Rowing Backsplash?

Question

While rowing in an eight person crew-boat, I was 2 seat, and bow seat mentioned something to me about how I was backsplashing her a lot. What does this mean and how can I stop it?

Answer 1

The first answerer is correct about a frequent cause of backsplash--because it's better than "missing water," I've had coaches encourage backsplash, although ideally you should have a "quiet" entry.  

Another cause, though, is dragging the oar on the water just prior to entry--if you're doing this, you may be getting the person behind you wet with the splash!

The answer to either cause is to drop the blade straight in at the catch--just release control of the oar handle (without taking your hands off it!)--don't guide or push the blade in, just let gravity and the oar design take over.

My best advice is to ask the coach to take a look at your rowing to see if this is a problem and be guided by what he/she says.  Ask him/her to give you something to work on--he/she may not see a little splash as such a big deal!

***You should listen to your coach, not the bow seat, for rowing advice.***  (Most crews have a "quiet in the boat" policy to prevent rower-to-rower coaching!)

Answer 2

Backsplashing is better called "catching the water". You are probably a beginner, or the person on bow is very experienced rower. It means that your body goes backward before you have put your oar in the water. Ask you coach to film you on the water so you can see this. Remmember that when you catch the water, the water will by itself fly in the direction of bow.

Catching the water is one of the most important things in rowing. It is something what makes rowers fast because your storke would be longer and you would be able to put maximum power in your stroke. Don't worry you will fix this, but it would take time and practice and assistance for your coach.

Answer 3

All your backsplash means is that you're skimming the water backwards a tiny bit on the catch; you're a little early getting in, and your oar drags on the water, throwing it back. (It's called "catching water" or "catching the water".)

You really shouldn't listen to bow seat as they are not your coach nor are they your coxswain. If the cox says something, do what you can to temporarily fix it, but coaching by other rowers isn't really something you should listen to. I personally consider it rude.

Let your oar flow with the boat instead of trying to force it in. Losing backsplash will come with time and experience. Bow seat will just have to deal until then. :)

Answer 4

it means youre backing the oar into the water and rolling up too early or dropping your oar too early. its actually a good thing as you are not missing any water and catchin air.

if you do want to fix it delay your roll up little by little until you achieve whats called a double splash. a small splash from backinng in and a small splash as you begin your pull. that means youve backed just quick enough not to miss water but not so early that the backsplash drowns sumone and slows the boat down.