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Step 1
Lock the blades into place at the front stops and sit with your shins and your arms straight. Keep your back still to avoid injuries.
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Step 2
Push back with your legs but keep the rest of your body in place. Once your legs are straight, lean back and begin to pull your arms into your chest. This is called the drive, and is what propels the boat.
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Step 3
Finish by lightly tapping the blades out of the water with your outer-hand in a circular motion. If you're rowing with square blades as most novices do, keep the blades at a 90-degree angle to minimize splash.
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Step 4
Complete the recovery with the blades out of the water and your arms straight. Lean forward and slide to return to your original position. Be sure to keep your back still.
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Step 5
Repeat this process, with special emphasis on keeping your back still. Your arms and legs should do most of the work.
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Step 6
Practice rowing as much as possible to perfect your rowing technique. Consider attending a rowing seminar. Many colleges and rowing clubs offer day-long seminars where crew members and coaching staff teach rowing techniques.
