Boat positions

In the sport of rowing, each rower is numbered by boat position in ascending order from the bow to the stern (with the exception of single sculls).

Because of the great responsibilities, the rower in the stroke seat will usually be one of the most technically sound members of the boat, capable of setting a good rhythm.

Number seven usually watches the back of stroke so that they can time when to move up the slide and copy their rhythm.

He or she will control the rudder using lines attached to the toe of one shoe, which pivots around the ball of the foot.

A rower steering in the middle of a four or quad is not uncommon, since bow and stroke have other duties already.

If the eight were bow rigged, the oar for the stroke (number 8) rower would be on the other side of the boat (bowside or starboard).

There are other options, and in particular in fours the middle pair may row on the same side: this arrangement means that there is less yawing of the boat through the water throughout the course of the stroke, making it more efficient.

The two rowers in the middle, rowing in a 'tandem', need to be well matched and synchronised to make this work (i.e. avoid clashing blades), and the bow person, rowing with a significant gap between them and stroke on their side of the boat, also needs to be able to adapt to the larger space in front of them.

Boat positions within an 8+ shell. (stroke rigged)