The Motion of Rowing, and the Physics Behind It

The goal of rowing is to create enough power, that the boat will travel a long distance, with minimal work. Power is the force that drives the boat. The distance travelled is the motion of the boat in the water. The minimal work is the energy required to make the boat move. Matter is the water the boat must move through, to complete the physics equation of rowing.

Physics is an important part of rowing. Several rowing terms deal with how the boat will move through the water, by the power of the stroke. The stroke is affected by the strength of the legs. When the legs are correctly aligned with the body, the boat travels further through the water, using less energy per stroke.

Rowing Terms

1. Friction: water resistance during the rowing motion

2. Drag: the draw of the stroke that pulls the boat forward

3. Resistance: the force (water) the stroke must move through to build up momentum, and continue moving forward

4. Buoyancy: the power created by the floatation of the rowboat

5. Waves: the rush of water made from many strokes

6. Leverage: the mechanical power gained by the oar

7. Erg: the unit of energy created by the force of the stroke

Newton's Laws of Motion

Sir Isaac Newton was a 16th century English physicist and mathematician. He developed 3 laws of motion that define what happens when objects move through matter. His ideas were based on external forces, momentum, and reaction. Newton's Laws of Motion are:

A. A body continues in a state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force.

B. The rate of change of momentum is proportionate to the force applied.

C. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Therefore, once the oar begins moving through the water, friction is created by the force of the water. The water resists the momentum of the stroke, by opposing its leverage.

The physics of rowing explains the mechanics of perfecting strokes to gain speed. It is about balance, velocity, and inertia. The mechanics of rowing is naturally affected by the people moving the oars through the water. The combination of these two factors determines the final outcome.

When the spirit of the team is added to the equation, several things happen. Motivation, team work, and leadership are now factors that contribute to or take away from the energy source. These are the elements of rowing that physics cannot define. They are the source of inspiration, the agony of defeat, and the exhilaration of victory.