Rowing

Glide over the water with even movements: rowing is one of the healthiest sports. When rowing, all major muscle groups are used: legs, stomach, back and arms. The great thing about rowing is that you train several components at the same time - a combination of strength and endurance. Rowing is also gentle on tendons and joints. There are no hard knocks and blows when rowing. Injuries are also rare.

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What row boats are there?
How do you row properly?
What disciplines are there in rowing?
Whom can I ask?

Rowing can be practiced from youth to old age - for the joy of moving on the water, to do something for your health or as a competitive sport. A little practice is required to be able to ride a rowboat on the water. Beginners can easily learn the sport in a rowing club. After just a few practice units it is possible to pull together in a boat across the water.

What row boats are there?

Rowing is usually done in boats for one, two, four or eight people. In a scull boat the rower moves two oars (sculls), in a belt boat only one oar (oars). This is used either on the left (port) or on the right (starboard). Sport rowing boats have roll seats and footrests. This means that the legs can be bent and stretched alternately with each stroke of the row. This leg movement supports the stroke of the oar. It is also possible to row on the "dry land": There are rowing machines (rowing ergometers) for this.

How do you row properly?

Rowing is a steady movement that uses arms, legs, and torso. With every stroke of the row, the effort and relaxation alternate. The force is applied when the oar is pulled through, the relaxation when rolling, when the oar is brought back into the "display position". The movement when turning the oar can be compared to a squat-stretch jump, but in the horizontal.

When rowing, the athlete sits against the direction of travel. Therefore, larger rowing boats have a “helmsman” who sits in the direction of travel, steers the boat and indicates the beat rhythm.

In rowing, in addition to increasing endurance, the stroke technique is also practiced. The beat rhythm and effort determine the degree of exertion.

What disciplines are there in rowing?

Rowing can be practiced as a competitive or recreational sport. A sporty rowing race is called a “ regatta ”. There are regattas over different distances (e.g. 1,000 m, 2,000 m) and for different boat classes (e.g. one, two, four, eight). Rowing is an Olympic discipline. Races are also held over long distances.

If you are looking for the nature and community experience, you can take part in hiking rowing. Rivers or lakes are also used for several days. The prerequisite for this is of course an appropriate level of fitness and technique.

Indoor rowing on the rowing ergometer offers the opportunity to practice the sport in winter too.

Whom can I ask?

Sporty rowing as a recreational or competitive sport can best be practiced in a rowing club. The clubs offer courses for beginners and training for advanced learners. Rowing boats are available for club members for joint excursions. The clubs organize regattas, hiking trips, etc. The umbrella organization of all rowing clubs is the Austrian Rowing Association.

Further information on rowing technique can be found on the rowing wiki of the Austrian Rowing Association.