The Rowing Tutor

Technique

Rowing looks like an arm exercise, but the power comes from your legs. The stroke runs in a set order: legs, then body, then arms on the way out, and the reverse on the way back. Get that sequence right and you will row faster, with less strain on your back.

Most faults come from rushing. Rowers hurry up the slide, pull early with their arms, or lean too far at the finish. Each is easy to spot on video, and easier to fix than you might expect.

These guides cover the erg stroke, stroke rate and breathing, then the on-water skills of sculling and sweep rowing. The erg is a good place to learn the sequence, but it can’t teach balance or blade work. For those, take a learn-to-row course with a local club, where a coach can watch you and keep you safe.

Best place to start

TechniqueCommon Rowing Technique Faults and How to Fix ThemEight common indoor rowing faults, from shooting the slide to a collapsed finish, with what each looks like, why it happens and a drill to correct it.TechniqueStroke Rate Guide: Choosing the Right Rate for Each SessionWhat stroke rate means on the erg, which rates suit steady rows, intervals and a 2k, and how to check your metres per stroke so a high rate is not just fast flapping.TechniqueSculling for BeginnersSculling for beginners: how a 6-week club course usually runs, the swim test, boats and kit you need, first-outing technique and how to fix common problems.

Sculling and sweep

TechniqueCatching a Crab While Rowing and How to RecoverWhat catching a crab is, why it happens, how to recover safely when your blade jams in the water, and how to stop it happening again.TechniqueHow to Improve Your Sculling TechniqueHow to improve your sculling technique: relax your grip, level your hands, slow the recovery, and use a 45-minute outing with drills for common faults.TechniqueSculling for BeginnersSculling for beginners: how a 6-week club course usually runs, the swim test, boats and kit you need, first-outing technique and how to fix common problems.TechniqueSculling vs Sweep RowingSculling vs sweep rowing: two oars or one, 1x to 8+ boats, oar lengths, how the stroke differs and how to pick which to try first at your club.TechniqueSingle Scull Rowing: What It Is and How to Improve Your TechniqueWhat a single scull is, why it is hard to balance, and the technique points that help most: set, sequence, blade work and practice drills with a coach.TechniqueThe Basics of Sweep RowingSweep rowing means one oar each, with crews of 2, 4 or 8. Learn the boat classes, stroke side and bow side, seat roles, and what a first outing involves.TechniqueThe Benefits of ScullingThe benefits of sculling: a two-handed stroke, real boat control, the freedom to row solo, and hard or easy outdoor training. Plus the risks and how to start.

On the erg

Technique5 Ways to Improve Your Rowing Posture, On and Off the WaterFive ways to improve rowing posture: hinge from the hips, brace, stay neutral, relax your shoulders and add 5 minutes of mobility, with checks for each.TechniqueBreath Control: How to Use It When Sprinting in RowingHow to breathe during rowing sprints: keep it rhythmic, never hold your breath, exhale fully, and switch to a faster pattern as the stroke rate climbs.TechniqueCan Rowing Machines Improve Posture and Back Pain?Rowing machines can improve posture by strengthening your back, hips and trunk, but they don't treat back pain. See set-up fixes, faults and warning signs.TechniqueCommon Rowing Technique Faults and How to Fix ThemEight common indoor rowing faults, from shooting the slide to a collapsed finish, with what each looks like, why it happens and a drill to correct it.TechniqueProper Breathing When Using a Rowing MachineProper breathing on a rowing machine: out on the drive, in on the recovery, never held. See how the pattern changes with stroke rate, plus a 20-minute drill.TechniqueRowing Without Your Feet Strapped InRowing without your feet strapped in is a short technique drill, not a workout. How to do it in 3 x 20 strokes, the risks, and when to skip it altogether.TechniqueStroke Rate Guide: Choosing the Right Rate for Each SessionWhat stroke rate means on the erg, which rates suit steady rows, intervals and a 2k, and how to check your metres per stroke so a high rate is not just fast flapping.TechniqueThe Importance of Adjustable Footrests on Rowing MachinesWhy adjustable footrests matter on a rowing machine, how to set height and straps in about 5 minutes, and how to fix numb toes and heels that lift too far.

More technique

TechniqueThe Top Rowing Terms for BeginnersThe top rowing terms for beginners in plain English: the stroke, boat codes, sides, crew seats, commands, club slang and the numbers on an erg monitor.

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