Section 2: Equipment
2.1 Boat (Shell) Construction
Racing shells are ultra-lightweight craft built from carbon fiber, Kevlar, or honeycomb composite materials. The hull is typically only 1–3 mm thick. Each boat class has a minimum weight (without oars or cox):
- Single (1x): 14.0 kg (30.9 lb)
- Double / Pair (2x / 2−): 27.0 kg (59.5 lb)
- Quad / Four (4x / 4−): 52.0 kg (114.6 lb)
- Eight (8+): 96.0 kg (211.6 lb)
A soft rubber bow ball (minimum 40 mm diameter) must be fitted to the bow of every racing shell for safety. Boats may be weighed before or after racing; underweight boats are excluded.
2.2 Oars
- Sculling oars: 285–295 cm (9 ft 4 in – 9 ft 8 in) in length, with smaller blades. Each rower uses two.
- Sweep oars: 370–385 cm (12 ft 2 in – 12 ft 8 in) in length, with larger blades. Each rower uses one.
- Blade shapes: Cleaver (hatchet) blades are standard in modern racing; traditional Macon blades are rarely used competitively. Shafts are carbon fiber.
- Oarlocks (gates): Swiveling U-shaped gates mounted on riggers. Must have functioning locking mechanisms to prevent the oar from escaping during the drive.
2.3 Riggers and Seats
- Riggers: Metal or carbon fiber frames extending from the hull that hold the oarlocks. Rigger height and spread are adjustable.
- Sliding seat: Each rower sits on a wheeled seat that rolls along tracks (slides), allowing use of the legs during the drive phase.
- Foot stretcher: Adjustable plate where rowers secure their feet. Quick-release mechanism (heel tie-down or Velcro strap) is mandatory so rowers can exit the boat quickly in case of capsize.
2.4 Cox Box and Electronics
Coxswains use a cox box — an electronic amplification system with speakers mounted in the bow or stern section. The device also displays stroke rate, elapsed time, and split times. GPS and stroke analysis systems may be used during training but are typically prohibited from interfering with the competition.