

The Rowing Stroke
How it works: The drive is the work portion of the stroke; the recovery is the rest portion that prepares you for the next drive. The body movements of the recovery are essentially the reverse of the drive. Blend these movements into a smooth continuum to create the rowing stroke.
The Catch
- Arms are straight; head is neutral; shoulders are level and not hunched.
- Upper body is leaning forward from the hips with the shoulders
in front of the hips. - Shins are vertical, or as close to vertical as is comfortable for you. Shins should not move beyond perpendicular.
- Heels may lift as needed.
The Drive
- Start the drive by pressing with your legs, and then swing the back through the vertical position before finally adding the arm pull.
- Hands move in a straight line to and from the flywheel.
- Shoulders remain low and relaxed.
The Finish
- Upper body is leaning back slightly, using good support from
the core muscles. - Legs are extended and handle is held lightly below your ribs.
- Shoulders should be low with wrists and grip relaxed. Wrists should be flat.
The Recovery
- Extend your arms until they straighten before leaning from the hips towards the flywheel.
- Once your hands have cleared your knees, allow your knees to bend and gradually slide the seat forward on the monorail.
- For your next stroke, return to the catch position with shoulders relaxed and shins vertical.
A great way to remember correct technique is on the way out..knees straight before arm pull and straighten, on the way in, arms pass then knees bend.