Rowing (sport)

Rowing, also known as crew, is a water sport involving propelling a boat (shell) on water using oars. It can be done for recreation, sport, or transportation. As a competitive sport, rowing involves racing boats over a fixed distance, typically 2000 meters.

Overview

The sport of rowing is physically demanding and requires strength, endurance, balance, and technical skill. Rowers work together as a team, coordinating their movements to propel the boat efficiently. The boat can be powered by one rower (single scull) or up to eight rowers (eight). In sweep rowing, each rower has one oar; in sculling, each rower has two oars.

Types of Rowing

Rowing is broadly classified into two main categories:

• Sweep Rowing: Each rower uses one oar. Common sweep boats include pairs (2 rowers), fours (4 rowers), and eights (8 rowers). Eights always have a coxswain. Pairs and fours can be coxed or coxless.
• Sculling: Each rower uses two oars. Common sculling boats include singles (1 rower), doubles (2 rowers), and quads (4 rowers). Sculling boats can be coxed or coxless; typically quads are coxless.

Key Terminology

• Coxswain (Cox): The person who steers the boat and coordinates the rowers. They are responsible for the boat's safety and for implementing race strategy. In coxless boats, one of the rowers steers.
• Blade: The spoon-shaped end of the oar that enters the water.
• Catch: The point in the stroke cycle where the blade enters the water.
• Drive: The portion of the stroke where the rower pulls the oar through the water, propelling the boat forward.
• Finish: The point in the stroke cycle where the blade is removed from the water.
• Recovery: The portion of the stroke cycle where the rower returns to the starting position for the next stroke.
• Stroke Rate: The number of strokes per minute.
• Shell: The rowing boat itself.

Competition

Rowing is an Olympic sport and is also featured at numerous international and national competitions. Races are typically held on a straight course, and the winner is the boat that crosses the finish line first. Crews are categorized by age, gender, and skill level.

Governing Bodies

The international governing body for rowing is the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron (FISA). National governing bodies, such as USRowing in the United States, oversee the sport at the national level.

Health and Fitness

Rowing is an excellent form of exercise that provides a full-body workout. It improves cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. However, it is also a high-impact sport that can lead to injuries if not performed correctly. Proper technique and training are essential for avoiding injuries.