Introduction to Rowing

Two types of Rowing

Sweep Rowers

Athletes with only one oar are sweep rowers.

Sweep rowers come in pairs with a coxswain (2+) and pairs without (2-), 

fours with a coxswain (4+) and fours without (4-)  and the eight (8+), which always carries a coxswain. 

Scullers

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 – 4x (four).

Two main rowing events

Sprint Races

Sprint Races range from 1000-2000 metres in length and where boats compete in lanes, 

Head Races

Head races are usually time trials held in Autumn and Spring.

Health and wellbeing benefits of rowing