Sports Recommendation

Page 6-7

Rowing

Rowing, once a pastime of Western nobility, is a competitive water sport that requires rhythm, techniques and teamwork. As early as in the 19th century, the Oxford and Cambridge universities in the United Kingdom were staging intercollegiate competitions. Since 1900, rowing has officially become an Olympic event. Today, this once-aristocratic sport has become a popular recreational activity for all ages.

What are the different types of rowing?

Rowing is a sport in which athletes propel the boat across water surface using the oar for leverage. While many assume that rowing can only take place on a river, the sport has diversified and is suitable for enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. The major disciplines are as follows –

• Classic Rowing (Flat Water Rowing)

Taking place on flat water and featuring streamlined boats, classic rowing is a game of speed and coordination. As a standard event in the Olympics and international competitions, it is divided into various races based on sex, team size, inclusion of a coxswain and boat type.

Men and Women’s

These include single sculls, double sculls, quadruple sculls, as well as coxless pair, coxed four, coxless four and coxed eight.

• Board Rowing

Comprising a rigging frame and a board, the boat is relatively steady and easy to manoeuvre, making it the ideal option for beginners, youths and the elderly to get started.

• Coastal Rowing

Rising in popularity in recent years, coastal rowing is suitable for staging on beaches and in coastal areas. It will make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles in 2028 featuring men’s single sculls, women’s single sculls and mixed double sculls.

• Indoor Rowing

Using indoor rowing machines to learn the right moves, indoor rowing is unfazed by weather conditions and suitable for popularisation in schools and fitness centres.

Competition Rules and Venue Requirements

Classic rowing takes place on calm water using long and narrow boats with tapered ends, commonly known as “shells”. Rowers sit in the boat facing backward and row in unison to propel forward. The racecourse should include a starting zone and a buffer zone. At present, classic rowing regattas are conducted on straight waterways, featuring a standard distance of 2,000 metres, with each lane measuring 13.5 metres in width.

Techniques and Teamwork are Key

Rowing demands more than physical strength – it is also a challenge of skills and strategies. Every stroke must be smooth and precise. Teamwork is the key to success; only when the whole team row in sync can the boat propel forward at full speed.

In the Coxed Eight event, the coxswain is undoubtedly the linchpin of the team, steering the boat, observing the opponents’ strategies and giving tactical instructions. The final sprint to the finish line is especially a true test of the team’s endurance and mental fortitude.

Rowing Jargons

Development of Rowing in Hong Kong

Rowing was introduced to Hong Kong by British athletes in the 19th century, with the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club at the helm in the early days. In 1978, the Hong Kong, China Rowing Association (HKCRA) was officially established, and has since then taken on the dual mission of promoting rowing and grooming elite athletes.

In recent years, the Hong Kong rowing team has achieved remarkable success on the international stage, demonstrating the talent of local athletes –

A Sport for All