STROKE CYCLE TERMS

Release  A sharp downward (and away) motion of the hand which serves to remove the oar blade from the water and start the rowing cycle.

Feathering  The act of turning the oar blade from a position perpendicular to the surface of the water to a position parallel to the water.  This is done in conjunction with the release.

Recovery  Part of the rowing cycle from the release up to and including where the oar blade enters the water.

Squaring  A gradual rolling of the oar blade from a position parallel to the water to a position perpendicular to the surface of the water.  This is accomplished during the recovery portion of the rowing cycle and is done in preparation for the catch.

Catch  The point of the rowing cycle at which the blade enters the water at the end of the recovery and is accomplished by an upward motion of the arms only.  The blade of the oar must be fully squared at the catch.

Drive  The part of the rowing cycle when the rower applies power to the oar.  This is a more blended sequence of applying power primarily with the leg drive, then the back and finally the arms.

Finish  The last part of the drive before the release where the power is mainly coming from the back and arms.

Layback  The amount of backward lean of the rower's body at the end of the finish.  Now we start again with the release.

BOAT TERMS

Bow  The forward end of the shell.  Also the name of the person sitting nearest the bow.

Stern  The rear end of the boat.

Gunnels  The outside walls of the boat.

Port  The left side of the boat when facing the bow.

Starboard  The right side of the boat when facing the bow.

Coxswain  The person who steers the shell and urges the rowers on during practice and in a race.

The Stroke  The rower sitting nearest the stern (and the Cox'n, if there is one).  the stroke is responsible for setting the stroke length and cadence.

COMMAND TERMS

Hands On  Hands are placed on the scull's gunnel and within the scull on the appropriate handholds.

Over Heads...Ready...Up!  Scull is lift 3ith arms and knees up over heads of the rowers.  As scull is lifted up over rower's heads rower's turn their bodies to face forward.  Arms should be fully extended and elbows locked when over heads.

Down to Shoulders...Ready...Down!  Rowers split opposite their riggers so everyone is alternating throughout the length of the scull.  Both hands are placed on the same gunnel and scull is almost resting on rower's shoulder.

Down to Waist...Ready...Down!  Rowers lower the scull so that their arms are fully extended and scull is approximately at waist level.

Set the Boat  Oar handles should be at approximately mid height, gunnels to look level.

All Sit Ready  Blades are square and buried just beneath the water's surface...Rowers are at the Catch.

Ready...Row!  Rowers begin the rowing cycle.

Check It!  Oar blades are turned to the squared position in the water causing the boat to come to a quick stop.

Ready...Back!  Oar blades are turned upside down and rowers push oar handle away from the body while blade is in the water.  Rowers then pull the oar handle into their torso while blade is out of the water. This action will cause the boat to move backward.

Hold Water  Oar blades are turn upside down, placed just below the water's surface and held still for boat to stand sill or stop quickly.

Way-nough!  All rowers stop rowing.  Oar blade is then place flat onto the surface of the water.

Let it Run  All rowers sit upright with arms away holding the feathered oar blade above the water while the boat "runs" underneath.