Athletes sit in long, narrow boats and propel them backward across the water using oars. That sport is rowing. It demands powerful, synchronized strokes and high aerobic capacity.

Boats range from single sculls to eight-oared shells with a coxswain. Sweep rowing assigns one oar per athlete; sculling gives each athlete two. Races are typically contested over 2000 meters on calm, marked courses. Crews train for both raw power and precise timing so that the boat runs smoothly between strokes.

Indoor rowing machines allow year-round conditioning and have become competitive events in their own right. On-water training develops technical feel for the boat and the ability to hold form under fatigue. The best crews look almost effortless because every force is applied in unison.

• Sport of propelling boats with oars
• Includes sculling and sweep disciplines
• Raced mainly over 2000-meter courses
• Requires strength, endurance, and synchronization