2 Key Elements of a Clean Finish

In this video, Lachlan Davey demonstrates the two elements which combine to produce a clean finish. The way a rower releases the blade after the drive has a significant impact on boat speed and crew harmony. 

A clean finish is an efficient finish and indicates that the rower is wasting very little energy around the back-turn. If a rower is throwing water backward at the finish, it means they are no longer holding the water and driving the boat toward the end of the drive phase. If athletes get their blades caught in the water at the finish, this will also slow the boat and interrupt the rhythm.