Rowing (sport)

Rowing is a competitive sport centered on racing boats using oars to move through the water. In the United States, the sport is often called crew. It is distinct from paddling sports because the oars are physically connected to the boat. These connection points are known as rowlocks or gates.

This mechanical connection allows the rower to use the oar as a lever. By applying force to the oar, the athlete propels the boat forward. This sport requires immense physical strength, coordination, and teamwork.

There are two primary disciplines in rowing: sculling and sweeping. In sculling, each rower holds two oars, with one in each hand. In sweeping, each rower holds a single oar using both hands.

Boats vary significantly in size and capacity. A single scull is occupied by only one person. Larger boats are called shells. An "eight" is a shell that contains eight rowers and a coxswain. The coxswain is a person who helps steer the boat and directs the crew.

The rowing stroke consists of several precise phases. It begins with the catch, where the rower places the oar spoon into the water. This is followed by the drive phase. During the drive, the rower pushes the seat toward the bow by extending their legs. This leg drive provides the primary power to move the boat. The rower then pivots their torso and pulls the arms toward their chest.

After the pull, the recovery phase begins. The rower extracts the oar and performs a movement called feathering the blade. This involves rotating the oar so the spoon is parallel to the water surface. Finally, the rower compresses their legs to slide the seat back toward the stern.

Rowing has ancient roots and a deep history. An Egyptian inscription from 1430 BC mentions the warrior Amenhotep II as a skilled oarsman. The Roman poet Virgil also described rowing in the Aeneid during funeral games. Modern competitive rowing emerged in the 17th century on the River Thames in London. Professional watermen held regattas, which are boat races, to compete for prizes. These prizes were often provided by London Guilds or Livery Companies.

The Doggett's Coat and Badge race, which started in 1715, remains the oldest surviving race of its kind.

During the 19th century, rowing transitioned from a professional activity to an amateur sport. Boat clubs formed at British public schools and universities like Oxford and Cambridge. The first Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race took place in 1829. In the United States, the Harvard–Yale Regatta is the oldest intercollegiate event, starting in 1852. The Schuylkill Navy, founded in 1858 in Philadelphia, is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the U.S.

This era saw the rise of organized clubs that helped make rowing a mainstream sport.

Women's rowing has a dedicated history of growth. The first women's rowing team was formed at the Furnivall Sculling Club in London in 1896. International women's races began at the European Rowing Championships in 1954. Women's rowing was officially added to the Olympic program in 1976 in Montreal.

Today, women compete in all boat classes. They follow the same standards and age ranges as male athletes. In many regions, women's collegiate rowing has seen a massive surge in participation.

Today, rowing is a massive global endeavor. The World Rowing Federation governs the sport and holds annual World Rowing Championships. There are twenty-two boat classes in the World Championships. The Olympic Games feature fourteen different boat classes.

Rowing is practiced across six continents. Currently, 150 countries have national rowing federations. Major competitions occur worldwide, such as the Henley Royal Regatta in the United Kingdom and the Head of the Charles Regatta in the United States. This global presence shows how much the world values the skill of the sport.