Concept2 Forum

I started rowing in January and now row several times a week for 30 minutes at a time. After experimenting with various clothes (briefs, boxers, compression shorts, and a dance belt), I found the most comfortable way to row at home is completely naked except for socks (to keep toe straps from irritating the tops of my feet). Obviously, you can't do that at gyms, where I wear gym shorts and a T-shirt, but it seems totally practical to do at home, and I find it much more comfortable for my balls.

But I haven't seen any mention of rowing naked in this forum, so I'm wondering, does anyone else do it that way?

Mike Taglieri

No thanks! I sweat a lot and like all the help I can get from my nike drifit running vest and shorts. The tech fabric holds several times its own weight in fluid and means less of a clean up operation necessary once I've finished.

Ummm - no !

But in a related matter, I've found that shorts help to keep "things" in place, and improve comfort.

Ombrax wrote: ↑

September 6th, 2023, 6:44 pm

But in a related matter, I've found that shorts help to keep "things" in place, and improve comfort.

Same here. I rather prevent things from being crushed between my legs during the drive. And probably a technical impossiblity, but I'd worry about vital parts being caught between the rollers during recovery.

And that is aside some obvious comments from my wife, who takes her role to keep me from doing stupid things quite serious, about age and attractiveness of my sportive activities.

If my normal shorts aren't through the wash I'll row in a pair of budgy smugglers, but that's as naked as I get. Usually just wearing shorts, HR monitor, shoes and socks.

MPx wrote: ↑

September 6th, 2023, 5:55 pm

No thanks! I sweat a lot and like all the help I can get from my nike drifit running vest and shorts. The tech fabric holds several times its own weight in fluid and means less of a clean up operation necessary once I've finished.

Ditto. I've recently rowed without a vest on when I know it's going to be a really sweaty session, just to see if it makes any difference, but I've never rowed in anything less than that.

Anyone using "real" rowing clothes, or is that nonsense if you are not on the water?
Sorry for highjacking

I tried it once - got about 2 mins in and it was a definite nope for me... too much moving around....

c2 rowing shorts and a pair of socks - and a new sweatband round my temples (maybe a wrist one too if I'm doing something longer) - is as much clothing as I wear; I need 3 pairs of shorts on rotation though as even with the fan they get disgusting after anything around 30mins in length...

Willy.VdW wrote: ↑

September 7th, 2023, 3:40 am

Anyone using "real" rowing clothes, or is that nonsense if you are not on the water?
Sorry for highjacking

My clothing is loose to capture as much air coming from the fans as possible. I use the Puma long boxer shorts combined with a loose short which allows airflow to my legs and lower body. When it is below 23°C I wear a loose running shirt with maximum ventilation fabric. I wear Xero barefoot shoes without socks to remove friction points with the machine but keep maximum contact.

I guess the requirements for OTW are different as there is no fan, but there is a sun and wind in your back.

Wearing short tights with underwear to keep all in place where it needs to be. Running socks and old Nanos for my feet. Always topples, regardless of temp. In winter time it is around 12-13°C in my basement - perfect for rowing and for longer stuff even at that temp I need a fan pointing on me.

Interestingly, I rowed the first part of today's session with a vest on, but took it off for the second part as it was too hot and humid.

I think I felt the benefit of it not being on, especially as I should have felt more fatigued, but I've never considered rowing without underwear or shorts. Maybe I should

Always used the C2 rowing shorts, been through loads of them. Never have worn a top even when I used to mainly row outdoors. Just socks and shoes and a 20 inch fan on my back.

Willy.VdW wrote: ↑

September 7th, 2023, 3:40 am

Anyone using "real" rowing clothes, or is that nonsense if you are not on the water?
Sorry for highjacking

I usually do. More frequently trou than a uni, but I'll do either. I have never experienced any balls discomfort with this get-up.

Shirtless at home. Vest at the gym so I don’t get in trouble. Unless I’m traveling and visiting a CrossFit gym, where it seems to be part of the CrossFit bro vibe to rip off your shirt and grunt loudly at every opportunity.

Elizabeth wrote: ↑

September 7th, 2023, 10:15 am

Willy.VdW wrote: ↑

September 7th, 2023, 3:40 am

Anyone using "real" rowing clothes, or is that nonsense if you are not on the water?
Sorry for highjacking

I usually do. More frequently trou than a uni, but I'll do either. I have never experienced any balls discomfort with this get-up.

Lucky you