Equipment is an essential part of the rowing program. With proper care, rowing shells will remain in race condition for some 10 years. When the initial cost of the equipment is amortized over so many years, the actual cost is comparatively little. Moreover, the serviceable life of the shells may easily extend far beyond their ten-year race life.

 
Viking Boats: These boats measure 40 feet in length, 6 feet in width, and carry 14 rowers and 1 coxie to steer the boat. On average, these boats weigh 800 pounds. They are very stable and ideally suited for beginners.

 
Touring boats: These boats are wider and therefore more stable for those rowing for fun and fitness. The touring quads (4 people boat + coxie) are very popular, and there are also doubles and singles available. Used more for recreation, touring boats tend to be broader, heavier and sturdier than racing shells.

 
Racing: Built for speed, these boats come in a range of sizes from singles to eights. A new single is about 26 feet long and only weighs about 27 lbs.

 
Olympic Style Eights: Also know as the ‘big boat’, these boats are approximately 62 feet long and weigh a minimum of 211 pounds.

 
Sweep and Sculling oars: These essential tools of the trade are made from lightweight carbon fibre, most often with a hatchet-shaped blade.