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Weather Guidelines for Rowers

Weather conditions directly impact rowing safety. This guide will help you understand when it’s safe to row and when activities should be modified or canceled due to weather concerns.

Safety First

Always prioritize safety over training goals. When in doubt about conditions, err on the side of caution. During the Learn to Scull program, your coaches make all weather-related decisions.

Weather Decision Matrix

Condition	Novice Scullers	Intermediate	Advanced	Required Actions
Wind 0-7 mph (0-11 km/h) Calm or light breeze	Safe	Safe	Safe	Standard procedures
Wind 8-12 mph (12-19 km/h) Moderate breeze	Caution	Safe	Safe	Stay in sheltered water areas if possible
Wind 12-15 mph (19-24 km/h) Fresh breeze, whitecaps	Not Advised	Caution	Safe	No novice singles, stay near shore
Wind 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) Strong breeze, moderate waves	No Rowing	Not Advised	Larger Boats Only	No singles/doubles for any rower
Wind 20+ mph (32+ km/h) Near gale, rough water	No Rowing	No Rowing	No Rowing	All rowing activities suspended
Water < 40°F (< 4°C) Red Zone	No Singles/Doubles	Multi-Person Only	Multi-Person Only	Coach accompaniment required, cold gear needed
Water 40-50°F (4-10°C) Yellow Zone	No Singles	No Singles	Experienced Only	Four-oar rule, cold gear required
Water > 50°F (> 10°C) Green Zone	Standard	Standard	Standard	Normal operations when other conditions permit
Heat Index 80-90°F (27-32°C)	Caution	Caution	Caution	Hydration essential, monitor for heat stress
Heat Index > 90°F (> 32°C)	Modified Practice	Modified Practice	Modified Practice	Reduce duration, early/late rowing only
Visibility > 500 yd (approx. > 457 m) Clear conditions	Safe	Safe	Safe	Standard procedures
Visibility 100-500 yd (approx. 91-457 m) Light fog	Not Advised	Caution	Caution	Stay near shore, use lights, reduce speed
Visibility < 100 yd (approx. < 91 m) Heavy fog	No Rowing	No Rowing	No Rowing	All rowing activities suspended
Lightning/Thunder Any distance	No Rowing	No Rowing	No Rowing	Exit water immediately, wait 30min after last strike
Approaching Storm Dark clouds, increasing winds	Return to Dock	Return to Dock	Monitor & Prepare	Check radar, prepare to exit water quickly
AQI < 100 (AirNow) Good to Moderate	Safe	Safe	Safe	Standard procedures
AQI 100-149 (AirNow) Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Caution	Caution	Caution	Sensitive individuals should limit exertion
AQI ≥ 150 (AirNow) Unhealthy	No Rowing	No Rowing	No Rowing	All rowing activities suspended

Weather Conditions That Affect Rowing

The 30/30 Rule:

• If you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds, lightning is close enough to be dangerous
• Wait a minimum of 30 minutes after the last lightning sighting or thunder before returning to the water
• Reset the 30-minute clock with each new lightning strike or thunder

Immediate Action:

• Get off the water immediately if lightning is seen or thunder heard
• Secure boats and seek proper shelter (not under trees)
• Indoor spaces or enclosed vehicles provide the best protection
• Monitor conditions via weather apps before considering a return

Lightning = Immediate Exit

Lightning is the most dangerous weather condition for rowers. There is NO minimum safe distance on open water. If you see lightning or hear thunder, immediately head to shore by the most direct route.

Wind Speed Guidelines & Warning Signs:

0-7 mph (0-11 km/h) - Light Air/Light Breeze

Guidelines: Generally safe for all boats.

Warning Signs: Ripples with the appearance of scales are formed, but without foam crests. Wind felt on face; leaves rustle; ordinary vanes moved by wind.

8-12 mph (12-19 km/h) - Gentle/Moderate Breeze

Guidelines: Caution for beginners in singles. Experienced rowers generally okay.

Warning Signs: Small wavelets, still short but more pronounced; crests have a glassy appearance and do not break. Leaves and small twigs in constant motion; wind extends light flag.

12-15 mph (19-24 km/h) - Moderate/Fresh Breeze

Guidelines: Experienced singles only, no beginner singles. Doubles and larger boats with caution.

Warning Signs: Large wavelets. Crests begin to break. Foam of glassy appearance. Perhaps scattered white horses. Raises dust and loose paper; small branches are moved.

15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) - Fresh/Strong Breeze

Guidelines: No small boats (singles/doubles) recommended. Larger boats for experienced crews only.

Warning Signs: Small waves, becoming longer; fairly frequent white horses. Small trees in leaf begin to sway; crested wavelets form on inland waters.

20+ mph (32+ km/h) - Strong Breeze/Near Gale

Guidelines: No rowing recommended for any boats.

Warning Signs: Moderate waves, taking a more pronounced long form; many white horses are formed. (Chance of some spray). Large branches in motion; whistling heard in telegraph wires; umbrellas used with difficulty.

