Rowing requires the athlete to possess the leg power of a speed skater, the back strength of a weight lifter, the endurance of a marathon runner, the reflexes of a sprinter, and the balance of a skate boarder. 

At the Cleveland Rowing Foundation, you have the opportunity to develop these skills - and become a rower. 

Rowing is a year-round, full-body conditioning sport. The whole body is involved in moving a shell through the water. The rowing stroke uses your major leg muscles to control the power and speed of the stroke. When pulling the handle in to Finish the stroke, you're strengthening and toning the shoulders, back and arms. Few sports are as physically demanding to the entire body as rowing.

And, since rowing a mile in approximately four minutes places huge demands on the body's aerobic system, rowers utilize oxygen better than almost any other athlete. The best aspect of rowing is that it is a lifetime sport. Your cardiovascular system gets stronger and healthier as your body works to deliver oxygen to the wide range of muscles used in the rowing stroke.

The rowing stroke is made up of four parts: Catch, Drive, Finish and Recovery. The crew that's making it look easy is most likely the one doing the best job. Continuous, fluid motion of the rowers, no discernible end or beginning. Rowers strive for perfect synchronization in the boat, clean catches of the oar blade as it drops into the water.

Rowers use either one oar (sweep rowing) or two (sculling). The different size shells are for one, two, four and eight rowers. The four and eight rowers shells also have a coxswain. The coxswain steers the boat, watches the crew, and actuates the coach's game plan for the race.

Click here to learn more about our rowing programs.