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Rowing 101

  • Viewers Guide

    If you are new to the sport of rowing, this Viewer’s Guide will give you the basics for your first regatta. The Events Events are divided into two disciplines: sweep rowing...

  • Rowing Quick Facts

    Rowing is one of the original sports in the modern Olympic Games. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics, was a rower. Rowers are the third largest U.S. delegation...

  • Glossary of Rowing Terms

    Bow:  The forward section of the boat. The first part of the boat to cross the finish line. The person in the seat closest to the bow, who crosses the finish...

  • Eleven Rowing Insights

     Rowing is a total body workout. Rowing only looks like an upper body sport. Although upper body strength is important, the strength of the rowing stroke comes from the legs. Rowing...

  • Sweep Rowing vs. Sculling

    Athletes with two oars – one in each hand – are scullers. There are three sculling events: the single – 1x (one person), the double – 2x (two) and the quad...

  • Rowing Classifications

    Classifications — By Age Rule 4-104 from the USRowing Rules of Rowing  (a) Junior: A Junior is a competitor who in the current calendar year does not attain the age of...

  • Equipment

    Oars Oars move the boat through the water and act as balancers. Sweep oars are longer than sculler’s oars and have wooden handles instead of rubber grips. The shaft of the...

  • The Race

    The Sprint Race National, collegiate, worlds, and Olympic sprint competitions are 2,000 meters, or approximately 1.25 miles. The race course is divided into 6-8 lanes and each 500-meter section is marked...

  • The Stroke

    The whole body is involved in moving a shell through the water. Although rowing tends to look like an upper body sport, the strength of the rowing stroke comes from the...

  • Race Watching Tips

    Race Watching The crew that’s making it look easy is most likely the one doing the best job. While you’re watching, look for continuous, fluid motion of the rowers. The rowing...