Minimum visibility requirement: 100 yd (approx. 91 m) in all directions

Safety Measures:

• Must maintain visual contact with shoreline at all times
• In dawn/dusk conditions, boats must have proper lighting
• If visibility drops during rowing, immediately head toward shore
• Use sound signals (voice or whistle) in limited visibility

Judgment Test:

• If you can't see the opposite shore or landmarks clearly
• If you can't see approaching boats from at least 100 yd (approx. 91 m) away
• If you can't see underwater obstacles
• If other rowers appear and disappear from view

→ Conditions are too foggy for safe rowing

Cold Zone (Red)

High risk, severely restricted rowing

• Water temp < 40°F (< 4°C)
• Combined air/water temp < 90°F (Air °C + Water °C < 15°C)

Restrictions: Only stable, multi-person boats with coach accompaniment

Caution Zone (Yellow)

Modified rowing permitted

• Water temp 40-50°F (4-10°C)
• Combined air/water temp 90-100°F (15°C ≤ Air °C + Water °C ≤ 20°C)

Restrictions: Eight-person shells and doubles with four-oar rule

Normal Zone (Green)

Standard operations

• Water temp > 50°F (> 10°C)
• Combined air/water temp > 100°F (Air °C + Water °C > 20°C)

Restrictions: All boat types permitted when conditions are safe

Additional Cold Weather Rules

• Singles (1X) require water temperature ≥50°F (≥10°C) AND combined air/water temperature ≥100°F (Air °C + Water °C ≥ 20°C)
• Doubles (2X) require water temperature ≥40°F (≥4°C) AND combined air/water temperature ≥90°F (Air °C + Water °C ≥ 15°C)

Heat Index Guidelines & Actions:

<80°F (<27°C) - Comfortable

Action: Generally safe for full practice. Standard hydration protocols.

80-90°F (27-32°C) - Caution

Action: Use caution. Monitor for signs of heat stress. Ensure ample hydration. Consider intensity/duration modification for sensitive individuals.

90-105°F (32-41°C) - High Risk

Action: Modified practice required. Reduce duration and/or intensity. Schedule for cooler parts of the day. Frequent water breaks mandatory.

>105°F (>41°C) - Extreme Risk

Action: Outdoor practice likely suspended or moved indoors. If unavoidable, very short, low-intensity sessions with extreme caution and medical supervision if possible.

Heat Protection:

• Hydrate well before, during, and after rowing (water and electrolytes)
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing
• Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
• Be aware of signs of heat illness: dizziness, nausea, headache, weakness, confusion
• Take breaks in shade when possible
• Acclimatize to heat gradually over several days

Heat Illness Warning Signs

Stop exercise immediately, seek shade/cooling, and inform a coach or buddy if you experience:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache that intensifies
• Confusion or disorientation
• Cessation of sweating (heat stroke sign)
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness or fatigue beyond normal

Air Quality Index (AQI) Guidelines (via AirNow.gov):

Green (Good, 0-50)

Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Yellow (Moderate, 51-100)

Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 101-150)

Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

Red (Unhealthy, 151-200)

Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. No rowing recommended.

Purple (Very Unhealthy, 201-300)

Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. No rowing recommended.

Maroon (Hazardous, 301 and higher)

Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected. No rowing recommended.

Recommendations:

• Always check the current AQI on AirNow.gov before rowing.
• If AQI is ≥150, all rowing activities should be suspended.
• Individuals with respiratory sensitivities should exercise increased caution even at lower AQI levels.

Weather Resources

Weather.gov

National Weather Service with official forecasts and warnings.

Visit Site

AirNow.gov

Check current Air Quality Index (AQI) for your location.

Visit Site

Windfinder

Specialized wind forecasts ideal for water sports.

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Real Time Lightning Map

See lightning strikes in real time across the planet. Free access to maps of former thunderstorms. By Blitzortung.org and contributors.

Visit Site

WeatherBug

Local and National Weather Forecasts, Radar & News.

Visit Site

Key Forecasts to Check

• Hourly forecast for your rowing time
• Wind speed and direction
• Precipitation probability and timing
• Lightning/thunderstorm risk
• Temperature and humidity
• Air Quality Index (AQI)

During Learn to Scull

During the Learn to Scull program, weather decisions are made by:

1. The Program Director
2. The Lead Coach
3. Individual Session Coaches

You'll be notified of cancellations or modifications via email or text message. Check your communications before heading to practice if weather looks questionable.

For Independent Rowers

Once you've graduated from Learn to Scull and row independently, use this decision-making framework:

1. Gather Information

• Check multiple weather sources
• Observe actual conditions at the boathouse
• Consult with other experienced rowers

2. Assess Risk Factors

• Your experience level
• Boat type and stability
• Water and air temperature
• Wind speed and direction
• Visibility conditions
• Air Quality Index (AQI)
• Presence of others on the water

3. Make a Conservative Decision

• When in doubt, don't go out
• Consider alternative workouts
• Modify your planned route to stay near shore
• Reduce your planned distance or intensity

If weather conditions deteriorate while you're on the water:

1. Remain calm and alert other rowers if possible
2. Head toward the nearest safe shoreline - not necessarily the boathouse
3. Use efficient, stable rowing technique - focus on boat control, not speed
4. In thunder/lightning: Get off the water at the nearest possible point
5. In high winds: Stay low in the boat, focus on stability over speed
6. In fog: Use sound signals, proceed slowly, maintain shoreline visual contact

Safety Priority

Remember that no rowing session is worth risking your safety. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so always be prepared to modify your plans or exit the water if conditions deteriorate.

Next Steps:

Essential Safety Rules River Traffic Guide Self-Rescue Procedures

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