Rowing, a.k.a. crew (in the United States), dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used it as a form of transportation. In the mid-17th century, Europeans developed rowing into sport. Modern rowing involves moving the boat, also called a shell, through the water by holding onto oars, sitting on a wheeled seat, and pushing off with your legs.

 

There are two types of rowing: Sweep, and Sculling.

 

With sweep rowing, each rower holds one oar with both hands, with oars alternating between port or starboard sides of the boat. Sweep boats are called a 2, 4, or 8 - which refers to the number of seats in the boat.

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With sculling, each rower holds two oars - one in each hand. Sculling boats are called singles, doubles, or quads - which also refers to the number of seats in the boat.