ONE Does Not Simply Ace a Rowing Race! Quiz

Answer: Regatta

Crew competitions are called regattas just like sailing competitions. The term regatta comes from Venetian meaning "contention for mastery," and is commonly used for competitions with watercraft. The most famous rowing competition is called the "Henley Royal Regatta," taking place annually on the River Thames. A meet is occasionally used but is definitely not as often as regatta.

Answer: The number of oars each rower uses.

Each scull rower uses two oars to help propel the boat, while each sweep rower only uses one with other rowers alternating sides. The stroke angle is about the same and while sculls tend to be smaller than sweep shells, there are crossovers in size. Olympic races are usually set at 2,000 meters for both sweep and scull, while junior races are usually 1,500 meters.

Answer: Blocking competitors to keep the lead.

During a race, the coxswain must steer the shell in a safe manner. Blocking other competitors is not only against the rules but can be very dangerous. Most races will actually have lanes for the shells to stay in to prevent a crash. Since the coach is not usually there to give directions, the coxswain acts as the coach.

They can observe how effectively the rowers are working together and offer correction. Probably one of the most important things for a coxswain is to be as lightweight as possible.

Answer: A still start like a foot race.

Rowing races begin with a still start with all the shell bows lined up on the starting line. Sailing races often start with a moving start much like an auto race. With rowing, since the team has to get up to speed, half and three-quarters strokes are taken at first. Once up to speed, the race is on! One advantage of being in the lead is the rowers can actually see where the competition is making it easier to maintain distance. For shells that are behind, they have to rely on their coxswain (if they have one) to tell them where the competition is.

Answer: Watching where the shell is going.

The only member of the crew who can see where the shell is going is the coxswain. For this reason, the coxswain is completely responsible for the direction and the safety of the crew. Balance is critical to maintaining the fastest speed as it reduces drag in the water. Part of keeping a good balance is making sure the oars enter and leave the water at the same time.

A truly uniform crew will gracefully glide across the water at a faster pace.

Answer: Closest to the coxswain (or the stern in coxless shell).

The most experienced crew member is usually given the job of being the stroke rower. The job of the stroke is to set the pace for the rest of the crew. The stroke rower sits closest to the coxswain with their back to the rest of the crew. The coxswain may call for the stroke to adjust their pace based on the current needs of the race. A consistent pace is vital for the crew to stay in sync, with the best crews practicing together regularly as a group to learn how to best work together.

Answer: The kick

The "kick" is not part of the rowing stroke. The first part is the "catch" where the oar vertically dips into the water. The second part is the "drive" where the legs and core provide the main power of the stroke. The third part is the "finish" where the arms complete the motion of bringing the oar to the chest and lifting it out of the water.

The final part of the stroke is the "recovery" where the rower feathers the blade out of the water and brings the oar down towards the feet to prepare for the next catch.

Answer: The quadriceps and hamstrings.

The rowing stroke is basically a horizontal deadlift, so the quadriceps and hamstrings will provide the most power for the rowing stroke. Both muscles also help to stabilize the legs and keep the body in proper alignment. The latissimus dorsi is also an important back muscle to help continue the stroke's power and to set up the deltoids to finish the stroke. Throughout the stroke, the gluteus maximus also helps add power and stability.

Answer: No

Catching a crab is when a rower loses control of an oar and the oar stays in the water. Crabbing can be dangerous as the momentum of the shell can cause the oar handle to fly into the rower's face or even over their head. The impact of the oar can cause the rower to be ejected from the shell. Training and practice are critical and an experienced rower will virtually never get caught crabbing. If it does occur, the most important thing is to control the oar and raise it out of the water.

Answer: A power ten.

A power ten is where all crew members work together to give their most powerful stroke. Since being in synch is so important the effort should be uniform. The rowing pace is already pretty fast and the pace may increase a little with a power ten, but not doubled. The length of a stroke is already about as long as it is going to get. By this point of the race, the rowers would probably love the option of an outboard motor but sadly that is not allowed by the rowing rules!