The terminology below is used in the sport of rowing. Read the definitions and see how well you know the rowing terms by using the online quiz tools—flashcards, test, games, and more!
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BACKSPLASH
Backsplash is the minor splash that can happen when a blade enters the water at the wrong angle.
BLADE
The blade is the flat surface of the oar, usually painted with the team's colors.
BOW
Because the bow is the front of the boat, it is the first part that crosses the finish line.
CATCH
The rowing stroke includes three distinct phases: the catch, the drive, and the recovery. At the “catch” the rower’s blade enters the water.
COXSWAIN
The coxswain is the member of the crew who sits in a small seat either in the bow or the stern and steers the boat while coaching the rowers.
CRAB
A crab is the term rowers use when the blade gets “caught” in the water.
FEATHERING
Feathering refers to the position of the blades as they are turned parallel to the water, to cut down on wind resistance.
GUNWALE
The gunwale is the top edge of the shell around the area where the rowers sit.
OARLOCK
The oarlock is a u-shaped swivel that holds the oar in position and serves as a pivot point.
PORT
Port is the left side of the boat when facing the bow. Since rowers sit backwards, port is on their right.
RIGGER
The rigger is the metal bracing attached to the side of the boat that holds the oarlock.
SCULL
“Scull” can mean either the oar used in racing or the rowboat itself. As a verb, it refers to rowing with two oars.
SHELL
Shell is another name for a sculling boat.
SKEG
The skeg is a short fin on the bottom of the boat that helps maintain a straight course.
STARBOARD
Starboard is the right side of the boat when facing the bow. Since rowers sit backwards, starboard is on their left.
STERN
Stern is the back end of the boat. Rowers are seated facing backwards, toward the stern.
Source: Riversport Rowing Terms