Kristian Ferrell
Rowing is a complex sport that requires a great deal of coordination and teamwork. Each member of the crew has a specific role and position in the boat, and these positions are numbered from the bow (front) to the stern (back). The best seat in a crew boat is typically considered to be the stroke seat, which is the last rower at the stern and closest to the coxswain. The stroke is responsible for setting the pace and rhythm for the entire boat, and they need to be able to communicate effectively with the coxswain. The stroke seat is usually given to the most competitive, reliable, and technically skilled rower in the crew. However, other seats in the boat, such as the bow pair and the middle crew, also have important roles and require different skill sets. Ultimately, the success of the crew depends on the synchronization and collaboration of all its members, regardless of their individual positions.
The role of the coxswain
The coxswain is the athlete that steers the boat, calls the race plan, and motivates the rowers. The coxswain is the only member of the crew who can talk to the rowers during the race and is often described as the "brains in the boat".
The coxswain is responsible for guiding the boat to the starting line and getting the boat lined up correctly. Once the race begins, the coxswain must motivate the crew, as well as steer the boat by giving directions to the rowers and keeping the boat in the proper lane to avoid penalties. The coxswain must also watch the crew, spotting errors and making relevant observations. They need to know rowing technique so that if a correction is necessary, they know what to do and who should do it.
The coxswain also tells the crew where they are in relation to the other boats and how much further they have to go. They execute the coach's game plan as the coach cannot be with the boat during the race. The coxswain works closely with the stroke, who is the last rower at the stern and closest to the coxswain. The stroke is usually the best rower in the boat and is able to set a rhythm that is easy for the rest of the boat to follow.
The coxswain and stroke must work together for the good of the crew. They decide on subtle signs, such as hand signals or head nods, to communicate their race strategy. The coxswain is also responsible for making sure the boat's crew is the correct weight. If the crew is underweight, the coxswain must carry sandbags to bring them above the minimum weight.
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The bow pair
In an eight-person boat, the bow pair are #1 and #2. In a four-person boat, they are #1 and #2, the two rowers closest to the bow.
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The engine room
Seats 3, 4, 5 and 6 are referred to as the "engine room" of a crew boat. These seats are in the middle of the boat, and the rowers in these positions are usually the biggest, strongest, and heaviest athletes in the crew. Their role is to row as hard as they can, and they are often given nicknames like the Fuel Tank, the Meat Wagon, the Powerhouse, or Big Watts. These rowers don't need to be as technically sound as those in other seats, as they are closer to the centre of mass and buoyancy, meaning they have less effect on the boat's movements. Instead, they can focus on pulling with maximum power.
In summary, the engine room of a crew boat is a vital component, providing the power and stability needed to drive the boat forward. The rowers in these seats may not get the same glory as the stroke or the coxswain, but their strength, endurance, and coordination are essential to the crew's success.
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The stern pair
The rower in seat number 7, meanwhile, has the job of emulating the stroke so that the rest of the crew can follow. If the stroke changes the rhythm, the number 7 rower needs to match it immediately so that the rest of the crew can do the same. If there is a problem from the rest of the crew, the number 7 rower relays the information to the stroke, who can then tell the coxswain.
In summary, the stern pair are essential to the crew boat's performance. The stroke sets the pace and rhythm, while the number 7 rower supports them by ensuring the rest of the crew are in sync. Both positions require a high level of skill, concentration, and the ability to react quickly to changes.
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The stroke
As the stroke is responsible for setting the pace, the other crew members will match their stroke rate. This means that the stroke must be reliable and consistent, as any changes in their rhythm will affect the rest of the crew. The stroke also needs to be aware of the other rowers and trust that they will follow their lead, as they cannot see the other crew members but can only feel them through the boat.
Overall, the stroke plays a crucial role in the crew, requiring a high level of skill, aggression, and decisiveness. They must be able to set the pace and rhythm for the rest of the crew and work closely with the coxswain to ensure the boat is performing at its best.
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Frequently asked questions
The "best" seat in a crew boat depends on the individual and their strengths. The stroke seat is typically the most competitive and skilled, setting the pace and rhythm for the rest of the crew. This seat is best suited to decisive and aggressive rowers with excellent technique.
Aside from the stroke seat, the bow and stern pair seats are also key positions. The bow pair is often the smallest members of the crew, responsible for the stability and direction of the boat, and they require quick reflexes and adaptability. The stern pair, including the stroke, work closely with the coxswain to maintain the rhythm and make adjustments.
The coxswain is responsible for steering the boat, motivating the crew, and executing race strategy. They are the "brains" of the boat, guiding it to the starting line, keeping it in the proper lane, and communicating with the crew. The coxswain is the only one who can talk to the rowers during a race, so they play a crucial role in keeping the team coordinated and motivated.
The middle seats, often referred to as the "engine room," are typically occupied by the heaviest and most powerful rowers. Their main responsibility is to row as hard as possible, contributing to the overall power of the boat. While these seats may be more stable and less technically demanding, rowers in these positions must pay attention to their body movements and synchronize well with the rest of the crew to maintain the boat's balance.
