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Some boats have a raised seat for the person paddling, while others place it flush with the bottom. You may have to cross your legs and lean back against the back of the boat to find a sustainable rowing position. If they are adjustable, you should adjust them when you find a calm spot on the water or before you take off. The top of your hands should go on the top of the oar, with the blade perpendicular to the water’s surface. Your thumb can go on the end of the handle or wrap around the bottom. You will lean forward and your arms will go forward to move the oars backward and vice versa. Lean back and pull the oars back while they are completely submerged, until your arms are even with your chest. Focus on sitting as straight as possible while you row. The pushing motion should be as quick as possible, so that the oars aren’t out of the water for long. Then, the pulling motion should be as deep as is comfortable with your posture. Flipping the oars out of the water as quickly as possible will minimize wind resistance. Rowing with just the left oar will turn you counterclockwise. Rowing with only the right oar will turn you clockwise.
Get comfortable on the seat. Grasp the handles of the oars. Glide both oars above the surface of the water, and then dig them into the water when your arms are fully extended. Engage your abdominal muscles. Focus on the pace of the rowing. Turn the boat by lifting one oar out of the water and continuing the motion with a single oar.