Basics of Rowing Single Scull for Recreation

Rowing is a water sport that combines athleticism with the art of boating. If you're interested in getting started with a team of single-scull rowers, which is just one of several forms of rowing, you'll need to understand the basics first. Knowing the fundamentals of the sport will help you determine if it's the best activity for you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose how many members will be a part of your single-scull team. Single scull is typically rowed with one person (single), two people (doubles), or four (quad).

    • 2

      Use two oars for each rower. The right oar extends to the port side of the boat and the left oar extends to the bow.

    • 3

      Create strokes in the water using the catch and extraction method. The oar is sliced into the water, called the catch, based on whether it is pointed to the port or bow side. The oar is pulled up, called the extraction, completing the stroke.

    • 4

      Take breaths based on your stroke technique. Breathe in deeply upon the catch part of the stroke, and exhale during the extraction portion.

    • 5

      Repeat the stokes and breathing techniques to create propulsion, moving your boat steadily through the water.