Rowing, often referred to as crew in the United States, is a sport that demands endurance, strength, teamwork, and precision. It dates back thousands of years, but as a modern competitive sport, rowing has developed its own terminology, traditions, and subculture. One of the most commonly asked questions by newcomers is: what is a rowing boat crew called? This article explores the terminology used in the world of rowing, breaking down the various roles in the boat and offering insight into how teams function during a race.
TLDR
In rowing, the boat’s crew is usually referred to simply as a crew or a rowing crew. Depending on the boat size and composition, there are specific classifications like a coxless four, quad scull, or an eight. Each boat has a number of rowers who may be accompanied by a coxswain, who steers the boat and coordinates strategy. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone interested in rowing, whether as a spectator or participant.
What Is a Rowing Boat Crew?
The rowing boat crew is the group of individuals who row a boat in unison during a race or training. The term “crew” is widely accepted and used in both amateur and professional settings. Each crew functions as a single unit and must operate in perfect synchronization to maximize speed and efficiency.
Rowing crews can vary significantly depending on the type of boat and the number of rowers inside. Broadly, crews are classified based on:
- The number of rowers
- Whether the boat includes a coxswain
- Whether they use sweep rowing or sculling
Crew Types by Boat Configuration
Let’s break down the main types of rowing boat crews by configuration. All of these fall under the general term “crew,” but each has specific characteristics.
1. Single Scull
This boat has only one rower, using two oars (sculls). There is no coxswain. It is a true test of individual skill, endurance, and balance.
2. Double Scull
A crew of two rowers, each using two oars. Again, there is no coxswain, and success relies heavily on coordination.
3. Coxless Pair
This consists of two athletes using one oar each (sweep rowing), with no coxswain. Steering is often handled by a rudder connected to one rower’s foot.
4. Coxed Pair
Two rowers using one oar each, plus a coxswain. This setup allows for better control and tactics, especially in longer races.
5. Coxless Four
Four rowers with one oar each, no coxswain. Like the coxless pair, steering is controlled by one of the rowers via a foot mechanism.
6. Coxed Four
Four individuals plus a coxswain. This setup provides better coordination and strategy execution at the cost of extra weight.
7. Quad Scull
Four rowers each use two oars. This is a fast and efficient configuration used in both male and female competitions.
8. Eight
Eight rowers, each with one oar, accompanied by a coxswain. This is the fastest and most prestigious boat class in rowing. The eight is often seen in elite competitions like the Olympics and university regattas.
Role of the Coxswain
The coxswain (often shortened to “cox”) plays a crucial role in certain types of rowing crews. While they don’t row, they are responsible for:
- Steering the boat using a rudder
- Calling out strokes and maintaining rhythm
- Implementing race strategy and motivating the crew
A good coxswain can significantly improve a team’s performance by optimizing coordination and keeping the crew focused.
Sweep Rowing vs. Sculling
A fundamental distinction in rowing terminology lies between sweep rowing and sculling:
Sweep Rowing
Each rower uses one oar held with both hands. The rowers alternate sides in the boat (port and starboard). Sweep rowing is commonly found in boat classes such as the pair, four, and eight.
Sculling
Each rower uses two oars, one in each hand. Sculling is used in single, double, and quad boats. It demands a higher level of finesse and balance.
Team Dynamics and Crew Roles
Each member of a rowing boat crew, especially in larger boats, has a specific role. These are not official titles, but they are commonly used by coach and crew alike to enhance performance:
- Bow Seat – The front-most rower. Usually the most technically skilled and rhythmically precise, as they set the pace and adapt quickly to water conditions.
- Stern Pair – These rowers sit at the back (stern side) and are critical for setting the stroke rate. The stroke seat is most influential in pacing the crew.
- Middle Four – In an eight-person boat, these are the powerhouse rowers. Selected for strength and stamina, they generate the majority of the boat’s speed.
- Coxswain – Although not physically rowing, they are the brain of the operation and serve as the in-boat tactician, leader, and motivator.
Common Terms Associated with Rowing Crews
To fully grasp how rowing boat crews are classified, here are some terms you’ll frequently encounter:
- Sweep – One oar per rower
- Scull – Two oars per rower
- Lightweight – Crews with weight restrictions
- Heavyweight or Open weight – No weight restrictions
- Novice – Crew members relatively new to competitive rowing
- Varsity – More experienced rowers, often in university rowing programs
How Crews Are Selected
Rowing crews are usually formed based on a combination of:
- Physical fitness and stamina
- Technical skill and rowing efficiency
- Compatibility with teammates, especially in timing and coordination
- Specific strength requirements for different positions (e.g., stroke seat vs. bow)
In organized rowing programs, especially at a collegiate or professional level, seat-racing and other trials help determine the final boat lineup.
Conclusion
In the world of rowing, the term “crew” refers to the collective team in a rowing boat, each member contributing to the unified goal of performance and speed. Whether it’s a solitary sculler or a dynamic team of eight coordinated by a coxswain, each crew type has distinctive features and requirements. Understanding these differences enriches one’s appreciation for the sport and its athletes.
From the outside looking in, rowing can appear deceptively simple — just athletes moving in unison through water. But once you delve into the structure, strategy, and terminology involved, it becomes evident that every crew is a well-calibrated machine, each component vital to success on the water.