Rowing

Rowing is the act of moving a human-powered watercraft through water.

This is done by using sweeping motions with oars. These oars displace water to create reactional propulsion. This propulsion pushes the boat forward. Rowing is different from paddling a canoe or a kayak. In rowing, the oars are mechanically attached to the boat. This attachment allows the rower to use the oar like a lever. The rower exerts force in the same direction as the boat's travel.

The physics of rowing involves a complex interaction of forces. The rower, the oars, and the boat form a single system. To keep the boat moving at a steady speed, the propulsion force must equal the drag force. Drag forces include aerodynamic drag from the air and hydrodynamic drag from the water. The oar acts as a second-class lever. The blade is fixed in the water, which serves as the fulcrum. The rower applies force to the handle to move the boat.

There are several ways to organize a rowing crew. In some settings, terminology changes based on the water. On saltwater, "pulling" means each person uses one oar on one side. In this setup, rowers alternate between the port and starboard sides. "Rowing" on saltwater means each person operates two oars. On inland waterways, the terms are often reversed. In fresh water, "rowing" means using one oar per person. "Sculling" is a term used when a participant uses a pair of oars.

Rowing equipment includes many specific parts to help the rower. Most boats use thwarts, which are seats that stretch from side to side. A "double banked" boat has two crew members on each thwart. A "single banked" boat has only one person per thwart. Rowers use a stretcher, or footrest, to apply maximum force. The oars are held by pivot points. Some boats use thole pins, which are wooden pegs in the gunwale. Other boats use rowlocks, which are metal U-shaped fittings.

History shows that rowing has been vital for civilization for millennia. We can trace oar use back to ancient Egypt. Archaeologists found a model of a rowing vessel in a tomb from the 18th or 19th century BC. This vessel was wide with a shallow bottom for rivers like the Euphrates and Tigris. In the Mediterranean, galleys became essential for trade and naval warfare. Galleys were easier to maneuver than sailing ships in light winds.

Ancient Greece also used rowing extensively for power. The Athenian trireme was a famous vessel that used 170 rowers. These rowers used leather cushions to slide over their seats. This allowed them to use their leg strength, much like modern rowers. In Northern Europe, the use of oars became common between 500 BC and 1 AD. During the Viking Age, between 500 and 1100 AD, rowing and sailing vessels were used for trade and war.

Rowing techniques vary greatly across different cultures. In Venice, Italy, people use the "voga alla veneta" style.

In this method, the rower stands up and faces forward. They use a special wooden oarlock called a fórcola. In Slovenia, the pletna boat is rowed forward while standing.

Some cultures use unique methods, like the Intha people of Burma. In northern Vietnam, people in Ninh Binh Province row sampans using their feet.

Modern rowing includes highly specialized competitive racing. These athletes use narrow boats called shells or fine boats. To reduce drag, these boats are built to be very slim. Racing boats often use outriggers to hold the oarlocks.

These boats also feature sliding seats. This allows the rower to use their legs to generate power. This combination of technology and technique makes rowing a refined and fast sport.