Glossary of rowing terms

In competitive rowing, the following specialized terms are important in the corresponding aspects of the sport: In competitive rowing events, abbreviations are used for different boat classes.

Sometimes called "shells" in the US In a sweep boat, each rower has one oar.

A shell with positive flotation, self-bailing capacity, a non-binding stretcher, and no forestay so re-entry is easier.

The term comes from an old Old English wrigan or wrihan, which means "to clothe."

Rigging also refers to the configuration of the boat and settings of the apparatuses.

An 8-oared sweep racing shell (8+).
The inside of a double scull. Shows the seat, slides, backstops, footplate, shoes and riggers.
Two sculling oars. The "blades" are at the top of the picture and the handles are at the bottom of the picture. These blades are "hatchet blades."
An oarlock attached to a rigger
41 foot aluminium trailer with various types of rowing boats