Rowing with a Partner - LiteRace 2X

Helpful hints and tips for rowing together

Positions

In general, the person in bow seat should be the shorter of the two rowers: they are referred to as "Bow";  also, they are often lighter than the person in stern seat ("Stern"). This is because the shorter person has a shorter stroke and can keep out of the way of the longer stroke of the taller Stern. If you are rowing with a guest however, they must be in stern seat so that you, as Bow, can take full responsibility for safety and damage prevention.

Launching

Bow should do all the launching and docking. This will keep the boat moving at a slow pace and prevent miscommunication as there are many obstacles around. Stern should sit in the stable position (oars feathered and perpendicular to the boat), and obey directions from Bow.

Straight Course

Bow is responsible for checking for hazards on the water. They also make sure that they are still heading in the desired direction. Stern is responsible for keeping the stroke rate consistent.

Communication Tip #1

This is key! Both rowers must feel confident to say when something isn't quite right and when they want to make adjustments. When adjustments do need to be made (or focus areas are declared) the rower talking has to allow enough time for their partner to get prepared. For example, you can't say "Picking up the rate now" because you are going to crash into your partner. Rather, precede the new command with "In two [strokes] , picking up the rate ....One ..... Two", counting out the strokes, so that both of you execute the command together.

Communication Tip #2

Bow usually talks about where they are going, straightening the course, evading objects, etc. For example, they would call "In two [strokes], hard on starboard.... One ... Two". When the course is straight again, Bow calls "Even" so that both rowers return to pulling their oars at even-strength.

Unsteady Rowing

If coordination between the rowers is not working, stop rowing and then start over. Sometimes it works well to have Stern start first with the Bow's oars feathered and resting on the water. After about ten strokes, Bow joins in, following the stroke rate established by Stern. Unless both of you are very experienced, the boat will generally be unstable if Bow and Stern start together from a standstill. If you do wish to start together (instead of the staggered start mentioned above), you should both start with a couple of half-slides (short slides) before extending to full slide. Bow must communicate this to give lots of heads up to Stern.

Windy Conditions

In windy conditions it is hard for Bow to hear Stern because Stern is talking away from Bow. In this case, most of the talking will be done by the bow person so that communication is easier.

Wavy Conditions

Bow will be looking around and communicating when large rollers are coming in. They can also call out to shorten the slide to stabilize the boat.

FUN FUN FUN

Most importantly, have tons of fun with the double! You go so much faster and it's an interesting experience to work with someone else.  Enjoy!