Weather Guidelines for Rowing
Understanding and properly assessing weather conditions is essential for safe rowing. This guide provides comprehensive information about weather-related safety guidelines, decision-making frameworks, and important thresholds for different conditions.
Quick Reference Weather Guidelines
| Condition | Safe to Row | Use Caution | Do Not Row |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Speed | <10 mph | 10-15 mph | >15 mph |
| Wind Gusts | <12 mph | 12-17 mph | >17 mph |
| Whitecaps | None | Occasional | Widespread |
| Visibility | >500 meters | 100-500 meters | <100 meters |
| Lightning | None within 30 miles | Within 30 miles, moving away | Within 30 miles, approaching |
| Thunder | None heard | Heard within last 30 min | Currently audible |
| Air Temperature | >50°F | 40-50°F | <40°F |
| Water Temperature | >60°F | 50-60°F | <50°F |
| Combined (Air+Water) | >120°F | 100-120°F | <100°F |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | <100 (Good to Moderate) | 100-149 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) | ≥150 (Unhealthy or worse) |
Important Safety Rule
If lightning is seen or thunder heard, all boats must immediately return to the dock. No rowing is allowed for at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.
If Air Quality Index (AQI) is 150 or greater, no rowing is permitted. Check AirNow.gov for current AQI.
Temperature Safety Zones
AARC has specific rules about what boats can be used based on water and air temperature conditions:
| Condition | Zone 0 | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Temp | Any | <40°F | ≥40°F | ≥50°F |
| Air Temp | ≤25°F or ≤40°F w/ precipitation | ≥50°F | ≤50°F | ≥50°F |
| Combined | Any | ≤90°F | >90°F | ≥100°F |
| Allowed Boats | None | 8+ Only | 8+, 4 Oar Rule (2X only) | 8+, 4+, 2X, 2+, 1X |
Understanding Boat Restrictions
- No Rowing (Zone 0): When conditions are too dangerous for any boat
- 8+ Only (Zone 1): Only large eight-person shells allowed in very cold conditions
- Limited Options (Zone 2): Eight-person shells and doubles with four-oar rule
- All Boats (Zone 3): All boat types permitted when conditions are safe
Additional Temperature Safety Rules
- Singles (1X) and pairs (2-) require:
- Water temperature ≥50°F AND
- Combined air/water temperature ≥100°F
- Water temperature must have been above 50°F for at least a week
- Doubles (2X) require:
- Water temperature ≥40°F AND
- Combined air/water temperature >90°F
- Cold water gear requirement:
- PFDs must be worn when water temperature <50°F
- Appropriate cold weather clothing required
Wind and Water Conditions
Wind Speed Guidelines
Light Wind (0-7 mph)
- All boat classes may row
- Ideal conditions for novice rowers
- Minimal wave action
Moderate Wind (8-12 mph)
- Suitable for experienced rowers
- Novices should use caution
- May see small waves (1-2 feet)
- Singles may be challenging for novices
Strong Wind (13-17 mph)
- Experienced rowers only
- Novices should not row
- Singles not recommended
- Watch for whitecaps
- Increased risk of capsizing
Dangerous (>17 mph)
- No rowing permitted
- Significant wave action
- Common whitecaps
- Water spray visible
Wave Height Considerations
- Flat water: Ideal for all boat types and skill levels
- Ripples (0-6 inches): Safe for most rowers but may affect balance for novices
- Small waves (6-12 inches): Challenging for beginners, requires experience
- Moderate waves (1-2 feet): Experienced rowers only, risk of water entry into boat
- Large waves (>2 feet): Unsafe for rowing, risk of swamping
Visibility Conditions
Fog Guidelines
- Minimum visibility requirement: 100 meters
- Must be able to see across the river/lake clearly
- Bright clothing and lights required in limited visibility
- No rowing when fog obscures the far shoreline
Darkness Rules
- Dawn/dusk rowing requires bow and stern lights
- Morning rows should start no earlier than 30 minutes before sunrise
- Evening rows should end no later than 30 minutes after sunset
- Night rowing requires special permission and safety measures
Lightning and Thunderstorms
30-30 Rule for Lightning Safety
If you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds, lightning is close enough to strike you. Leave the water immediately and seek shelter. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning to the water.
Lightning Safety Protocol
- Before Rowing:
- Check weather forecasts for thunderstorm predictions
- Download a lightning tracker app for real-time alerts
- Identify safety shelters near your route before launching
- During a Storm:
- Get off the water at the first sign of lightning or thunder
- Seek proper shelter (building with plumbing/electricity)
- Avoid trees, open shelters, or metal structures
- Do not resume rowing until 30 minutes after last thunder
Weather Forecasting Resources
Recommended Weather Apps
- Weather Underground
- National Weather Service
- AccuWeather
- WindFinder (especially good for wind forecasts)
- Dark Sky (for hyperlocal precipitation forecasts)
- AirNow (for Air Quality Index)
How to Read Weather Forecasts for Rowing
- Focus on hourly forecasts rather than daily summaries
- Pay special attention to wind speed and direction
- Check precipitation probability and radar
- Monitor temperature trends leading up to row day
- Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) on AirNow.gov
Emergency Weather Situations
Flash Flooding
- Be aware of recent heavy rainfall upstream
- Check water level and flow rate before rowing
- Watch for debris in the water
- Know alternative landing sites if your dock becomes inaccessible
Sudden Weather Changes
- Always bring appropriate clothing for changing conditions
- Carry a waterproof bag with extra layers
- Have a communication plan with your boathouse
- Know emergency landing locations along your route