Describe the recommended hand and grip position during the recovery to reduce back and shoulder strain.

• A. Tense grip and braced shoulders.
• B. Clenched fists to grip the oar tightly.
• C. Hard grip while keeping wrists rigid to prevent blade slip.
• D. Relaxed grip with wrists loose; hands stay light; forearms and shoulders are relaxed; maintain continuity.

Answer: (D)

During the recovery, let the hands, wrists, and arms stay soft and easy. The best approach is a relaxed grip with wrists loose, keeping the hands light while the forearms and shoulders stay relaxed, and the movement remains continuous and smooth. This minimizes tension that can travel up into the back and shoulders, reducing strain. A tight grip or rigid wrists tends to lock up the upper body and waste energy, making the recovery stiff and increasing fatigue. By keeping the grip light and the wrists flexible, the oar can feather and move with the body, letting you lengthen your torso and shoulders as you recover. Maintaining continuity means the recovery flows steadily rather than stopping and starting with heavy effort, which supports a safer, more comfortable stroke overall.