What is Rowing?
Rowing is a sport where individuals or teams propel boats using oars. It has two main forms:​
• Sweep rowing – Each rower uses one oar with both hands.
• Sculling – Each rower uses two oars, one in each hand.
Races typically take place on rivers and lakes using shells (eight oars) or sculls (two or four oars), with elite events covering 2,000 meters.
Sweep Rowing
Sweep rowing is a discipline where each rower uses one oar with both hands, either on the port or starboard side. Some events include a coxswain, who steers and coaches the crew. Common sweep boat classes include:
• Pairs (2+) (2-) – With or without a coxswain
• Fours (4+) (4-) – With or without a coxswain
• Eights (8+) – Always with a coxswain
Sculling
Sculling is a type of rowing where each rower uses two oars, one in each hand, unlike sweep rowing, where rowers use only one oar. Sculling boats come in different sizes:
• Single Scull (1x) – One rower, two oars
• Double Scull (2x) – Two rowers, each with two oars
• Quad Scull (4x) – Four rowers, each with two oars
Sculling offers precision, balance, and independence, making it a popular choice for both beginners and elite rowers.
Coxswain (pronounced “Cox-son")
The coxswain sits in a designated seat, located in the stern of an 8+ boat and in either the stern or bow of a 4+ boat. Their primary role is to steer the boat and motivate the rowers, with steering often being a crucial factor in close races. To communicate, the coxswain uses a headset connected to speakers in the boat. Their motivation style varies based on the crew’s preferences.
The Rower
A rower’s primary job is to power the boat forward by mastering technique and strength. The rower closest to the stern (back) is called the “stroke” and sets the boat’s pace, while the rower nearest the bow (front) is known as “bow seat.”
General Rowing Information
In sweep rowing, each rower uses one oar, rowing exclusively on either the port or starboard side. Seats are numbered starting from the bow (front) and increasing toward the stern (back), indicating each rower’s position in the boat.
