What is feathering in rowing, and when should it occur during the stroke cycle?

• A. Feathering is rotating the blade edge parallel to the water during the recovery; used after the finish and during the recovery to reduce drag.
• B. Feathering means fully submerging the blade before the catch.
• C. Feathering is tightening the handle during the drive.
• D. Feathering occurs only when reversing direction.

Answer: (A)

Feathering means rotating the blade so its edge is nearly parallel to the water as you move through the recovery. This is done after the finish and during the recovery to minimize drag and keep the boat smooth as the blade moves back toward the catch. The blade is feathered to reduce resistance while repositioning, and then squared just before the catch to start the drive efficiently. Other descriptions don’t fit feathering because submerging the blade before the catch isn’t feathering, tightening the handle refers to grip, and feathering isn’t tied to reversing direction.