Rowing Terminology
The Stroke
| Phase | What Happens |
|---|
| Catch | Blade enters the water. Legs are compressed, arms extended. |
| Drive | Legs push, back swings, arms pull. Power phase. |
| Finish | Blade exits the water. Legs straight, handle at chest. |
| Recovery | Slide forward — arms extend, body rocks forward, legs compress. Rest phase. |
Boat Parts
| Part | What It Is |
|---|
| Bow | Front of the boat (points where you’re going) |
| Stern | Back of the boat |
| Port | Left side (when facing the bow) |
| Starboard | Right side |
| Rigger | Metal frame that holds the oarlock |
| Foot stretcher | Where your feet are strapped in |
| Slide / Track | Rails the seat rolls on |
| Cox box | Electronic speaker system the coxswain uses |
"Bow pair, add pressure" means the two rowers closest to the front should pull harder. Rowing has its own language — your kid will be fluent within a month.
