What is a sign of an incorrect blade angle at the finish, and how do you correct it?

• A. Blade lifts early or drags; correct with emphasis on finish sequence and clean release.
• B. Blade tilts sideways; correct by adjusting oar lengths.
• C. The oarlocks squeak; correct by lubricating.
• D. Blade enters water late; correct by increasing cadence.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that at the finish the blade should peel cleanly out of the water while staying square in the slice of water you’ve just driven through. If the blade lifts early or drags, propulsion is being lost because the release timing isn’t right and the finish sequence isn’t being completed smoothly. That’s a telltale sign that the finish isn’t being executed with a clean, controlled peel, which also can upset the boat’s balance.

To fix it, focus on the finish sequence and a clean release: finish driving with the legs fully, let the hips and back complete their arc, and then let the arms finish with a smooth, controlled peel that releases the blade from the water. Keep the wrists steady so the blade remains square until it leaves the water, and avoid yanking or lifting the blade. Drills that isolate the finish—pausing at the finish, then releasing cleanly—help build the correct timing.

Other signs like a sideways blade tilt, squeaks, or late water entry point to different issues (alignment or equipment, lubrication, or cadence), not the blade angle at the finish.