How to Steer a Row Boat

A day on the lake can be a wonderful way to spend time. But the best laid plans for a calm afternoon in a boat can turn the day into a big hassle if you do not know how to steer your rowboat properly. While you need some upper body strength to steer a rowboat properly, correct form when rowing is even more vital.

Instructions

1. Choose a rowboat that is easier to steer and you will have fewer muscle aches the next day. Longer boats require less effort to steer because they tend to cut through the water cleaner and will stay true to course easier than shorter rowboats.

2. Adjust the weight in the boat so that it sits flatter on the water. When the front or the rear of the rowboat sticks out of the water, it makes rowing more difficult and gets in the way of steering adjustments. Seat your passengers evenly on the seats and move any gear so that it is evenly spread on the floor of the boat.

3. Use oar rings or locks that hold the oars in place while you row. Moving the oars from side to side or having to hold an oar takes too much effort, and that effort can be used to move the boat through the water. Hold the oar in place up out of the water while you turn with the other oar.

4. Row with the right oar to steer left, and with the left oar to steer right. When the boat is moving and you want to adjust the direction slightly, put the oar in the water on the side to which you want to steer toward.

5. Get better leverage and control by using a longer oar. You can save some of your energy with longer oars too. An oar should be about twice as long as the width of the rowboat for maximum efficiency.