How to Get Started with the Sport of Rowing

Rowing is a great cardiovascular workout because each stroke uses 85% of muscles that cover at least 9 major muscle groups. This also helps you tone up much faster. The rowing sport goes all the way back to the initial ancient Egyptian times, and the basics of it includes moving a boat through water using oars.

Rowing is well-known as a competitive sport that is also recreational. It is available in most colleges and universities, which form crews of teams and clubs to compete in different types of races. Rowing is actually an Olympic sport and there are also world championship events that are held each year.

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In the Olympics, rowing involves 14 total boat races with some allocated for men and others for women. FISA is the main body that holds the Word Rowing Championships each year, and it has 22 different boat classes. Now, if you wish to get started in this sport, here is a simple guide on how to do this.

Image Source: en.wikipedia.org

When Can You Start Rowing?

Any time is a good time for rowing, but because it is an outdoor sport, getting started shall depend on where you live. If you live in a warm-weather location, then this offers you more opportunities to start out at any time. Now, getting started in the cold weather environment is also possible, but for safety purposes, it is advisable to start in warm weather.

You Must Find The Right Rowing Club

There are plenty of rowing clubs that you can join. The clubs make it easy for you to learn the sport in a group setting. There are also schools that offer rowing programs that you can join as well. On these clubs, you shall find a trainer and all of the required rowing equipment on sale. They may require you to pay a certain amount of membership fee before you start, but if you are serious about the sport, it is more than worth it to do this.

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A Quick look At What It Takes To Get Into Rowing

Before you invest too much time and effort in this sport, it is always advisable that you take a quick look at what it entails, so you can decide on whether you want to venture into it or hot. This will answer the question on whether or not you really want to do this, it will also give you a glimpse into how much time is needed to learn how to row, and if you can commit to it or not.

In the clubs we have mentioned above, you can get to have a small test of the waters, where you shall have someone show you around, and guide you on how best to do this. It also gives you an idea of what rowing really entails. It may look like fun, but it is an intense sport that should not be taken lightly.

What Are The Rowing Basics?

Now, rowing is a complete sport that comes with plenty of rules and regulations that must be followed. It is important to first understand what these rules are before you can even embark on a training course. One thing you should appreciate is the fact that rowing is done in the waters, and safety should be your primary concern at all times.

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Here are some other basic rules you should know about

Safety

Before you head out into the waters and start enjoying rowing, it is vital that you start with the safety instruction. Safety always comes first, and you must also be in the right gear, before you can row at any time, regardless of how safe it looks, or how experienced you think you are. During winter, ensure that you do not go rowing alone. Falling in water that is below 50 degrees can quickly send you into shock and even death.

Pass a swim test

You must know how to swim. That is the basic requirement, and if you don’t know how to swim, you probably shouldn’t be water rowing at all. Most rowing clubs require you to pass this test before you start rowing, and the test also includes putting on a life jacket while you are in the water.

Know the basic terminologies

You should understand terms such as bow, starboard, stern, back, weight enough, stop, tie-in, bow person and port. These are the terms used while rowing. If you do not know these basics, then you are definitely not ready to row.

Image Source: en.wikipedia.org

Also Read: The Best Olympic Rowers of All Time

How To Get Into Rowing Conclusion

Finally, you should know the waters very well. It is important to understand the waters while rowing, and ensure to know the patterns and always be aware of any hazards. Before rowing for the first time, you must consult a doctor who should give you the go-ahead. You must have the right body conditions before embarking on this sport.

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