How to Row an Inflatable Boat
Connect a deflated boat to a pump., Attach the oars by threading them through the pockets at the top of the boat., Place the craft on the water., Load the boat with supplies before you get on., Get onto the boat., Get comfortable on the seat., Grasp...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Connect a deflated boat to a pump.
An electric pump is best for larger craft.
Pump the inflatable boat according to the manual’s instructions. -
Step 2: Attach the oars by threading them through the pockets at the top of the boat.
There may be one or two sets of oars, depending upon the size of the boat.
Larger boats are likely to also be equipped with an outboard motor.
An oar is connected to a boat, while a paddle is separated and controlled entirely by the paddler.
Face the oars in or atop the sides of the boat until you are loaded. , Tie it from the anchor point to a dock if you are near the water.
It is best to keep a rope tied to the boat for easy anchoring when you go ashore. , Make sure to include a patch kit, a small pump, and a container for bailing along with your first aid kit.
If you are leaving from shore, you may want to load supplies and then push the boat into the water. , Sit on the seat assigned to the person paddling with your back to the water.
If there are multiple people, the person who will be doing the rowing should get on first, so that you will have control of the boat from the beginning. , 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. -
Step 3: Place the craft on the water.
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Step 4: Load the boat with supplies before you get on.
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Step 5: Get onto the boat.
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Step 6: Get comfortable on the seat.
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Step 7: Grasp the handles of the oars.
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Step 8: Glide both oars above the surface of the water
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Step 9: and then dig them into the water when your arms are fully extended.
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Step 10: Engage your abdominal muscles.
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Step 11: Focus on the pace of the rowing.
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Step 12: Turn the boat by lifting one oar out of the water and continuing the motion with a single oar.
Detailed Guide
An electric pump is best for larger craft.
Pump the inflatable boat according to the manual’s instructions.
There may be one or two sets of oars, depending upon the size of the boat.
Larger boats are likely to also be equipped with an outboard motor.
An oar is connected to a boat, while a paddle is separated and controlled entirely by the paddler.
Face the oars in or atop the sides of the boat until you are loaded. , Tie it from the anchor point to a dock if you are near the water.
It is best to keep a rope tied to the boat for easy anchoring when you go ashore. , Make sure to include a patch kit, a small pump, and a container for bailing along with your first aid kit.
If you are leaving from shore, you may want to load supplies and then push the boat into the water. , Sit on the seat assigned to the person paddling with your back to the water.
If there are multiple people, the person who will be doing the rowing should get on first, so that you will have control of the boat from the beginning. , 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.
About the Author
Douglas Harvey
Committed to making practical skills accessible and understandable for everyone.
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