Glossary of rowing terms

In competitive rowing, the following specialized terms are important in the corresponding aspects of the sport:

At the catch - The order given just prior to the race start where all the rower's oars are in water ready to go.

In competitive rowing events, abbreviations are used for different boat classes.

Sometimes called "shells" in the US

In a sweep boat, each rower has one oar.

In a sculling boat, each rower has two oars or 'sculls', one on each side of the boat.

A shell with positive flotation, self-bailing capacity, a non-binding stretcher, and no forestay so re-entry is easier. These boats are generally shorter and wider at the waterline than boats designed for flat water racing.

Rigging is how the boat is outfitted, including all of the apparatuses (oars, outriggers, oarlocks, sliding seats, etcetera) attached to a boat that allow the rower to propel the boat through the water. The term comes from an old Old English wrigan or wrihan, which means "to clothe." It literally means to outfit or clothe a boat. Rigging also refers to the configuration of the boat and settings of the apparatuses. The following terms are often associated with a boat's rigging, along with other often used terms for equipment used in rowing.

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