Learn to Row FAQs

What is rowing?
Rowing is a sport where individuals or teams use oars to propel a boat on water. Rowing is a sport that predominantly uses the legs to move the boat, but it works all the muscle groups including back, arms, and shoulders.

What are the different types of rowing?

There are two main types:

• Sweep rowing (each rower holds one oar)

  

• Sculling (each rower holds two oars)

  

There are also different disciplines:

• Flat Water- Boats compete on courses on rivers and lakes.

• Open Water- Boats compete on the shore of beaches and on the ocean. 

  

When should I start rowing?

It’s never too late or too early to start rowing! Rowing technique is easy to pick up and many athletes can become successful at rowing in a short span of time. Many Olympians started rowing in college, two-time Olympic gold medalist Meghan Musnicki walked on in college and Olympian Meghan O’Leary even picked it up post college while working at ESPN. Rowing is a lifelong sport and anyone can pick it up and enjoy the feeling of a boat flying through the water.

Do I need prior experience to row?
No, most rowing clubs and programs offer beginner classes and novice rowing to teach the basics. The most important thing is that you are ready to work! Rowing is about strength, fitness, and grit.

Use our Find a Club feature to find a program in your area.  

What should I expect from my novice season?

Novices should expect to learn the basics of the sport. Don’t expect to hop in a boat on the first day! Most novices will learn the rowing stroke on the rowing machine for the first few days before they get on the water. The first few days of rowing can be frustrating since the motions can feel very robotic at first. After a few weeks of practice, the motion will become ingrained and the fun work can begin! Most novice programs will start racing around the first month of learning to row. 

What are the parts of the stroke?

The rowing stroke is a circle. Some coaches may argue about where the beginning of the stroke is, but for a novice you will start to build the stroke from the finish.

• Finish: is where the blade comes out of the water and where you begin the stroke.Lean back slightly, oars close to the body. Moving out of the finish, you are moving through the recovery to get to the catch. 
• Catch: is where you are fully compressed and the blade is in the water. Knees bent, arms extended, blade in the water. It is the end of the recovery and the beginning of the drive. 
• Recovery: is when the crew is letting the boat recover, or move underneath them. Arms extend, body leans forward, knees bend. The rowers are setting their bodies to prepare for the next drive. A good crew allows for more time on the recovery versus time on the drive. 
• Drive: is when the oars are in the water and the rower is pushing and exerting the most effort. Push with legs, engage core, pull with arms at the end of the stroke. 

Words to Know

• Coxswain: steers and directs the crew. They are typically smaller and lighter and are in control of the race strategy, steering, drills, and safety of the crew. 

  

• Port or Starboard: Rowers are moving backwards so typical boat terms are backwards to rowers. The port side is on the right and the starboard side on the left. 
• Stern: to a rower is the front of the boat. The easiest way to tell what end is the stern is the skeg or rutter that sticks out of the boat shell.
• Bow: to a rower is the back of the boat. The bow ball is on the end of the boat, it is meant to protect rowers in case of a collision and also helps protect the shell from damage on a dock. 
• Weigh enough: is the rowing version of stop.
• Check it down: put your blade square in the water and hold it in that position. This is used to stop the boat in its place or to help spin the boat. 

What should I wear for rowing?
Wear form-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes to avoid getting caught in the oars or sliding seat. Gloves are typically not used, expect blisters to occur. Shoes are already fitted in the boat so athletes need a pair of socks, but should always bring sneakers to practice since most teams will warm up with running or erging. When it is cold or rainy out, it is best to avoid wearing cotton. Bring a water bottle since boats have space to keep the water bottle. 

Is rowing safe for beginners?
Yes, but proper technique is crucial to avoid injuries. Always follow safety guidelines and wear appropriate gear. Often accidents occur on the water or on land with equipment when rowers are distracted. Rowers and coxswains are responsible for the safety of their teammates and the equipment. When carrying equipment, the only person talking should be the coxswain unless the boat is going to hit something or someone. 

What are common beginner mistakes?

• Using the arms more than the legs on the drive
• Rushing the recovery and not taking the time to prepare their body for the catch position
• Poor posture 
• Not maintaining a steady rhythm

Check out this video of Olympian Matt Miller explaining some of basics of the rowing stroke.