Knowing Rowing
Getting to Know Rowing
Sculling vs. Sweeping
There are two styles of rowing which propel the boat – Sculling and Sweeping. Sculling is a form of rowing in which a boat is propelled by one or more rowers, each of whom operates two oars. In sweeping, or sweep-oar rowing, a rower operates one oar, held with both hands. Since each rower only has one oar, the rowers have to be paired so that there is an oar on each side of the boat.
Types of Boats
In rowing there are six different types of boats – singles, doubles, pairs, quads, fours and eights. Each boat and race category has it’s own short-form name you’ll see in print in reference to each type of boat:
Single = 1x
Double = 2x
Pair = 2-
Coxed Pair = 2+
Quad = 4x
Coxed Quad = 4x+
Four = 4-
Coxed Four = 4+
Eight = 8+
What's a Coxswain?
In rowing, the coxswain, or coxie, is a crew member who does not row but directs the boat. The coxswain sits facing the bow or stern (depending on the type of boat) and is responsible for steering the boat and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers. In a race setting, the coxswain is tasked with motivating the crew as well as steering as straight a course as possible to minimize the distance to the finish line. Not every boat has a coxswain, if you see a ‘+’ in the short-form name for a boat there’s a coxswain in it.
Rowing Disciplines
There are four disciplines of rowing that Ontario residents enjoy – flatwater rowing, indoor rowing, coastal rowing/beach sprints, and row touring. While flatwater remains the most well-known and popular discipline both indoor and coastal rowing/beach sprints are growing segments of the sport. Row touring has established a strong base of participants Ontario since its inception in the 1990’s, and some rowers travel all over the world to participate in tours. Clubs across Ontario offer many different programs for both new and veteran rowers alike, with participants typically training in programs that are designed based on age and development stage.
Flatwater Rowing
Flatwater rowing is typically what you would picture when you think of rowing. Set on a flat waterway, boats propelled by up to eight people travel in a straight line during training sessions and competitions. It is the most popular rowing discipline throughout the world at all levels of the sport, from beginners to masters competitors to Olympic athletes.
Indoor Rowing
Found at local rowing clubs, community centres, and rowing studios, indoor rowing programs are offered all across Ontario. Participants use the rowing machine, more commonly known in the rowing community as the ‘erg’ (short for ergometer), all year round. Each year indoor rowing competitions are hosted in communities around Ontario, typically in the winter months. Indoor rowing has been widely used in training and preparation of athletes for many years. In recent years indoor rowing has grown from a tool for off-the-water training for the serious rower to a sport in its own right.
Coastal Rowing / Beach Sprints
Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprints represents the adventure side of the sport. Unlike flatwater rowing, it takes place on rough water, including oceans, seas, lakes and rivers where the water is less predictable. Rowing on rough water means that coastal rowing is quite different from the flatwater Olympic-style of going in a straight line. Coastal rowers often prefer rough water which adds a whole new dimension to the sport including the exhilarating aspect of rowing in extreme conditions.
Row Touring
Row touring has been practised on Ontario’s rivers, canals and lakes since 1995 and is for those who enjoy rowing for recreation and exploring the outdoors. Generally, row tours are 20-40kms long, with the participants travelling down a waterway in tour boats and/or coastal boats. Every year tours are organized in waterways across Ontario and usually involve a stop for lunch and plenty of opportunities to socialize with fellow rowers.
Most row touring in Ontario is organized by the Ontario Adventure Rowing Association (OAR). OAR, along with partners in Ontario rowing clubs, typically run 10 – 12 tours in a given year.
