30 Must-Know Rowing Terms, Phrases and Slang

Hey, water warriors!

Ready to unlock the secret lingo of the rowing realm?

Whether you’re riding the waves like a pro or just want to sound like one, mastering these 30 must-know rowing terms is your ticket into the crew’s inner circle.

Let’s slice through the water and dive into the talk!

Must-Know Rowing Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Blade
2. Bow
3. Coxswain
4. Catch
5. Drive
6. Ergometer
7. Feathering
8. Finish
9. Foot stretcher
10. Gunwale
11. Keel
12. Lightweight
13. Oar
14. Port
15. Power ten
16. Quad
17. Regatta
18. Rigger
19. Scull
20. Shell
21. Slide
22. Starboard
23. Stern
24. Stroke
25. Sweep
26. Waterline
27. Way enough
28. Weigh enough
29. Yaw
30. Bow ball

#1 Blade

The flat part of the oar that enters the water during the stroke. Its shape and size affect the boat’s movement and the rower’s technique, playing a critical role in the efficiency of each stroke.

#2 Bow

The forward section of the rowing shell; also refers to the rower who sits closest to the front end. This position requires a strong sense of rhythm and is often responsible for setting the stroke rate.

#3 Coxswain

A team member who steers the boat and directs the crew, usually positioned at the stern. The coxswain is the on-water coach, providing motivation, strategy, and ensuring the safety and coordination of rowers.

#4 Catch

The moment the blade enters the water at the beginning of the stroke. A clean and precise catch is essential for maintaining boat speed and ensuring a smooth, powerful drive.

#5 Drive

The part of the stroke where rowers apply power, moving the boat forwards. The drive phase begins with the legs, engages the back and arms, and is crucial for generating boat speed.

#6 Ergometer

Also known as an “erg,” it’s a rowing machine that simulates water rowing, used for training and measuring a rower’s performance. Erg workouts are known for their intensity and are a staple in rowers’ land training.

#7 Feathering

Feathering in rowing refers to the technique of turning the oar blade parallel to the water after completing a stroke and during the recovery phase to reduce air resistance and improve efficiency. This action helps the rower maintain a smoother and faster boat glide.

#8 Finish

The finish is the final part of the stroke in rowing where the rower pulls the oar handle in toward the body, just before extracting the blade from the water. This phase is critical for ensuring that maximum power is transferred through the stroke.

#9 Foot Stretcher

An adjustable part of the rowing boat where a rower can secure their feet. Proper placement is crucial as it affects the rower’s leverage and comfort during the stroke cycle.

#10 Gunwale

The upper edge of a boat’s side, the gunwale provides structural support and is the attachment point for oarlocks or riggers. It’s pronounced “gunnel” and is essential for the integrity of the shell.

#11 Keel

The central structural element running along the bottom of the boat, the keel helps maintain stability and streamline movement through the water. In rowing shells, the keel also aligns the crew and balances the craft.

#12 Lightweight

A rowing category with a maximum weight for crew members, ensuring fairness in competitions. Lightweight rowing prioritizes technique and endurance over sheer strength due to the weight restrictions.

#13 Oar

A long lever used to propel the boat through the water, the oar transmits the rower’s power to the rowing shell. It consists of a handle, a shaft, and a blade which enters the water.

#14 Port

The left side of the boat when facing forward. The term originates from maritime tradition and is crucial for navigation and rower orientation, opposite the starboard, or right side.

#15 Power Ten

“Power ten” is a common call in rowing races where the coxswain (the person directing the rowers) instructs the crew to perform ten of their strongest and most powerful strokes. This is often used strategically to gain speed during a race or to overtake another crew.

#16 Quad

A quad is a type of rowing boat that is sculled by four rowers, each using two oars. It is faster than a four (which uses one oar per rower) and requires good coordination and technique among the crew.

#17 Regatta

A rowing competition or series of boat races. Regattas are often prestigious events that involve various boat classes and can range from local club races to international competitions such as the Henley Royal Regatta.

#18 Rigger

The framework attached to the side of a racing shell to hold the oars in place. Rigging plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of power application and balance during the stroke.

#19 Scull

A type of boat as well as the action of rowing with two oars, one in each hand. Single sculls, double sculls, and quad sculls refer to the number of rowers in the boat.

#20 Shell

The term for a rowing boat used in racing. It’s usually long and narrow, designed to maximize speed and efficiency in the water with a smooth, aerodynamic shape.

#21 Slide

The track on which the rower’s seat moves back and forth. The slide allows for a complete leg drive and enables the rower to utilize full body length for optimal power application.

#22 Starboard

Referring to the right side of the boat when facing forward. In a coxswain-directed boat, rowers sitting on the starboard side would have their oars extending to the right of the boat.

#23 Stern

The stern is the rear end of the rowing boat. It is the opposite of the bow (the front). In rowing terminology, rowers are also sometimes referred to as “bow” or “stern” based on their seating position relative to the front or back of the boat.

#24 Stroke

The rower who sits closest to the stern and sets the rhythm for the boat; their technique and cadence are crucial as all other rowers follow their lead. The stroke is pivotal for maintaining the crew’s synchrony and pace.

#25 Sweep

A rowing style where each rower holds one oar with both hands; boats can vary in size with pairs, fours, or eights, and coordination is key. Sweep rowing emphasizes teamwork, as each rower contributes to one side of the boat.

#26 Waterline

The line on the hull where the boat sits in the water; an important factor in boat design as it affects speed and stability. A well-balanced boat will have an even waterline, indicating good weight distribution and optimal performance.

#27 Way enough (often pronounced “weigh enough”)

A command given by the coxswain or a rower to stop rowing and let the boat glide; signifies the end of a drill or a pause in activity. It’s a signal for rowers to cease the drive and recover.

#28 Weigh enough

This is an alternative spelling/pronunciation of “way enough,” and is used interchangeably in some rowing communities. It serves the same purpose as a command to cease rowing activities.

#29 Yaw

Yaw refers to the side-to-side movement of the boat’s bow. In rowing, minimizing yaw is important for maintaining a straight course and improving the boat’s efficiency in the water. Excessive yaw can occur if rowing strokes are unbalanced or uneven.

#30 Bow ball

The bow ball is a small, round safety device attached to the very front (bow) of the rowing boat. It is designed to make the boat more visible and to minimize injury in the event of a collision, complying with rowing safety regulations

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