Putney Firm Appointed Boat Race Kit Supplier
High-performance rowing specialists to supply 2012 Boat Race kit
Putney-based high-performance technical sports outfitter, Crewroom, has been appointed as the official technical kit supplier for the 2012 Xchanging Boat Race.
Crewroom, the UK distributor of JL Racing, is renowned for performance kit made with technical fabrics and was selected by The Boat Race Ltd following a thorough search of expert kit suppliers.
Commenting on their appointment, Crewroom founder and JL UK distributor Kate Giles said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity. It is a great fit for us. While we produce technical kit for endurance athletes across a wide range of sports, rowing is our heritage and we are passionate about the sport.”
Crews representing both the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Clubs will train and race in the specialist kit ahead of the 158th Boat Race on Saturday, 7th April 2012.
The annual Boat Race, between two of the world’s most prestigious universities, was first held in 1829, but in 2012, the Xchanging Boat Race will mark the beginning of the UK’s greatest-ever summer of sport. As such, it will undoubtedly be one of most highly anticipated in modern history.
Kate (pictured left) said:
“To be an integral part of this historic event is something all of us at Crewroom are very proud of. As a British company, we recognise the history and tradition associated with the London Boat Race and we’re excited about our involvement in 2012.”
She added:
“Our kit is first choice for many of GB’s rowers and we work closely with the athletes to ensure the technical innovation is the very best it can be at the highest level in the sport. I’m confident the teams in the 2012 Xchanging Boat Race will be pleased with the product we will be providing and look forward to cheering them on the day.”
As official technical kit supplier, Crewroom and JL Racing will provide both the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Clubs with branded technical kit, including the Crewroom Vapour-X cap made of sustainable performance fabric. This ultra light-weight cap has a longer peak to protect the eyes with the underside of the peak dark to reduce light reflection. Other technical features include reflective piping to improve visibility, contrast mesh panels and an adjustable strap to ensure the perfect fit.
David Searle, CEO of BRCL commented on the appointment:
“We are delighted to welcome Crewroom and JL Racing as one of our official suppliers. They have a proven track record in delivering innovative rowing outfits that will enhance the performance of both boat clubs.”
How did Crewroom start?
In the late 90’s Kate was juggling a career in the electronics industry alongside the demanding training schedule of competitive rowing:
"Each day consisted of early morning training sessions, wearing uncomfortable kit and changing back at a cold club house before grabbing a sandwich from the local bakery and heading off to work. After work I was back out on the water, in the same damp kit, longing for the session to end so that I could go home and get some much needed sleep.
The kit I was using on a daily basis was pretty poor quality and the fabrics were cheap, abrasive and would stink - even after washing. Not ideal for athletes who needed to train two or three times a day, every day. In fact, I’m convinced that the poor quality kit contributed to me contracting pneumonia which set my training programme back by months.
I also realised that my routine was pretty manic; training, grabbing food on the run, working, training, eating, bed. It was quite apparent that athletes who trained so frequently needed somewhere to relax and re-fuel in between sessions. This got me thinking…"
October 10, 2011