November 30, 2016

Rowing Gift Guide

November 30, 2016

Looking for gift ideas for rowers? Maybe I can help. It's no secret around here that I love gift guides and I love rowing, so why not combine two of my favorite things?

Below you'll find crew and rowing gift ideas, whether novice or master, Juniors or Masters. I'm by no means a rowing expert, but I can certainly give you some input based on my experience! From small gifts and stocking stuffers to medium-sized gifts for your rowing buddy's birthday, to big ticket dream items, you’ll find a little something for all the rowers on your list.

(None of these items are sponsored, but I use affiliate links, which means if you purchase from those links I get a small percentage of the sale. I also recommend shopping via Ebates for no-strings-attached cash back.)

Onward, to the rowing gift ideas!

1. Rowing wrenches. For coxswains, coaches, rowers, or anyone who has to rig boats. I like that that you can choose your team colors from these options. (Regular old metal ones ones available via Amazon, of course.)

2. Rowing patent prints. Etsy has all kinds of great choices.

Photo from wunderkammerstudio etsy shop.

3. Clip-on hat light. For those dark early mornings, these are non-negotiable.

4. And headlamps are also a good idea.

5. And of course you can never have too many hats. This lightweight, bright, reflective one would be a good choice for those dark mornings. This cold-weather one also comes in brights so the coach can see you in the dark.

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6. Rowboat salad bowl. Not a racing shell, but a girl's gotta eat.

7. Nuun hydration tablets. These are my favorite to use after a tough workout. Healthier than those sugary, Red Dye No. 5 sports drinks, and they take up far less space: just drop them in water, let fizz, and chug.

8. Bisweptual t-shirt. This will probably only be funny to you if you row. Variety of colors. Also available in port, starboard, bow, engineroom, etc.

9. JL Racing gel seat pad. To make that seat a little softer, or accommodate shorter rowers and/or those with shorter torsos. It floats!

10. Guide to rowing and coxing, from one of my favorite (funny) social media accounts. (Check out their Instagram account.)

11. Sport wash. Workout clothes can get stinky and this seems especially true with water sports. Maybe only give this to someone if you know they'd like to try this, lest it seem like a hint.

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12. Buffs! Patterns or solids. Wear 12 different ways, from keeping your neck and face warm to keeping hair back.

13. Pogies! For sweeping, sculling, or a combo. Keep those hands warm on that chilly, wet oar.

14. Rowing jewelry. I love this subtle necklace.

15. Collapsible water bottle. A necessity for any boat bag, and you can never have too many. I love the patterned ones.

16. Red Rose Crew. Did you know women weren’t allowed to row in the Olympics until 1976? And even then, they had to fight tooth and nail for it. Read all about those incredible women in this book. A must-read for any rower.

17. Nexcare waterproof tape. This is one of my favorite rowing items. It protects, pads, and covers blisters while standing up to sweat and salt water. Lightweight and I've always got a roll in my bag.

18. While we're taking care of those rowing paws, give 'em some extra love with my favorite hand cream. Not greasy, not smelly, soaks in, heals.

19. And sunscreen for the rest of your skin. Er, their skin.

20. If you really want to go for it, there's always a Concept2 erg.

21. And if you're going to do that, might as well throw in this cool device: the Ergstick streams your workout data to your phone via various apps and allows you to see data the erg won't show you. It also saves the data so you can dive into your workouts and dissect them. For the rowing geek or Olympian on your list, I guess.

22. iTunes gift card, so they can pump up their erging library.

23. While you're at it, a gift card to their favorite local coffee shop so they can fuel up after practice. Of course, if you aren't sure of their local place there's always Starbucks.

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24. A warm winter hat. Ibex makes great ones, and wool wicks and keeps you warm.

25. Sweatpants to throw on and warm up after practice. I need some myself. These US Rowing ones are also nice, and I'm sure your giftee's team has some with their logo as well. Check for their team on Sew Sporty.

26. If it's the holiday season and you're looking for an ornament, this is pretty delightful.

27. You can never have too much lip balm, but especially during cold weather.

28. Patagonia Nano Jacket. A friend who has one says "So warm, and water beads off it."

29. For a current, former, or future collegiate rower, a hoodie ornament from their alma mater!

30. These oar ornaments (oarnaments?) are cute, too. Best of all, the maker will match your team's design.

31. Coxswain's tool. Good for all rowers, coxswains or not.

32. Rowing socks.

33. Darn Tough makes warm, quality socks right here in the USA. Guaranteed for life. Your favorite rower probably needs a pair: they might wear them in the boat and they'll definitely want them to warm up after practice.

