During catch timing, what type of cues help rowers set the blade square?

• A. Auditory signals only
• B. Visual cues or tactile cues
• C. No cues needed
• D. Color-coded wrist bands

Answer: (B)

During catch timing, the blade needs to come into the water square, meaning its face is oriented perpendicular to the water. Visual cues help you see that alignment as the blade approaches and enters the water—watching the blade edge, the blade’s orientation relative to the boat, and even the direction of spray can confirm whether it’s square. Tactile cues give immediate feedback through feel: the hands and arms can sense the oar’s orientation and the pressure through the handle, signaling whether the blade is square as you make contact. Using both types of cues—seeing the blade line up and feeling the blade in your grip—lets you set the square consistently at the catch. Relying on sound alone isn’t precise enough, and while other cues exist, visual and tactile feedback provide the most reliable, real-time information to thread the blade square into the water.