glossary
ROWING TERMINOLOGY
Bow The forward section of the boat . The first part of the boat to cross the finish line . Bow number A card holding the number assigned to each boat for a race . Bow seat The rower closest to the front or bow of a multi-person shell . In coxless boats , often the person who keeps an eye on the water behind themself to avoid accidents . Coxbox Portable voice amplifier ; may also incorporate digital readouts displaying stroke rate , boat speed and times . Coxswain The oarless crew member who is responsible for steering and race commands ; the coxswain either sits in the stern or lies in the bow of the boat . Engine room The middle group of rowers in the boat . In an eight , this is generally seats 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 . They are generally the biggest and strongest rowers . Gunwales The top rail of the shell . Hatchet blade Oar blades that have a more rectangular shape . ( see Macon blade ) Heavyweight A rower who weighs more than the restrictions for lightweight rowing . Lightweight A rower whose weight allows him or her to be eligible to compete in Lightweight rowing events . Macon blade Oar blades that have a curved shape . ( see Hatchet blade ) Port A sweep rower who rows with their oar on the left side of the boat . Sculler A rower who sculls — rows with two oars . Seat numbers A rower ’ s position in the boat , counting up from the bow . In an Eight , the person closest to the bow of the boat is “ bow ,” the next is 2 , followed by 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 and finally 8 or “ stroke .” Starboard A sweep rower who rows with their oar on the right side of the boat . Sweep A rower who rows with one oar . Stroke seat The rower closest to the stern of the boat , responsible for the stroke rate and rhythm .
Hard on port ( or starboard ) The rowers on that side of the boat must row harder ( and the opposite side must row slightly easier ) in order to facilitate a sharp turn . Easy To stop rowing hard . Hold water Stop the boat . Check it down Square the oars in the water to stop the boat . Let it run To stop rowing and put the handles of the oars to the gunwales out in front of the rower in such a manner that the oars are parallel to the water , yet not touching . This allows the boat to glide for a distance . On the square To row without turning the blades on the recovery . Weigh-enough or “ Wain ...’ nuff ” To stop whatever the rower is doing , whether it be rowing or walking with the boat overhead . Power 10 A call for rowers to do ten of their best , most powerful strokes . It ’ s a strategy used to pull ahead of a competitor . In 2 ... Most water commands are appended prior to the command to take place after two strokes . For example “ In 2 , Wain ...’ nuff ”
SOURCE : ADAPTED FROM USROWING
CHARGING FORWARD
AND A CENTENNIAL OF CAMBRIDGE BOAT CLUB . 1909-2009 FORTY-FIFTH HEAD OF THE CHARLES REGATTA 15