34. Anti Monkey Butt powder. Chafing is real. The women's version doesn't have talc, which is supposed to be a better choice for female bodies.

35. A GoPro, if you're feeling extra generous. (One of my favorite rowing videos is this one.)

36. The Boys in the Boat. An instant classic. I devoured it.

37. My favorite boat bag. Drawstring, waterproof, roll-down top, adjustable chest clip, inside zippered pocket. Multiple colors.

38. My favorite boat socks. Soft cushion, adjustable velcro ankle closure.

39. My favorite leggings to row in.

40. Layering is essential, and I currently like these tops.

41. I just got this on sale, and it's great. It's warm, and the hood is proving so useful in the cold weather. I still wear a hat, but the hood helps cut the wind and occasional splash of water.

42. Waterproof dry bag. So they can keep their phone safe while they photograph the sunrise as their coach yells at them.

43. Justin's Nut Butter Squeeze Packs. Justin's makes outstanding products, and these are a nice alternative to the sugar-based energy gel packets your giftee may tuck into a race day or workout bag. Variety of flavors.

44. Foam roller. Necessary torture.

45. The CBreeze. How cool is this thing?! Pun intended. But seriously, make your own fan by directing the erg's air onto your face. Sign me UP.

46. And finally, this lovely 1927 New Yorker cover print. They have a few other rowing covers to choose from, and picking just one was difficult.

47. Arshay Cooper’s beautiful book, A Most Beautiful Thing. The true story of America’s first all-Black high school rowing team. An incredible and important true story.

48. Eucatape. Protect blisters and apparently make them heal faster? It’s well reviewed and comes in various colors.

49. Run Fast, Eat Slow. This fantastic cookbook was written by an Olympian and it’s chockfull of healthy and nutritious recipes and ideas for anyone who wants to eat delicious things and feel good. My husband and I both love the Superhero muffins.

And that's a wrap! Thanks for tuning in. Got more ideas? Feel free to add them in the comments!

Caitlin Hannah

October 20, 2016

Rowing

This Time it's Personal

Caitlin Hannah

October 20, 2016

Rowing

My team last year, while I was home nursing a broken jaw.

I haven't spoken much about it here, but the last year or two have been somewhat insane for me on a personal level. I have had four surgeries in the last year, and honestly, it's only now that I am fully recovered and back into the swing of life that I can appreciate just how tough that was. (I had jaw surgery to correct problems with my bite. The bad news: three years of braces, several surgically-broken jaws, and lots of complications. The good news: I can now bite through anything I want, and smile beautifully when I do.)

All this craziness led to me putting a pause on my rowing career ("career"), but I've recently been able to throw myself back into it, and I've never been happier. I'm celebrating my return to rowing and good health by participating in my first-ever race, Row for the Cure, and I wanted to share with you why I'm doing it.

The sunrises are one of the best parts of rowing. This one dressed in pink for the occasion.

In short, this year my team is rowing for one of our very own who is recovering from a cancer diagnosis and subsequent mastectomy. All funds raised go directly to help women in our community who need financial help during a tough time.

You can read the screed below (and donate, if you're so inclined, and I sure would be grateful) here:

"I've spent the last 15 or so months off from regular rowing. I've had four surgeries in that time, and while physical recovery was long, mental recovery was even longer. At the beginning of October I realized I was in a good place, and I returned to rowing with a vengeance. I committed to some races, threw myself into everything, and as a result have spent the last several weeks sore, exhausted, and pretty happy.

My first ever race is at the end of this month on our home waters: Row for the Cure on Mission Bay in San Diego.

To be quite frank, I've always been skeptical of fundraising efforts for certain breast cancer organizations. I am wary of pinkwashing, and I understand the responsibility in making sure funds raised actually go to the people who need it most. That's why when my rowing club announced our participation in the San Diego Row for the Cure, I didn't really consider participating.

Then a couple of things happened. My friend and teammate Charlotte was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I spoke with the Susan G. Komen organizer and asked some questions about exactly where all the money is going.

