remo is a very popular water sport that combines physical strength, technique, coordination and strategy. The sport originated in ancient times and is a very common activity in many cultures around the world.
The sport also features in the Olympic Games, with various categories and types of races, in both calm and rough waters. To understand the sport better, you need to know the terms that define it.
And with that in mind, we’ve created special content with the rowing glossary! In this list, you’ll discover the main words in the sport and what each one means. This will make your experience of practicing or watching competitions even richer.
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Rowing glossary: complete list
- Away
- German
- Align
- Rocker arm
- Balance
- Bank
- Battle
- Birreco
- Bordo
- Calona
- Top car
- Dug
- Running
- Down
- Double
- Recessed
- Stabilizer
- Stretch
- Propulsion phase
- Slack
- Leaving
- Carry
- Handle
- Footprint
- Bow
- Paddling
- Paddle
- Scull
- Slide
- Vogue
- Flywheel
Rowing glossary: learn more about the terms
Away
In rowing, the term push back means to move the oars in the water so that the boat moves backwards. This movement is mainly used in maneuvers to reposition the boat or to avoid obstacles.
German
German is the name of the stroke in which the rowers on the same side row with alternating movements in relation to the opposite side, resulting in a smoother and more stable progression of the boat.
Align
Lining up is the act of positioning the boat on the starting line correctly, in line with the other competitors before the start of the race.
Rocker arm
A mechanism that allows the height of the oars to be finely adjusted in relation to the water level. It is crucial for ensuring efficient and ergonomic paddling.
Swing
The swing is the natural movement of the boat, back and forth, during the paddle. Good balance is essential for maintaining rhythm and stability.
Seat
The seat is the mobile seat on which the rower stands. It slides on rails, allowing the rower to use their legs to propel the stroke.
Battle
Part of the competition in which the boats are closer together, usually taking place in the final stretch of the race.
Birreco
Birreco is a boat in which each rower uses two oars, one in each hand. This type of boat allows for more symmetrical and balanced rowing.
Starboard
Starboard is the side of the boat, also called port or starboard. In rowing, it is essential to know which side you are on in order to coordinate the movements of the rowers.
Calona
Calona is the space between the end of the mobile seat stroke and the bow of the boat, where the rower extends his legs to the maximum before starting to row.
Head boat
The main boat of a team or club is called the flagship, and is usually made up of the best rowers. It is the boat that represents the team in the most important competitions.
Ditched
Ditched is the name given to the position in which the rower tilts the body backwards during the stroke, maximizing the reach of the oar in the water.
Running
The term running is used to describe the fast and efficient movement of the boat in the water, usually after the propulsion phase.
Descending
Descending is the term given to the movement of lowering the paddle into the water to start the propulsion phase. It is one of the most crucial movements to ensure efficient paddling.
Double
Double is a type of rowing that involves two rowers, who can use paired oars or sculls. In double rowing, coordination between the two rowers is essential.
Jamming
Jamming occurs when the oars of different rowers intertwine, resulting in a loss of rhythm and speed. It must be avoided at all costs.
Stabilizer
Stabilizer is the device or technique used to increase the stability of the boat. It is essential for beginners and in rough water conditions.
Stretching
Stretching is the act of fully extending the legs during the final phase of the stroke, maximizing the force applied.
Propulsion phase
Part of the rowing cycle in which the oars are in the water and the rower applies force to move the boat forward.
Slacking off
Slacking off is the act of relaxing the muscles between strokes, allowing partial recovery and preparation for the next stroke.
Start
The start is the initial moment of the race, when the rowers apply maximum force to achieve a good position right from the start.
Take-off
The term carry refers to the act of lifting the oars out of the water after the propulsion phase, in preparation for the next stroke.
Palamenta
Parlamenta is the set of oars used by all the rowers in a boat. Each rower has a specific oar, which is adapted to their style and strength.
Grip
Grip is the action of inserting the oar into the water at the start of the propulsion phase. An efficient grip is crucial for powerful and effective paddling.
Bow
The bow is the front part of the boat, the part that cuts through the water when rowing. Good bow aerodynamics are essential to ensure the speed and stability of the boat.
Paddling
Rowing is the complete sequence of movements made by a rower, from inserting the oar into the water to recovering for the next insertion.
Paired oars
This is the name given to the configuration in which each rower uses a single oar, and the oars on each side of the boat are paired to ensure balance and synchrony in the races.
Scull
Scull is the type of rowing in which each rower uses two oars. The technique allows for greater control and precision in the direction and speed of the boat.
Slide
Slide is the rail system on which the movable seat slides, allowing the rower to use their legs to propel the stroke.
Voga
Voga is the action of rowing, usually used to refer to the rowing itself. The term, however, can also refer to the command “vogar”, given by the helmsman to start rowing.
Steering wheel
The steering wheel is the oarsman positioned at the bow of the boat, responsible for dictating the rhythm of the stroke and, in some cases, for steering.
Rowing glossary: complete list
- Away
- German
- Align
- Rocker arm
- Balance
- Bank
- Battle
- Birreco
- Bordo
- Calona
- Top car
- Dug
- Running
- Down
- Double
- Recessed
- Stabilizer
- Stretch
- Propulsion phase
- Slack
- Leaving
- Carry
- Handle
- Footprint
- Bow
- Paddling
- Paddle
- Scull
- Slide
- Vogue
- Flywheel
Rowing glossary
That was the rowing glossary! If you liked this article, keep following our lists, rankings, news and much more about the world of sport as a whole, not just rowing.
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