roeien

Roeien is the sport of propelling a boat through the water using oars. It is practised by individuals or crews in boats powered by one oar per person (sweep) or two oars per person (sculling). Common boat classes include single scull, double scull, quad scull, pair, four, and eight, with some boats containing a coxswain who steers and coordinates the crew.

Equipment includes shells (boats), oars, and rigging. Modern shells are typically made from lightweight materials such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, with sliding seats, foot stretchers, and riggers that hold the oars. In sculling each athlete holds two oars; in sweep rowing each athlete holds a single oar.

Roeien has roots in the 18th–19th centuries, developing in clubs along rivers in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. It grew into an international sport with organized competitions in the 19th and 20th centuries. In international sport, rowing is governed by World Rowing (formerly FISA). Rowing is an Olympic discipline for men and women, with regattas held worldwide and a prominent calendar of national and international events. The standard distance for senior racing is 2000 metres.

Competition formats include side-by-side sprint regattas over 2000 metres, with events for various boat classes and weight categories. Major events include the World Rowing Championships, the Olympic Games, and traditional regattas such as the Henley Royal Regatta, and national championships. Training emphasizes technique, endurance, strength, and teamwork, often combining on-water sessions with indoor ergometer work. Safety and proper technique are emphasized to minimize injury.