The Rowing Stroke
The rowing stroke can be divided into two parts: The drive and the recovery.
You will learn a coordinated movement pattern built upon the following positions and phases:
The Recovery (Phase 1)
■Extend your arms until they straighten.
■Lean your upper body forward to the one o'clock position.
■Once your hands and the oar handle have cleared your knees, allow your knees to bend and gradually slide the seat forward on the monorail.
The Catch (Position 1)
■Arms are straight; head is neutral; shoulders are level and not hunched.
■Upper body is at the one o'clock position—shoulders in front of hips.
■Shins are vertical and not compressed beyond the perpendicular.
■Balls of the feet are in full contact with the footplate.
The Drive (Phase 2)
■With straight arms and while maintaining the position of the upper body at one o'clock, exert pressure on the foot plate and begin pushing with your legs.
■As your legs approach straight, lean the upper body back to the eleven o'clock position and draw the hands back to the lower ribs in a straight line.
The Finish (Position 2)
■Legs are extended and handle is held lightly at your lower ribs.
■Upper body is at the eleven o'clock position—slightly reclined with good support from your core muscles.
■Head is in a neutral position.
■Neck and shoulders are relaxed, and arms are drawn past the body with flat wrists.
The drive is the work portion of the stroke; the recovery is the rest portion that prepares you for the next drive. The body movements of the recovery are essentially the reverse of the drive. Blend these movements into a smooth continuum to create the rowing stroke.