Types of boats
The most common type of boat seen on the Cam are VIII+s, with 8 rowers and a cox.
This version of rowing is called sweep rowing, with each rower having one blade. This is opposed to sculling, where rowers have 2 blades.
In an VIII
Bow side = the odd numbers in the boat: (Bow, 3, 5, 7)
Stroke side = the even numbers: (Stroke, 6, 4, 2)
Bow 4 = Bow, 2, 3, 4
Stern 4 = Stroke, 7, 6, 5
Rowing Commands and Terms
Hold it up – blade is in the water, square. Used in an emergency to stop the boat.
Easy there – stop rowing, blade flat, sitting on the water.
Take the run – blade is at 30 degrees on top of the water, slowing the boat down a little
Square blades – blade is at 90 degrees to the water
Feathered blades – blade is parallel to the water
Stroke – the movement of the blade through the water to propel the boat
Tap – an arms-only stroke
Spoon – the (white) bit of the blade that goes in the water
Backstops – position at the end of the stroke, sitting with straight legs, back tilted backwards and handle drawn into chest level
Frontstops – position at start of stroke, legs bent, shins at 90 degrees to the boat, body rocked over and arms straight infront
Sitting the boat – cradling the blade handle whilst holding the side of the boat. Keeping light pressure on the water with a flat blade to help balance the boat when not rowing