Commands
There are three parts to a command:
- Designator: The “who” part of the command tells the rowers who must respond to the command. If the designee is not explicitly identified, rowers assume the command applies to everyone.
- Preparatory: The “get ready” part of the command alerts the rowers to action. It is optional and usually used to give rowers time to change position.
- Execution: The “go!” part of the command describes and starts the action.
Example Commands
| Designator | Preparatory | Execution | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port | Sit ready at the catch | Row | Tells port to get ready to row from the catch, then to begin. |
| Starboard | (none) | hold water! | Tells starboard to hold water. The preparatory command was skipped. |
| (none) | Prepare to backwater | backwater! | Tells all rowers to get ready to back down, then to begin. |
Vocabulary Guidelines
The key is to establish your vocabulary and use it consistently.
Designator
- No designator given: applies to all rowers
- Port, Starboard
- Strokes
- Stern Four
Preparatory
- Ready all…
- Sit ready to…
- Prepare to…
- Get ready to…
Execution Commands
| Command | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Way Enough / Oars | Oars in oarlocks are positioned perpendicular to the boat, level with the water. Also signals to stop rowing. Another command for this is “oars.” In ERC we typically use “Way enough” and rowers may be confused by Oars. |
| Stand Oars | Also called “toss oars” or “up oars”. Oars are lifted straight up: handles on floorboards, blades in the air. |
| Let Fall | Oars are dropped into the oarlocks from the “stand oars” position. |
| Boat Oars | Oars are placed in the boat, given from the “toss oars” position. |
| Stand and Boat ’em | Combines the stand oars and the boat oars commands. |
| Row / Give Way | Start rowing. Usually preceded by a preparatory command. In ERC we use Row, many other clubs use Give way |
| Back Water | Row backward. Usually preceded by a preparatory command. |
| Hold Water | Blades are placed in the water to slow/stop the boat. Might not have a prep command in emergencies. |
| Trail Oars | Blades are moved aft along the side of the boat, clear of the water—used when passing anything that might hit the oars. |