Rowing
Rowing is the pushing of the boat through the water. This is done by a rower or rowers using oars as levers. To row properly you need a good technique, strength and stamina. Rowing on a machine or in a tank that simulates the action of rowing in a boat is also considered as rowing.
The Stroke
The stroke begins when the oar is placed in the water and ends when the oar has been lifted from the water ready to begin another stroke. The stroke is made up of the catch (oars in the water), the pull through or drive (oars pulled through the water), and the release or recovery (oars lifted from the water and brought back to start again).
Technique
A rower needs power to carry out the rowing strokes. This comes from the whole body, not just the arms. The seat in a modern boat is fitted with wheels that slide on runners or tracks, so the rower can push with his legs and pull back with his shoulders, body and arms as he completes the stroke. A good rower tries to establish a rhythm in his rowing so that his rowing movements and the power he uses are regular and even.
A good rowing rhythm is especially important when rowing in a team because you need to row in unison with the rest of the crew. If there is a coxswain in the boat, he or she can help the team establish a good rowing rhythm.
Strength and Stamina
To improve your strength and stamina, a coach will design endurance training exercises that improve your ability to continue
without stopping. This form of training is also called aerobic training.
Speed
If you are training for a competition, your coach will develop a programme to improve you speed. This will involve working on your stroke and technique as well as your strength and stamina.
The Oarsmen
In the boat, the oarsmen sit with their backs to the bow (the front of the boat), so in effect they are rowing 'blind'. Certain oarsmen have specific jobs to keep their team on course.
Bowman
The Bowman sits nearest the front of the boat (facing backwards). In coxless boats, this oarsman is responsible for planning the course of the boat although he may not necessarily be the oarsman who actually steers.
The Stroke
This is the oarsman at the rear of the boat. He sets the speed and angle of the stroke that the rest of the team follow.
Coxswain
The coxswain is not an oarsman but is just as much a member of the team as the oarsmen. He/she is used in three classes of boats - coxed pair, coxed four and eight. In some boats he sits in the stern facing the Stroke oarsman, in others he/she sits in the bow, behind the Bowman but facing forwards.
The job of the coxswain is to steer the boat, decide tactics, and establish and maintain the speed and rhythm of the strokes of the rowers. The minimum weight for a coxswain (wearing racing shirt and shorts) is 55 kg. for men and 50 kg. for women, juniors and mixed crews. To make up this weight, a coxswain can carry a maximum of 10 kg. deadweight which is placed in the boat as close to him/her as possible. Some coxswains use a Cox Box. This is an electronic device that amplifies his/her voice and broadcasts it through speakers located throughout the shell.
Rowing for Pleasure
You can enjoy the sport of rowing - alone or with friends - without ever entering a competition. Pleasure rowing takes place on rivers, lakes or for more advanced rowers in the sea. The equipment used should match the location and personal safety should always be given a top priority.
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