Over my years travelling with the Canadian National Rowing Team, I have developed a pretty good system for ensuring that I travel with everything I could possibly need when I get overseas. I have a spreadsheet I update for each trip to include items that may be particular to that trip; however, I wasn’t always this prepared. Unfortunately, the most impactful lessons usually occur after an impactful mistake. As such, I am going to share some of my non-negotiable items I bring when travelling, along with the story of when I knew that these were important to me. Hopefully, someone will be spared from one of the mistakes I have made. Some are location dependent, but I hope that this can help guide your packing when going on long-haul trips to row.
Decent Airport Shoes (Not Fashion Statements)
During a trip to U23’s, we had an 8-hour layover in Frankfurt Airport. To avoid getting stiff, I planned to walk 10 minutes every hour, and 20 minutes every third hour. The problem? I decided to wear brand-new, unworn Birkenstocks for this walking marathon.
When we arrived at our destination, my feet were raw, and I could barely get them into my boat shoes. I’ve also had those frantic sprints through major airports trying to catch connecting flights. You definitely want comfortable, broken-in shoes for those moments.
Electrolytes
There’s nothing worse than waking up feeling completely dehydrated and unable to function properly. Flying naturally dehydrates you through the compressed cabin air, and when you add altered routines and changing climates, it’s the perfect recipe for feeling terrible. I’ve learned this lesson multiple times, now I make sure to pack electrolytes and prioritize hydration throughout travel days.
A Puzzle (Your Sanity’s Best Friend)
At home, every minute is scheduled whilst training; I balance a full training load with part time work and school. Overseas? Suddenly you have more free time than a retired person in Florida, and your brain doesn’t know what to do with itself.
Last year, before the Final Olympic/Paralympic Qualification Regatta, I discovered the magic of puzzles during our boats’ Lord of the Rings viewing marathon. I was peacefully placing tiny cardboard pieces and mentally walking through the Shire. I’ve never felt calmer going into a regatta, shockingly considering this is probably the most consequential regatta I have raced in my life. Frodo saved our mental health.
Neck Pillow (Unless You Enjoy Looking Like a Question Mark)
In 2019, I thought I was too cool for a neck pillow. Big mistake. HUGE. I arrived looking like I’d been in a wrestling match with a pretzel; I could barely turn my neck. Try bowing a boat when you can’t look over your shoulder. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t go well. Plus, I sleep so much better during long-haul flights when I have it.
Hand Care Arsenal (For When Your Mitts Betray You)
By the time you’re travelling to race, your hands are usually in good shape and blisters aren’t a major concern. However, if you’re going to a training camp or when you change climates, your hands can get torn up again, surprisingly quickly.
Bringing your trusted hand care products saves you from an awkward experience navigating an international pharmacy with your trusty friend, “Google Translate”. When my hands get bad, I use zinc oxide diaper cream and Band-Aid extra-tough bandages. When you’re overseas, you can’t always be picky about brands, so it’s worth bringing what you know works.
Non-Rowing Clothes (Revolutionary Concept, I Know)
It’s easy to think that when you’re away for rowing, the sole focus will be rowing. But inevitably, there will be at least one occasion where you’ll want to wear something nice for dinner or just to hang out.
On my current trip to Europe, I forgot both jean shorts and a swimsuit, which were immediately added to my permanent packing list. This also meant that I had an excuse to go shopping in Varese, but that is beside the point. My main point: don’t assume you’ll live in team gear the entire time.
Weather-Appropriate Gear (Check the Forecast, Genius)
Last year in Italy, I made the rookie mistake of only checking the short-term forecast. First few days? Glorious sunshine. Day five? Mother Nature decided that enough was enough and let the sky absolutely open up. I spent the rest of camp cold in both the boat and out of it.
Do yourself a favour: check the extended forecast and pack accordingly. Your future hypothermic self will send thank-you cards.
Rubber Boots
Depending on the venue you’re going to, even if there hasn’t been precipitation for months, some places will completely change with just a short stint of rain. For certain courses (looking at you, Varese), rubber boots are absolutely essential.
The good news is that if you forget them, you can usually find a cheap pair locally for around 10 euros. But your first soggy morning will remind you why they should have been on your original packing list.
Bug Spray (Italy’s Little Secret)
Italy’s gorgeous greenery comes with a price: mosquitoes that apparently train for the Olympics, too. Nothing kills your rigging zen like performing an interpretive dance while trying to adjust your rigger height and swat away dive-bombing insects simultaneously. Bug spray will just make your experience more pleasant if the bugs decide to go to war.
The moral of the story? I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to. Pack smart, race fast, and remember: the most embarrassing travel stories make the best dinner conversation later. This is by no means an exhaustive list of things to pack, but are certainly things that get overlooked when preparing to travel.
