LTR Terms - Commands

Question 1

Hit it

Answer 1

Tells the rowers to row until told to stop –e.g. “Two-seat, hit it…”

Question 2

Back it

Answer 2

Move the shell backwards - rowers place their blades at the release position, squared, and push the oar handle towards the stern of the boat.

Question 3

Blades Down

Answer 3

Used to tell the rowers to place their blades back on the water after the boat begins to slow

Question 4

Bury the blades

Answer 4

Submerge the blades totally in the water in a squared position, usually right before a crew starts to row.

Question 5

Check it down

Answer 5

To stop rowing and hold the blades at a 45 degree angle in the water to slow the boat down gradually.

Question 6

Count Down

Answer 6

Tells the crew to call out their seat number, starting at the bow, when ready to row.

Question 7

Down on port/starboard

Answer 7

Means that the boat is leaning to one side or the other.
Rowers on the side that is called must raise their hands, and the other side must lower their hands.

Question 8

Hands on

Answer 8

Tells the rowers to grab a hold of the boat next to their seats, so that the boat can be moved.

Question 9

Hard on port/starboard

Answer 9

The rowers on that side of the boat must row harder (and the opposite side must row slightly easier) in order to facilitate a sharper turn.

Question 10

Heads or Heads Up

Answer 10

Off the water, a shout to alert others to watch out for a boat being carried.

Question 11

Hands, ready, up

Answer 11

Tells the rowers to press the boat above their heads.

Question 12

Hold Water

Answer 12

Emergency stop, also used after the command “way enough.” It instructs the rowers to square their blades in the water to stop the boat quickly.

Question 13

In 2…

Answer 13

Most water commands are appended prior to the command to take place after two strokes. For example “In 2, Power 10” or “In 2, way enough.”

Question 14

Paddle

Answer 14

Tells a crew to row with just enough pressure to move the boat. Also used to bring a crew down from full pressure.

Question 15

Ready all, Row

Answer 15

Begin rowing

Question 16

Power 10

Answer 16

The command to take 10 strokes of special effort. Often used to pass another boat (sometimes Power 5, Power 20, or Power 30)

Question 17

Roll it

Answer 17

Tells the crew to flip the boat over, in unison, from above their heads.

Question 18

Set it up

Answer 18

Reminds the rowers to keep the boat on keel.

Question 19

Set ready

Answer 19

Commands the crew to move to the catch, blades buried, and be ready to start rowing.

Question 20

Shoulders, ready, up

Answer 20

Tells the crew to lift the boat from any position below their shoulders, up to shoulder height. Can be reversed to lower the boat from heads to shoulders, i.e., Shoulders, ready, down! This is the best position for carrying a shell.

Question 21

Touch it

Answer 21

A stroke where rowers use only their arms and back. Used mostly for warm-up or to turn a boat.

Question 22

One foot up & out

Answer 22

The command for exiting a team boat.

Question 23

On the square

Answer 23

To row without feathering the blades on the recovery.

Question 24

Waist, ready, up

Answer 24

Tells the crew to lift the shell to their waist

Question 25

Watch your blades (side)

Answer 25

Tells one side to look out at their blades, and take action to prevent them possibly hitting something.

Question 26

Way enough

Answer 26

The command to stop whatever the rower is doing, whether it be walking with the boat overhead or rowing.