What are heel ties for?

Heel ties are a required part of your equipment, attaching the heels of shoes to the footboard. Without them, you cannot launch at a regatta but more important, they keep you safe.

Heel ties on all shoes cannot be longer than three inches from the footboard.

Securing the heels of the shoes in this manner is for the safety of the rowers, should a boat capsize. By having the heels tied down, rowers will be able to pull out of the shoes in the event of an accident or capsize.