About Rowing

Boats/events

1X Single Sculls

2X Double Sculls

2- Pair (One oar each rower)

4X Quadrupal Sculls

4- Coxless Four (One oar each rower)

4 Coxed Four (One oar each rower plus coxswain)

4X Coxed Quad Sculls (Two sculls each plus coxswain)

8- Coxed Eight (One oar each rower plus coxswain)

What to look for in a crew

Continuous Motion: Rowing should be a continuous and fluid motion

Syncronisation: Rowers strive for perfect timing in all actions

Clean blade work: Blades going in and coming out of the water shouldn't disturb it too much. The catch should be quick and light, the finish smooth and fluid.

Blade heights on the feather: As the blades are brought out of the water, they are turned flat (feathered). They should move forward horizontally at the same height, just above the water and are rolled square (vertical) just before the catch.

Consistent Speed: Stroke rates vary from boat to boat, depending on the number of rowers and the sizes of the athletes. At the start, the stroke rate will be higher 40-44 strokes per minute for an eight, 36-40 for a single. The rate will settle down in the middle of the race to 32-38 for an eight, 28-34 for a single. Finishing stroke rates can go as high as 46.

Tight Puddles: When the oar is in the water it should not dive too deep nor wash out across the top of the water. The “puddle” around the oar should be tight and powerful.