What is the recommended approach to address a rower who leans to one side?

• A. Increase weight on the lean side
• B. Ignore the lean and continue
• C. Move the rower to a different seat frequently
• D. Check asymmetries in rotation, core engagement, and blade pressure; provide targeted drills to balance

Answer: (D)

Leaning to one side shows an imbalance in how the rower loads and transfers force during the stroke. In a balanced boat, rotation from the hips and torso is even, the core stays braced and stable, and blade pressure is symmetrical through catch and finish. When any of those elements favors one side, the torso tilts and the boat pulls toward that side.

The best way to address it is to diagnose which piece isn’t balanced and fix it with targeted drills. Start by checking rotation: the hips should drive the stroke evenly and the shoulders stay square to the boat. Use cues like driving from both hips and keeping the chest aligned with the boat. Next, assess core engagement: a braced, stable midsection prevents the torso from tipping. Implement drills that maintain a solid brace and upright posture throughout the drive. Finally, look at blade pressure: both blades should be loaded and released evenly. Practice drills that emphasize equal catch pressure and even finish pressure, such as pausing at the catch to feel both blades and using feedback to equalize load.

Avoid quick fixes like adding weight on the lean side, ignoring the lean, or moving seats, because they don’t address the underlying mechanics and can worsen balance or cause other issues.