If you have a young rower in your life, you may be scratching your head over what to get them for Christmas. Kids, teenagers and young adults are tricky to buy for, but I bring good tidings of great joy. You no longer have to fall back on iTunes vouchers. Here’s my definitive guide to what to buy your young (or young-at-heart) rower this Christmas.
1. Roman centurion all-in-one, from Godfrey Sports, £55
OK, stay with me here. It may be that your youngster would run a mile from this, but if your teenager is flamboyant by nature (and let’s face it, lots of them are), then this could be just the ticket. I know one young rower who is apt to wear his at every possible opportunity, whether appropriate or not (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! And no, my kitchen was not on the appropriate side of the line.) As many of you know, I have one of Godfrey’s über-fabulous leopard-print all-in-ones and it’s beautifully made and cut. Highly recommended.
2. Eat, sleep, row, repeat T-shirt, from Rock The Boat, available in fluorescent orange or pink, £16
Eat, sleep, row, repeat pretty much sums up every rowing camp your young rower will ever go on (plus much of their life in between, maybe with a bit of homework thrown in). I love the fluoro color ways – great design.
3. Muscle recovery balm, from Sporting Balms, three sizes available, from £6.75
Anyone who rows gets sore muscles – fact. This heavenly-smelling balm – like a solid massage oil – has arnica and St. John’s Wort in the blend to help ease the pain, and is scented with lavender, rosemary and patchouli. I have a pot of it and it has made the aftermath of those first, painful erg sessions of the season much more bearable.
4. Bowside/strokeside socks, from Rock The Boat, sizes M to XL, £6
You’d be amazed how many people can forget which is which, even after years of rowing, so save your youngster from this embarrassment with socks that leave them in no doubt (assuming, that is, they put them on the right feet in the first place). If they’re coxing, be sure to remind them to put them on the opposite feet!
5. Row hard or go home silicone wristband, from Square Blades, in black, £2.99
This says it all, really, and will appeal to their competitive streak. (They don’t have one? Are you sure they’re a rower?) A nice little stocking filler for anyone who moans about the lazy arse in the boat who doesn’t pull their weight.
So there you are. Christmas sorted. You’re welcome.