Start Here: Rowing Dad Basics
Rowing is one of the best all-around sports for young athletes — it builds endurance, strength, discipline, and teamwork. But it’s also one of the most unfamiliar sports for most dads. If your kid is interested in rowing and you’ve never touched an oar, this page is for you.
Key terminology
- Erg (ergometer): the indoor rowing machine. The Concept2 is the standard. Erg workouts are where most training happens
- Split: the time it takes to row 500 meters. A 2:00 split means you’re rowing at a pace of 2 minutes per 500m
- Stroke rate (SPM): strokes per minute. Higher isn’t always better — power per stroke matters
- Catch: the moment the blade enters the water (or the beginning of the drive on the erg)
- Drive: the power phase — legs push, back swings, arms pull
- Recovery: the return to the catch position — arms extend, body rocks forward, legs bend
- Sweep: one oar per rower. Sculling: two oars per rower
- Cox (coxswain): the person who steers the boat and calls race strategy (does not row)
Boat types
- Single (1x): one sculler, two oars
- Double (2x): two scullers
- Pair (2-): two sweep rowers, no cox
- Four (4+/4-): four rowers, with or without cox
- Eight (8+): eight rowers plus a coxswain — the marquee event
How to find a club
Most youth rowing happens through scholastic programs (school-based) or community rowing clubs. Search for “[your city] rowing club” or “[your city] crew team.” USRowing.org has a club finder tool.