Cold weather training can be hard on your body and your spirit. We asked our friends at Ocean River Sports to help get you kitted out for a winter on the water. Ocean River is a long-standing supporter of the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival - look out for their booth at the Festival this summer!
When training on the water in the winter there are some extra challenges that need to be overcome to train effectively. Cold water, cold air, cold feet, cold fingers and cold bodies all take up part of the mind game when paddling. Ocean River Sports can help you alleviate the last three challenges but you’ll have to wait for spring to change the first two.
There is an old saying that when your feet are cold put a hat on! Ocean River carries toques, ball caps, and tie-down hats.
If the hat on your head is not enough for your feet then try some neoprene booties. Your feet may get damp but any moisture around your feet is warmed up instantly from your body heat hence your feet stay warm. A pair of neoprene booties is like wearing your favourite slippers while paddling. They all come with good traction on the sole to keep your position solid in the boat.
If your hands are cold put them in your pockets - but not if you’re paddling! Put on a pair of neoprene gloves to keep your hands warm, or if you just want to protect your hands from abrasion try a thin neoprene glove at .5ml. You’ll find several brands to choose from to fit your hand shape and size.
So, your feet are warm and your hands are warm but your body is still trying to beat the cold challenge. We know that you work hard when you train, so your body not only overheats but can cool down rapidly because of damp clothes from sweat. Try out some Merino wool from Ice Breaker. When the wool is wet or damp it retains its insulating ability to keep you warm. It also allows the moisture to evaporate. Wool is the original breathable insulation.
Rain is inevitable during some of your winter practices so be prepared. Combine a merino wool top with a one of our new waterproof breathable lightweight jackets with cuff seals. Allow the excess heat to escape while keeping the rain out. Sounds cozy!
When sitting in a dragon boat for a long practice in the winter your derriere can get pretty soggy from the rain, from the splashing and from sweat. Once again for winter workouts we recommend neoprene. Ocean River carries neoprene shorts that can be worn over a pair of merino wool leggings or neoprene pants to cover you from the waist to the ankle. Neoprene has the added benefit of padding for delicate posteriors.
Ocean River has you covered from head to toe. Now we wait for spring to beat the cold water and cold air. Bring it on!
