An Introduction to Rowing

Rowing is a water-based endurance sport – considered one of the most technical and toughest sports in the world.

Rowing involves sitting in a boat and using an oar(s) to propel the boat.

River/inland rowing involves sitting on a movable seat and using the legs, back and arms to move the boat using the oars.

People row either in crews or on their own.

Types of Rowing

Sweep rowing - one oar per person.

Sculling – two oars per person.

Bow-side refers to the side of the boat where the oar is out to the left (or port side) of the rower.

Stroke-side refers to the side of the boat where the oar is out the right (or starboard side) of the rower

Types of Racing Boat:

Scull/Sculler (1x)

Pair (2-), from L to R: Bow and Stroke (pair = one oar each)

Double (2x), from L to R: Bow and Stroke (double = two oars each)

Coxless Four (4-), from R to L: Bow, 2, 3, Stroke (four = one oar each)

Coxed Quad (4x+) (quad = two oars each)

Eight (8+), from R to L: Cox, Stroke, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, bow
(eight = one oar each.) (An octet = two oars each)

Categories of Racing

• Junior: Junior 14 to Junior 18
• Novice: beginner level (over 18)
• Intermediate (usually university level)
• Senior