Rowing 101

What is Rowing?

Rowing is a water sport that involves using oars to propel the boat forward. It is a full body workout that requires coordination, endurance, and most importantly - teamwork. 

Why Rowing?

Rowing is an incredible sport for many reasons. It builds both physical and mental endurance, fosters teamwork, and offers a sense of community both on and off the water. It’s a sport that welcomes individuals of all athletic backgrounds and skill levels, so no prior experience is necessary to get started.

Whether you're looking for a challenging workout or the chance to make lifelong friends, rowing offers something for everyone. 

What to expect

As a new rower, you'll learn about the equipment, rowing technique, and teamwork necessary to succeed. Training will focus on building strength and endurance, mastering rowing mechanics, and learning the terminology of the sport. Expect to be introduced to water practices, ergometer (rowing machine) training, and strength and conditioning sessions that will prepare you for rowing on the water. 

Most importantly, this is a journey of growth, both physically and mentally. Be ready to challenge yourself, and remember: every rower starts somewhere!

Bow: The front of the boat. Rowers sit facing away from the bow. The rower closest to the bow is the “bow seat.”

Stern: The back of the boat. The rower closest to the stern is the "stroke seat". The stroke seat is in charge of setting the rhythm and pace for the rest of the boat. 

Port: The right side of the boat when facing the stern. 

Starboard: The left side of the boat when facing the stern. 

Coxswain (Cox): The cox job is to steer the boat and give directions to the rowers, ensuring synchronization and speed.

Oar: A long, flat-bladed tool used to propel the boat through the water. Rowers use oars to move the boat forward by applying force.

Blade: The flat, wide part of the oar that enters the water. It’s shaped to push against the water and create forward motion.

Hull: The body of the boat. It’s typically made of lightweight materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass to reduce weight and increase speed.

Oarlock: A device that attaches the oar to the boat, allowing the rower to securely hold the oar while rowing. The oarlock helps to guide the oar during each stroke and ensures it doesn’t slip out of the rower’s hands. It typically pivots, allowing the rower to move the oar efficiently during the stroke and recovery phases.

Rigger: A metal frame that supports the oarlock and connects the oar to the boat. The rigger is an essential part of the boat’s structure, allowing the rower to use the oar properly. The rigger is typically attached to the side or top of the boat and holds the oarlock in place at the correct angle.

Sculling: A type of rowing where each rower uses two oars, one in each hand. 

Sweeping: A type of rowing where each rower uses one oar held with both hands. Rowers are considered "port" if their oar is on the right of their body and "starboard" if their oar is on the left side of their body. 

Stroke Rate: The number of strokes a rower takes per minute. It’s an important metric for adjusting speed and endurance.

Catch: The moment when the rower’s blade enters the water at the beginning of the stroke.

Drive: The part of the stroke when the rower pushes against the foot plate, using legs, back, and arms to propel the boat forward.

Finish: The end of the stroke, when the rower pulls the blade out of the water.

Recovery: The phase after the finish where the rower moves the oar back toward the catch position, preparing for the next stroke.

Rigging: The process of setting up the boat, including putting the riggers onto the boat, adjusting the oarlocks, footplates, and seats to fit the rower. 

Ergometer (Erg): A rowing machine used on land to train for rowing on water. It mimics the rowing motion and helps rowers build strength and endurance.