Elements of The Game

Rowing can be done as an individual sport called single sculls or in teams of two, four, or even eight individuals. 

• Sculling- Is where each rower uses two oars 1 in each hand.

• Sweep rowing- This is where each rower uses one oar with both hands.

In team events with either four or eight rowers a Coxswain, kind of like a team leaders helps with steering the boat as well as motivating the rowers and keeping them in the same timing rhythm with the strokes. Not all races are required to have a coxswain.

Facilities-

• Competitions usually take place outdoors in either a river or lake.

• A standard racecourse is 2000 meters long for most regattas.

Equipment-

• Boat- long narrow and lightweight almost similar to a kayak, designed to reduce the drag created by to many features.

• Oars- Normally made from carbon fiber for a good strength to weight ration.

• Rowlocks- These attach to the side of the boat to hold the oars in place and give them a point of leverage.

• Sliding Seats- Allows the rowers to use the lower half of there body to have strong and effective strokes.

• Rigging- Adjustable parts to ensure the oars are well balanced.

• Cox Box- A microphone and speaker to allow the rowers to hear the coxswains voice. If they are present.

• Clothing- Tightfitting uniforms to prevent snagging on any of the other equipment.

• Lane Assignments- Boats are assigned lanes for fairness, by simply moving into another lean can be reason for disqualification.

• Start and Timing- Races begin with a referees signal much like a track event. Timing is measure precisely to prevent any false starts.

• Boat Interference- Boats are not allowed to interfere with any competitors. Any contact or obstruction could result in a disqualification.

• Coxswain Weight- There are minimum weight requirements for coxswains to make the event fair.

• Sportsmanship- Adherence to fair play and respect for the officials and other competitors is mandatory. Breaking these rules could also be a cause for disqualification.

Skills-

• Physical strength and stamina- Rowing is a full body endeavor, it requires lots of lower and upper body muscle endurance to be able to output force for 2000 meters.

• Technique- Mastering the stroke is important, learning how to catch,drive,finish, and recover. are important for timing and effective movement.

• Coordination- Having a synchronized pace with the other team members on the boat is crucial for maintaining speed.

Strategy-

• Start- A powerful start is good to establish a early lead and keep pace through the middle of the race.

• Pacing- Maintaining a rhythm with teammates and conserving energy for the final push towards the end.

• Sprint finish-  Many races are won within the las 50 meters by a burst of speed towards the end.