How does rowing compare to swimming?

Question

i am a swimmer but i want to take up rowing. i'm a pretty decent swimmer, so would that give me an advantage when i row? is rowing more intense than swimming? what other things are different?

Answer 1

Swimming in the past would help you a lot when you start rowing. Everyone who starts rowing starts on a novice team and nobody knows what they are doing. When I first started, I had not played any sports beforehand and now, 2 years later, I'm on varsity in the A boat, but after a lot of work.

A lot of the rowers on my team who used to be swimmers compare rowing and swimming a lot. They say it is the closest workout intensity-wise compared to rowing. I'm not sure of the differences myself because I never swam, but I recommend you try rowing! It is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Answer 2

What kind of rowing? Rowing requires strong muscles and considerable weight.  Swimming is concerned with technique. Overall fitness will allow you to switch disciplines. Can you find a coach?

Answer 3

you will be much better off with swimming in my opinion. it is a great sport for cardiovascular fitness, and if you're a good swimmer you can take up waterpolo and other sports. rowing is an intense h**l. i did it for three years - waking up at 4am most mornings, having so much pressure put on you, being so, so slow at every other sport (it decreases fast reflexes and increases slow reflexes) and just being tired all the time and failing classes.

you also have to have a very specific body type to row. not too tall, very strong thighs (something i did not have which meant everyone was better than me on ergometer tests even though i was fitter than all of them!) and strong arms. you are much more prone to injury when you row compared to swimming. if i were you, i would think twice about signing up for rowing!