How to Row a Boat

Rowing a boat takes some practice before you get the swing of things.

Rowing a boat is a complex maneuver, no matter if you're just heading gently down the stream. The type and unique shape of each boat require minute adjustments to help the vessel move throughout the water. What's more, rowers need fairly sophisticated dexterity with the oars in order to paddle with any power. Practice and experience are the best rowing educators. Still, entering the water with some stroke knowledge can help you experience the water merrily.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Consider the type of rowboat you're using. The dory is a traditional variety of rowboat, made without a keel and ready-made for the sea, but not the easiest style to navigate. Olympic rowers slice through the water in racing shells or sculls; these rowboats are incredibly fast and slick through the water, but they're not always the most comfortable for casual rowing fans. Particular vessels can vary even within one rowboat style; you'll need some time to feel out the unique demands for each boat.

2. Scoop up the water behind you, using the oars, to move forward. This technique, called "back rowing," is the most common stroke you may use. Enter the oars at an angle to the water to propel the vessel while keeping it steady. Alter your stroke depending on the stroke of the water. Fast or choppy water, for instance, will need you to power through the water with more strength and rapidity.

3. Row your oars forward in order to move backward in the boat. "Forward rowing" like this is arduous for beginners. The difficulty exists partly because of the conditions that call for heading backward in the water; windiness, poor temperature, or a dull current can all demand forward rowing.

4. Use cross strokes to change directions in the boat. Essentially, you'll need to orient your oars to opposite directions; pull the water forward with one, while you push backward with the other. A couple of strokes in this manner should be enough to elicit a change. Don't use too much force with this stroke, or you may wind up heading in circles.

5. Broach your boat when you're stuck near the bank or trapped near a rock. Instead of using your oars to steer away from the obstacle, lean into it. The weight pressed into the trapped area should help the boat to right itself and get out of the jam.

6. Get out of the boat by shipping the oars, or drawing them forward to the sides of the boat, all the way to the blade. Then jump over the side of the boat from its narrowest area.

References

• Ron Rontilla Boat Works: Gentlemen's Rowing Boats -- wherries, skiffs and canoes
• Nomad Fly Fishing: Drift Boat Rowing Techniques
• Peinart Boatworks: Primer on How to Scull
• Anglers Rental: Drift Boat Basics