort. Proper hydration supports cardiovascular function, temperature regulation, and muscular endurance.
What to look for: Choose bottles with wide mouths for easy refilling and cleaning, secure lids that prevent spills, and a capacity of at least 20-24 ounces. Insulated bottles maintain water temperature, while ergonomic designs allow comfortable carrying on your rowing bag or boat.
8. Rowing Machine Monitor or Fitness Tracker
A dedicated fitness tracker or smartwatch helps you monitor heart rate, calories burned, distance covered, and workout duration during your rowing sessions. These devices provide valuable data about your training intensity and progress over time, allowing you to set and achieve specific fitness goals. Many modern trackers sync with rowing machine apps for comprehensive performance analysis.
Why beginners need it: Tracking metrics like heart rate zones and workout consistency helps beginners understand their fitness level and ensure they’re training at appropriate intensities. This feedback is motivating and helps prevent overtraining while ensuring adequate training stimulus.
What to look for: Choose trackers with reliable heart rate monitoring, water resistance for potential rowing on water, and compatibility with popular fitness apps. Look for models specifically programmed with rowing as an exercise option for accurate calorie calculations.
9. Rowing Bag or Gym Duffel
A dedicated rowing or gym bag keeps all your specialized equipment organized and portable for training sessions. Quality bags feature compartments for shoes, wet clothing, and accessories, with ventilation to prevent odor buildup in damp gear. Durable bags withstand the wear and tear of regular gym use and transport everything you need conveniently.
Why beginners need it: Organizing your rowing gear in a designated bag ensures you never forget essential items and keeps your equipment in good condition. A well-designed bag makes the transition to and from the water or gym much more efficient.
What to look for: Look for bags with separate compartments, waterproof or water-resistant materials, ventilated pockets for wet gear, and comfortable carrying handles or shoulder straps. Choose sizes appropriate for your typical training load without excess bulk.
10. Stretching and Recovery Tools
Foam rollers, massage sticks, and stretching straps address the muscle tightness and soreness that accompanies rowing training. These recovery tools improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and promote blood flow to tired muscles after intense sessions. Regular use of recovery equipment helps prevent injuries and maintains the full range of motion necessary for efficient rowing technique.
Why beginners need it: Rowing uses multiple muscle groups intensively, creating tightness and soreness in areas like the hamstrings, back, and shoulders. Proper recovery tools accelerate the healing process and help beginners train consistently without accumulated fatigue and injury risk.
What to look for: Choose foam rollers with slightly textured surfaces for effective myofascial release, massage sticks with ergonomic handles, and stretching straps with clear instruction guides. Look for durable construction that withstands regular use without losing effectiveness.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Start with basic rowing machine training and essential moisture-wicking clothing before investing in expensive specialized gear like on-water rowing equipment, which requires additional safety and boat-specific purchases.
- Look for sales on previous season’s athletic wear and fitness equipment during off-peak times, and consider joining rowing clubs that often provide discounted or loaned equipment for new members learning the sport.
- Invest gradually in recovery and monitoring tools as your training progresses rather than purchasing everything immediately, prioritizing items that directly impact performance and injury prevention like proper footwear and gloves.
Beginner vs Advanced Gear
Beginners should focus on foundational items like a quality rowing machine, moisture-wicking clothing, protective gloves, and proper footwear to develop solid technique and build fitness safely. Advanced rowers invest in performance-enhancing equipment such as advanced fitness trackers with rowing-specific metrics, premium compression wear engineered for competitive rowing, specialized on-water gear like racing shells and blades, and sophisticated recovery tools for managing the demands of high-volume training. As your rowing progresses from beginner recreational training to competitive participation, your equipment needs will evolve to support increased training intensity, longer session duration, and sport-specific performance optimization.
Ready to Sell Your Work?
Selling Platforms
Partner recommendations coming soon.