Rowing Technique

When preparing to get into a rowing boat we would almost certainly assume that we would use a technique that involves sitting on a thwart and facing the direction from which we'd come, in other words we'd be travelling backwards. In fact, this isn't necessarily the case and some rowing boats are so constructed that the oars-person is facing the direction of travel. These boats are usually found in the more crowded waterways, particulary in more eastern countries, where forward vision is essential. The boat is usually of a construction and design that facillitates this method of propulsion. However, it is possible to achieve the same effect, although it is harder, with the more familiar rowing boat and oars, by 'pushing' the water with the oars instead of 'pulling' it, to propel the boat through the water. This method would be used to navigate a way through the busiest part of a harbour or stretch of river, or to effect a manoeuvre in turning round.

The more usual, and to most of us more familiar, method of moving the boat through the water is to have one's back to the direction of travel. In the simplest terms the seated rower simultaneously dips each oar into the water, behind him or her, and then pulls on the oars to bring them forward, thus moving the boat backwards through the water. The oars are at a fixed point on the gunwhale (pronounded 'gunnel') which is the strengthened top edge of the boat, their position being determined by the number of oars that the boat is designed to use. This fixed point is the fulcrum on which the oar is firmly supported and allowed to pivot. The pivotal, fixed point of the boat can also be provided by devices known as 'thole pins' which are rigid pegs over which a hole in the oar is positioned, so allowing the oar to rotate. In craft that are built for competitive rowing purposes the rowlock can be positioned at a distance from the boat on a 'rigger', which allows longer oars to be used and thus increases the speed performance. In a basic rowing boat the arms and upper body of the rower provide the muscle power to dip, pull and lift the oars. In a more specialised or racing boat, the seat is positioned on a 'slide' so that the rower can also use the strength in their leg muscles to augment the motive power. In some racing boats the oars-people sit in pairs, side by side, and have only one oar each. The obvious problem here is the absolute necessity for co-ordination and so a 'coxwain' sits facing the rowers and directs the rhythm of their actions.