Why do you have to be so tall for competitive rowing?

Question

I hear that you have to be at least 5'8" and many of the best are over 6 feet tall. What is it about competitive rowing that requires such height?

Answer 1

Being tall in competitive rowing help the rower have more power due to the fact that while they row, each athlete sits in a seat that moves back and forth with their feet attached inside the boat. In order to get the most out of every stroke they take, it helps to have long legs so they can move the seat as far back as possible and as far forward as possible.

Also, having a tall upper body helps as well for all of the rowers to be in sync with one another and for the rower to reach as far forward towards the catch so they can drop their oar/blade is as far as they can to get a longer stroke to propel the rowing boat.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

The previous answer is incomplete.  The major reason height makes a difference is the angle of the oar in the water.  With everything else being equal, a taller rower has the blade of the oar at a stronger angle in the water with more of the blade in position to push water.  

There are many world-class rowers who are under 5'8", however.  The most important factors remain strength, conditioning, coordination and technique.  Height is a factor, but not always the determining one.

Answer 3

the taller you are the better because you will be able to pull the oar further back allowing you to go faster. Its all about physics. You will see that the rowers lean back a lot that is so they can get the maximum length of stroke

Answer 4

I don't know much about competitive rowing, but I've been rafting a few times and know that my height really helps me out of the way the paddles/oars/whatever are moved

Answer 5

Basic physics, the longer the lever the more powerful it is.