Most everyone who enjoys boating has taken a trip on a row boat at one time or another in their life. Lengthy excursions can result in back and arm muscle pain as well as blister on the hands, yet most people who have taken a row boat ride will agree there is no better way to enjoy some quiet time. Understanding the difference between paddling a boat and rowing a boat is an important aspect of the slow-moving water sport.
With a row boat, the oars are connected to the boat and the actions of the person doing the rowing makes the boat move forward through the water by pulling on the oars. Typically, the oars are attached to both sides of the boat’s frame and the rower is seated facing the back of the boat, occasionally peering over the shoulder to make navigational corrections, left or right. Some two-part mechanical oars have been developed that allow the rower to pull on the oars as usual, yet they can face the front of the boat.
When paddling, the oars are not connected to the boat and are held by the person doing the paddling. Steering is achieved much the same way as in a row boat, but usually by one person. In some larger craft, such as a canoe, two people may row at the same time and as their paddles either push toward the back or to the front on opposite sides of craft, it can be directed left or right.
Row Boat Sizes Can Vastly Vary
While the average row boat is between 12 and 15-feet long, they can be as short as six feet and as long as 4o or 50 feet. Although the larger the vessel the more oars will be needed to push it through the water. In the early days of boating, large ocean-going vessels used oars driving by as many as 30 people to keep it on a steady path.
Smaller row boats are often used on smaller lakes and streams to glide one or two people across the water. Competitive sports, such as skulling, use row boats in races and are popular at many Ivy League schools. These boats are typically very long and skinny with room for one person on the seats. Traditional row boats are often large to sit two abreast without fear of tipping it over.
Many young couples enjoy an afternoon or evening in the solitude of a row boat where they can discuss many issues or enjoy each other’s company without fear of being disturbed by others walking past.
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