Rowing technique
The rowing process consists of rhythmically (20-40 times per minute) strokes following each other, that is, movements of the oar blade in the water. The frequency of rowing depends on the complexity of the river section being overcome; it is minimal in calm sections and maximum when maneuvering in difficult water. The front rowers set the rowing pace. There are movement strokes and control strokes, as well as forward and reverse strokes.
The displacement strokes are intended to convey to the vessel maximum speed along its longitudinal axis forward (direct) or backward (reverse). Control strokes have the goal of imparting maximum rotational motion to the vessel around its center of gravity and can also be direct (starting as close as possible to the bow) and reverse (starting as close as possible to the stern).
Control strokes always have a component that tells the boat to move forward or backward, but this component is small, they mainly slow down the boat; to achieve efficiency in rowing, you need to combine control and movement strokes.
In kayak rowing, the first three phases of the stroke from one side are performed while the oar is being lifted from the other side. When performing a moving stroke, the rower's body is straightened, the maximum possible capture of water is achieved by turning the shoulders. During a stroke, the hand located closer to the water is the pulling one, and the hand located higher from the water is the pushing one. When kayaking, in each stroke there is a change of pulling and pushing hands. The oar presses on the water due to the addition of the moments of force from the pulling and pushing hands. The stroke force increases gradually, it is maximum when the oar is almost vertical.The drive ends when the blade passes the rower's body; further movement of the oar in the water is ineffective. When performing reverse strokes, the oar does not turn, that is, they are performed with the convex side of the blade forward.
Performing reverse strokes is similar to performing forward strokes, only the blade is lifted and the water is captured from behind. To control the movement of the vessel, the rower turns his head to one side for the entire time of the reverse rowing. To perform arc-shaped control strokes in the most effective zones directly at the bow or stern and increase the radius of the stroke, the rower's torso can lean forward or backward, the pulling hand can move closer to the pushing
Ceteris paribus, canoe rowing is more effective than kayak rowing, since the blade of a canoe oar occupies a more vertical position in the water than the blade of a kayak oar; it can be held closer to the side of the vessel.
In order for rowing movement and especially control to be effective, the rowers must be firmly planted on the vessel. On a kayak, this is achieved by using a special seat that limits the lateral movements of the rower and special stops for the rower’s hips; on a catamaran, a knee stand with fixation of the hips is also achieved with special stops.