The difference between rowing and paddling is that a rower faces the back of the boat. Rowing is much more efficient than paddling because the larger back muscles are the primary movers, assisted by the arms and core muscles. Rowing a boat is an effective way to spend a lazy afternoon on a river or lake, but for those who are more competitive, sculling is one of the most physically demanding sports ever invented.
Traditional Rowboats
Rowboats have been designed for thousands of years. Traditional rowboats have a flat bottom, oars in the middle of the hull, and no rudder. They depend on oar movement for propulsion and direction. Rowing with both oars keeps the boat going in a straight line while rowing with one oar changes the boat's direction toward that side.
Racing Sculls
Rowboats were invented to carry goods and people. Then races started becoming popular in 18th century England, and lightweight, water-skimming sculls were developed. Crewed by up to eight rowers, these sculls move so fast that another person, the coxswain, was added to the boat to maintain rhythm among rowers and keep the direction straight. The coxswain is a small, lightweight man or woman in crews of four or more, facing the rowers.
Olympic Rowing
Olympic rowing events include single, double, quad and eight-person teams. Because the most powerful stroke on the oars relates to arm length and distance from the oar mount on the hull, champion rowers are tall, with long arms, legs and torsos. They have powerfully developed arm, back and chest muscles. Working in a synchronized team to learn how to row fast takes hours of practice, making Olympic level rowers among the best-conditioned athletes on the planet.
Masters and Recreational Rowing
For the recreational rower, clubs are found in any city with a lake or river suitable for rowing. U.S. Rowing is the national organization that oversees club and scholastic rowing teams, and their web site is a good place to look for local groups. Colleges have boathouses that often house recreational rowing clubs as well. Rowing alone is a good stress reliever and way to experience the outdoors. Rowing with others builds persistence and helps you bond with teammates.
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