What is the sport of rowing? Know the history and rules related to the game

Rowing is a sport that involves propelling a boat with the help of an oar attached to it. It differs from other disciplines because the athlete steering the boat has their back to the direction of the boat’s movement and they cross the finish line backwards.

In addition to individual events, sailors also compete in teams of two, four, or eight.

History of Rowing

Rowing was first used as a means of transportation in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. It probably originated as a sport in England in the 17th and early 18th centuries with the Oxford-Cambridge University Boat Race in the United Kingdom, which was inaugurated in 1828.

This game reached Europe in the 19th century where it gained immense popularity.

What are the rules of the game?

• Rower athletes compete over 2,000 meters individually or in teams of 2,4 or 8.
• Double sculls athletes hold one oar in each hand while sweep rowing athletes hold one oar with both hands. A team of eight consists of a coxswain. The coxswain is the main driver who controls the boat.
• At a distance of every 10 to 12.5 meters, a special thing is tied to the depth of water, which marks the paths. The course should have a depth of at least three metres.
• The team making a wrong start is warned first. Also, if an athlete or team makes a false start twice in the same race, it is disqualified.

What are the two types of rowing?

The races are divided into sculling and sweep oar. Two oars are used in sculling events. Whereas in sweep the person steering the boat uses a rudder. A team of eight consists of a coxswain who steers the boat. Also directs the crew but in all other boats a rower steers the boat by controlling a small rudder with a foot pedal.