Overhead, salaries, and operating costs at Susan G. Komen are taken care of by corporate sponsorships. All funds raised in the race I am doing go directly to the San Diego community and to women and their families who are effected by breast cancer. Mammograms and screenings are funded for people who cannot otherwise afford them: most of the women are single moms without salaried jobs or job security. They need help with health care, meals, and recovery.
Like mine, Charlotte and her family are military. I know all too well how fortunate it is to have military health care when you are in the midst of a health crisis. When Charlotte was diagnosed, she had access to some of the best breast surgeons and doctors in the country. She had her healthcare costs covered. She had an uninterrupted income and job security. While her breast cancer was unlucky, her circumstances made her better off than many (if not most).

This year's race is dedicated to our friend and teammate Charlotte, but it's for the other women in our community who need help. My rowing club, ZLAC, has raised more than $80,000 over the years, and it has all gone directly to 3200 women in our community.
I am in a position to give back, and I know how lucky that is: that is why I'm doing this.

If you'd consider donating, I'd be forever grateful. Any amount is fabulous: A dollar is a dollar! And if you're in San Diego or the surrounding area, you are invited to join us at ZLAC after the race for a fabulous brunch patio party (all paid for by my club & our team!) (I'm bringing the muffins).
This is a good bunch of women doing good for a bunch of women. Will you help us?

(Also, there are prizes for the top fundraisers, and to be honest I really want a massage. Imma need it after that race.)

xo
Caitlin"

Now row would be complete without some high fives.

Caitlin Hannah

July 29, 2016

Fun, Friday Find, Rowing

Friday Find: Five Ring Fever

Caitlin Hannah

July 29, 2016

Fun, Friday Find, Rowing

Oh, the Olympics. I LOVE THE OLYMPICS ALL CAPS. The opening ceremonies! The pageantry! Memories of the ceremonies as a kid! An excuse to eat foods of the host country! Bob Costas and his wonky eye! Join me in enjoying a few Olympic-y things in the lead-up to the opening ceremonies next week.

1) I shared this video on my Twitter page, but it bears sharing again. It features so many things I care deeply about—an infectious beat, dancing, diversity of body types, silliness.

2) This will be my first Olympics as a rower! I'm so excited to keep tabs on rowing in Rio, and in order to warm up and really reinforce your appreciation of it, I highly recommend this video. (You know I love James Corden.)

3) Gotta give a shout to my all-time favorite Olympic sport, number one in my heart forever, gymnastics. I will never forget the 1996 team. Also known as the original #SquadGoals.

God bless you, YouTube.

The repeated references to the athletes on the team as "little girls" is a bit creepy, IMO, so heads up.

I was 11 years old for the 1992 Olympics, and I spent the duration practicing my handstands in the living room and round offs and back walkovers and aerial cartwheels outside and wishing fervently that I could somehow turn into Kim Zmeskal or Shannon Miller (those scrunchies) or Dominique Dawes.

4) And finally, GIFs. I love GIFs. Such an important part of my personal brand. Twitter's Giphy keyboard has some great Olympic choices right now.

@aleesohnn @antiangie ohhh. There are so many good ones. Witness: pic.twitter.com/zUcaHsA3N8
— Caitlin Hannah (@TheCopyCait) July 17, 2016

@aleesohnn @antiangie Me when I hear there's doughnuts in the break room. pic.twitter.com/1Px5M4ljdO
— Caitlin Hannah (@TheCopyCait) July 17, 2016

@aleesohnn @antiangie pic.twitter.com/uxGRUsKAqS
— Caitlin Hannah (@TheCopyCait) July 17, 2016

PS - Remember when I said that I'd tell you how you can get me to make you that mushroom goat cheese pasta? Well, I'm sad to say I have to miss the opening ceremonies next week, but glad to say I have to miss the opening ceremonies next week for a fantastic event I've been working on—and you're invited. Come join us at my rowing club (bringing it full circle) for a wine tasting and food pairing! I will, indeed, be making that pasta. Tickets are here. It promises to be a wonderful event, and I hope to see you there!

Rowing Gift Guide

This Time it's Personal

Friday Find: Five Ring Fever

Caitlin's currently-reading book montage

2022 Reading Challenge