Proper Rowing Technique

Rowers:

Proper technique will move a boat; and, strength will move that boat faster. Therefore, a large portion of practice is dedicated to improving our team's technique. Below are some graphics of proper rowing at different part of the stroke.


SET: Rowers need to focus on the balancing the boat if they intend to achieve maximum power on the drive. Different coaches will correct the set differently: adjusting hand levels, strengthening the core, controlling the slide, perfecting timing. The team's ultimate goal is to make the boat perfectly symmetrical.

HAND LEVELS: Particularly on the recovery, hand levels can make or break a fast crew. One common error is dropping the hands at the catch, thereby skying the blades. When a rower dips his hands at the catch, a movement attributed to leaning forward, the entire boat will lean to that rower's side and off-set the boat. To correct this, as you approach the catch, keep your hands high. This motion relies heavily on your shoulder and upper back muscles.


BACKING IN THE BLADE: Another reason for raising your hands at the catch is to back the blade in the water and achieve a smooth transition. The rower should try and seamlessly connect the recovery and glide of one stroke to the drive of the next. Notice in the graphic the slight back-splash of each port side blade. They are not checking the boat down; rather, they catching the tail end of the last stroke.



REACH: In addition to backing the blade in the water, the amount of water you reach for is important. You may row with perfect technique, but the amount of water you get at the catch will determine how soon you cross the finish line. As team's develop in skill, rowing turns into a sport of inches. Reach out towards your rigger and get another inch of water. Don't worry about off-setting the boat because the rowers reaching to the opposite side of the boat will counter-balance your weight.

DIVIDING THE BOAT: If the rowers are reaching out, then the boat, from the coxswains perspective, will look as though it were dividing. These rowers are able to maintain their set in the boat because the weight distribution in the boat is balanced. Divide by pivoting out towards your rigger, using your inside shoulder to lead the pivot.


BURY THE BLADE: During the stroke, keep the blade under water. If you see a lot of splash in your stroke, then that means your blade is partially above the water. At the finish of the stroke, you are look for a nice compact puddle with deep whirlpools.

FOCUS: Nothing should distract the rower. Always keep your eyes on the back of the person in front of you right between their shoulder blades. You should be able to see the blades of the boat peripherally. Everything else around you is the responsibility of the coxswain.