Rowing

Rowing is a water sport played in a long, thin boat called a shell. Rowers sit and face backward. They pull long oars through the water to move the boat forward. Some boats have one rower and others have up to eight. Rowing takes strong arms, legs, and great teamwork.

Rowing Boats

Rowing boats are very long and narrow. They are made to cut through water with little drag. The seats slide on small wheels to help rowers use their legs. Some boats have a person called a coxswain who steers and shouts orders. Others have no coxswain, and rowers take turns steering.

How Races Work

Rowing races are often held on calm lakes or rivers. Most races are 2,000 meters long. Teams push off the starting line and row as fast as they can. The first boat to cross the finish line wins. Rowing has been in the Olympics since 1900.

Fun Facts

• A rowing shell can be over 60 feet long.
• Rowers use their legs more than their arms to move the boat.
• The famous Oxford and Cambridge boat race in England has been held since 1829.

Did You Know?

Rowers face backward, so they cannot see where they are going and must trust the coxswain or a teammate to steer.