First time on the Water and how to Manoeuvre the Boat
First time in the boat - Scary? - No
|
How to Manoeuvre the Boat
|
Please print this document and use to remind yourself and the athlete of the correct way to row with waters on the water and feather and square correctly.
![]()
|
We strongly suggest that the athlete has already seen the how to row wall-chart before getting in the boat so that they have a basic understanding of the rowing stroke. It is also vital that they have a basic understanding of the correct posture and sequence before undertaking this lesson. If they have not already completed the Ergo series of skills, then we strongly suggest having them view the video in Ergo Skills 1 (click here) Additionally, they need to understand the basics of feathering the sculling blade with their fingers, not their wrists. See Rowing Skills 1 - Before the Boat. In this lesson the athletes row with their oars flat on the water, a relaxed grip is vital to do this effectively as the handle needs to move with changes in the boat and the water surface. It is crucial that this skill is learned well before attempting to row with oars off the water. To square the oar all that is needed is a small movement of the fingers to start then when the athlete pushes with their legs the blade will assume the correct position in the water. To feather the oar at the end of the stroke, merely use the fingers again to commence the feather and push the hands away then the oar will automatically feather and run along the water. Remember a relaxed grip is vital to executing this skill correctly and make sure that the blade is flat on the water all the way until the oar is covered at the catch. Many athletes will try to push the handle down just before the catch, and this must be avoided to complete the drill correctly. Once this lazy feather and oars on the water rowing skill are understood the next skill lesson in the series, (Key Skill 4) will focus on posture and sequence. In the video above we discuss how to teach rowing with oars flat on the water and how to correctly execute the lazy feather skill at both the catch and the finish. The pdf to the right below contains the most essential aspects, and we suggest that you print this and take it with you to follow as needed. |
For Members: Extra videos with further information rowing with lazy feather and oars on the water: For Members:
For when the athletes cannot achieve the correct body positions we have extra videos with further information, click here: On Water Rowing Course Lessons:
|