How to Row a Laser Sailboat

Sailing is a fickle hobby. The wind might be bellowing one day and be completely still the next. Even worse, weather conditions can change from minute to minute, leaving you out to shore with no way to get back. If you're an experienced boater, you will have known to bring a motor, or at the very least, a paddle. While it can be difficult to paddle back in to shore after the wind has brought you way out, it's not as difficult as sitting helpless in your boat. Laser Class sailboats are perfect to learn technical skills, as they are typically small enough to handle with one novice sailor.

Things You'll Need

  • Boat
  • Paddle
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Take down your sail. The last thing you need when you're trying to paddle back to shore is your sail to work against you. Even if it seems that the wind has completely gone, gusts may come back to work against you, or worse, capsize you. Taking down your sail will help to eliminate the risk of such misfortune.

    • 2

      Sit near the center of the boat. The Laser Class sailboat is small enough that you will be able to reach both sides of the boat by sitting in the center. From this spot, take your paddle and plunge it as far down into the water as you can.

    • 3

      Row with proper form. You do not want to skim the surface; plunging it deep will give you the most thrust for your expended energy. Pull back hard, and get your whole body into it. Use your arms, shoulders, back, core and legs to help you. Typically sailors only use one paddle, so switch sides of the boat periodically. This will keep you going longer, as you won't be exhausting one part of your body faster than the others.

    • 4

      Try to get help. If you see other boats, or if you're visible from the shore, you have a good resource to fall back on if you just cannot continue any longer. Once you're completely exhausted, you can wave from your boat, or better, use signals if you brought them. While it may be embarrassing, getting help from others may be the only feasible way of getting you and your boat back to shore.

    • 5

      Check for wind. Row near land to catch coastal winds that will give you a chance to put your sail up and rest your arms.