The Top Rowing FAQ

These are the questions beginners ask most about rowing, with short answers and links to the fuller guides. Where a question depends on records or rules that change, check the governing body for current figures.

Getting started

What are the main types of rowing? Sweep rowing and sculling. In sweep, each rower has one oar. In sculling, each has two, one in each hand. Boats are named by the number of rowers and style: single scull, double scull, quad scull, coxless pair, coxless four and eight. See sculling vs sweep rowing and rowing boat types.

How do I get started? The best route is a local rowing club, many of which run learn-to-row courses. Failing that, an indoor rowing machine at a gym or at home lets you learn the stroke. See rowing for beginners: what you need to know and how to use a rowing machine.

What age can you start? Many clubs start juniors at around 12 to 14, with younger children often doing erg or small-boat sessions. Policies vary by club, so ask. There is no upper age limit; masters rowers compete into their 70s and beyond.

Is it hard to get into? The stroke takes time to learn, and a first few sessions can be tiring. Most people improve noticeably within a few weeks of regular practice. Club coaching helps.

Do I have to be tall? No. Height helps in open-weight racing, but the sport has lightweight and masters categories, and technique counts. See the pros and cons of height in rowing.

Technique

What is the rowing stroke? It has four parts: the catch, the drive, the finish and the recovery. Drive with the legs, then swing the body, then pull with the arms; reverse the order on the recovery. See how to use a rowing machine and common rowing technique faults.

What is a coxswain? The coxswain (cox) steers the boat, calls the race plan and sometimes the stroke rate, and sits in the stern or bow. Not all boats have one: “coxless” boats are steered by one of the rowers, typically with a foot-operated rudder or by changing pressure on the oars.

What is a coxless pair? A boat for two rowers, each with one oar, with no cox. It is a sweep boat, steered by the rowers. See what are Olympic rowing boats called.

What is a coxless four? A sweep boat for four rowers, each with one oar, without a cox. The coxed four has a cox.

What type of oar do I need? For club rowing, oars and blades are supplied. If you buy your own, the right type depends on whether you scull or sweep, boat type and rigging. See how to choose a rowing blade.

Training

How long and how often should I row? Beginners can start with two to three sessions a week of 10 to 20 minutes, then build up. See first month on the erg and is 20 minutes on a rowing machine enough.

Is rowing a good workout? Yes. It uses legs, back, core and arms, and it works the cardiovascular system. See rowing muscles: what they do and how to train.

Can I get in shape just by rowing? Rowing is a strong base for fitness, but overall fitness also depends on what else you do, plus sleep and food. No exercise targets fat in one area. See can you get into shape using a rowing machine.

Is rowing harder than running? It depends on the effort. Rowing uses more muscle mass at once, and a hard row can feel brutal. Neither is “harder” in a general sense. See rowing vs running.

What is a good 2k time? It depends on age, sex, weight and experience, and for records, check the Concept2 rankings. For targets, see how to improve your 2k erg time and 5k and 10k erg benchmarks.

What is VO2 max? It is the maximum rate at which your body can use oxygen during hard exercise, a common measure of aerobic fitness. See VO2 max and rowing.

Events and history

What is the Boat Race? An annual race between Oxford and Cambridge universities on the Thames in London, first held in 1829.

What is Henley Royal Regatta? A prestigious six-day regatta on the Thames at Henley-on-Thames, first held in 1839. See history of Henley Royal Regatta.

Who are some famous rowers? See Steve Redgrave, Katherine Grainger, Helen Glover, Matthew Pinsent and Pete Reed.

Buying a machine

How do I choose a rowing machine? Think about resistance type (air, water, magnetic), space, budget and noise. See best rowing machine and air vs water vs magnetic rowing machines.

Health and injuries

If you have an injury or a medical condition, speak to a GP before you start. See most common rowing injuries and are rowing machines safe.

Browse more in the training hub.