Rowing: Mastering Turns with Differential Power, Blade Work, and Rudders

How do you turn in rowing?

Turning in rowing, particularly on-water rowing, is primarily achieved through the strategic application of differential propulsive forces, where one side of the boat generates more or less power than the other, causing the hull to pivot. This often involves a combination of varying stroke intensity and specific blade work techniques.

Understanding the Principles of Turning

At its core, turning a rowing boat relies on manipulating the balance of forces acting upon the hull. A rowing shell moves forward due to the propulsive force generated by the oars pushing against the water. To turn, an imbalance in these forces is deliberately created, causing the boat to rotate around its vertical axis (yaw). This differential thrust can be achieved by:

• Increasing Power on One Side: Applying more force with the oars on the side opposite to the desired turning direction. For example, to turn left, the right-side oars would apply more power.
• Decreasing Power on One Side: Reducing the force generated by the oars on the side towards the desired turning direction. To turn left, the left-side oars would apply less power.
• Applying Reverse Force (Backing Water): Using an oar on one side to actively push water forward, creating a braking or reverse thrust that pivots the boat. This is highly effective for sharp turns or stopping.
• Holding Water/Braking: Keeping an oar blade in the water at a specific angle (square or feathered) to create drag on one side, slowing that side and allowing the other side to "pull" the boat around.

Methods of Turning in On-Water Rowing

The specific techniques for turning vary slightly depending on the boat type (sculling vs. sweeping) and whether a rudder is present.

Differential Power Application (Sculling & Sweeping)

This is the most common and subtle method for gradual turns while maintaining forward momentum.

• Sculling (Two Oars Per Rower): In a single scull (1x), double (2x), or quad (4x), the rower(s) can subtly adjust the power output of each oar. To turn left, the rower would emphasize the power phase of the right oar stroke (e.g., pressing harder with the right leg and arm) while potentially slightly easing off the left oar. For crew boats, this requires excellent communication and coordination among rowers.
• Sweeping (One Oar Per Rower): In a pair (2-), four (4-), or eight (8+), rowers are designated to either the port (left) or starboard (right) side. To turn left, the starboard (right-side) rowers would apply more power, or the port (left-side) rowers would reduce their power.

Blade Work Techniques for Sharper Turns

For more immediate or significant changes in direction, specific oar blade maneuvers are employed.

• Backing Water: This involves reversing the normal stroke.
  • Execution: The oar blade is placed into the water behind the rower (towards the stern) and pushed forward towards the bow, effectively creating a reverse thrust.
  • Application: To turn left, the oar on the left side (port side in sweeping, or the left scull) would back water. This acts as a brake and pivot point for that side of the boat, pulling the bow towards the backing oar. This is very effective for tight turns or to quickly adjust direction.
• Holding Water / Dragging: This technique uses the resistance of the water against the blade.
  • Execution: An oar blade is placed into the water, often squared or slightly feathered, and held stationary or moved minimally, creating significant drag.
  • Application: To turn left, the left oar would be held or dragged in the water, slowing that side of the boat and allowing the right side's propulsion to swing the bow around. This is less aggressive than backing water but provides immediate resistance.
• Washing Out / Feathering Early: While not a primary turning method, intentionally washing out or feathering an oar early on one side can reduce its effective propulsion, contributing to a turn.

Using the Rudder (Coxed Boats)

In larger sweeping boats like a coxed four (4+) or an eight (8+), a coxswain controls a rudder, a fin typically located at the stern.

• Mechanism: The rudder is connected by cables to a steering mechanism controlled by the coxswain. When the rudder is turned, it deflects the flow of water, creating a lateral force that pushes the stern of the boat in the opposite direction of the turn, thereby turning the bow.
• Integration: While the rudder provides primary steering, coxswains often call for "set" (even power) or "power on port/starboard" to assist the rudder, especially in strong currents or for quick adjustments, reducing drag from excessive rudder use.

Turning in Different Boat Types

• Single Scull (1x): The rower has complete control and uses a combination of differential power and blade work (backing water, holding water) with their two sculls.
• Crew Sculling Boats (2x, 4x): All rowers contribute. For a turn to the left, the bow-side sculler(s) might ease off or back water with their left scull, while the stern-side sculler(s) might apply more power with their right scull. Communication is key.
• Crew Sweeping Boats (2-, 4-, 8+): In coxless boats (pair, four), rowers must coordinate to apply differential power and blade work. In coxed boats (four, eight), the coxswain primarily steers with the rudder, but rowers are often called upon to assist with differential power to make turns more efficient or sharper.

Key Considerations for Effective Turning

• Anticipation: Good rowers anticipate turns well in advance, allowing for gradual adjustments rather than abrupt, energy-inefficient maneuvers.
• Balance and Stability: Any differential force can affect boat set (balance). Rowers must maintain core stability and good technique to avoid capsizing or losing speed.
• Rhythm and Flow: While turning, it's crucial to try and maintain the boat's rhythm and flow as much as possible to minimize speed loss. Sharp turns often necessitate a brief disruption of the rowing stroke.
• Communication: In crew boats, clear and concise communication from the coxswain or stroke seat is paramount to ensure all rowers are working together to execute the turn.
• Spatial Awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings, other boats, and potential obstacles. Look over your shoulder frequently, especially before initiating a turn.

Mastering turns in rowing is an art that combines precise technique, an understanding of hydrodynamics, and effective teamwork. It's a skill that improves with practice, allowing rowers to navigate waterways safely and efficiently.