Rowing Terminology

By the Watta Team · Updated

Rowing Terminology: Rowing has specialised terminology covering equipment (erg, scull, sweep), technique (catch, drive, finish), and training (UT2, threshold, intervals) that differs from other sports.

What is Rowing Terminology?

Rowing vocabulary can be confusing for newcomers. Key categories: Equipment — erg/ergometer (rowing machine), scull (two oars), sweep (one oar), shell/boat, PM5 (performance monitor). Technique — catch (start position), drive (power phase), finish (end position), recovery (return), feathering (blade rotation). Training zones — UT2 (easy aerobic), UT1 (threshold), AT (anaerobic threshold), TR (transport/VO2max), AN (anaerobic). Metrics — split (pace/500m), stroke rate (spm), drag factor, watts, distance per stroke. Competition — regatta (sprint racing), head race (time trial), erg test (indoor testing). Understanding this terminology is essential for interpreting coaching instructions, training plans, and performance data.

How Watta Uses Rowing Terminology

Watta's interface uses standard rowing terminology for metrics and zones. Understanding terms like split, stroke rate, and effort zones helps users interpret their Watta data and training recommendations accurately.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "pulling" a 2K mean?
It means performing a 2,000m erg test. "Pulling" refers to the rowing motion of pulling the handle. "I pulled a 6:45" means achieving a total time of 6 minutes 45 seconds on a 2K test.
What is the difference between sculling and sweep?
Sculling: each rower holds two oars (one in each hand). Sweep: each rower holds one oar with both hands. On the erg, neither distinction applies — erg rowing simulates a symmetrical pulling motion.
Why do rowers say "back" is faster?
In rowing, the finish end of the boat faces the direction of travel. "Going backwards" means moving the boat. This is why rowing race starts can confuse non-rowers — the athletes face away from the finish line and row "backwards" towards it.

Related Content

Erg (Ergometer)An erg (short for ergometer) is a rowing machine that measures work output, with the Concept2 being the standard used worldwide for training and testing.The CatchThe catch is the starting position of the rowing stroke where the blade enters the water (or on the erg, where the chain becomes taut), with shins vertical and body compressed forward.Split TimeSplit time is the pace expressed as the time it takes to row 500 metres on an ergometer, displayed in minutes and seconds (e.g. 2:00.0/500m).Stroke RateStroke rate, or strokes per minute (SPM), is the number of complete rowing strokes you take in one minute on the ergometer.Pace per 500mPace per 500m (also called split) is the standard unit of speed in indoor rowing, representing the time to cover 500 metres, displayed in minutes:seconds format.The RecoveryThe recovery is the non-power phase of the rowing stroke where the rower returns to the catch position, following an arms-back-legs sequence.UT1 Training (Threshold)UT1 (Utilisation Training 1) is the threshold training zone in rowing, performed at 75-85% of maximum heart rate, targeting lactate threshold development.FeatheringFeathering is the rotation of the oar blade from vertical to horizontal during the recovery phase in on-water rowing, reducing wind resistance — not applicable to the erg.Rowing for BeginnersFor Beginners
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