Seating positions in row boats

There are names for each pair of seats. When speaking of eight rowers, you will hear them called:

Stroke (#8): This is the last rower at the stern and closest to the coxswain, so take note that in a Four, the Stroke is #4. Coaches often place the most competitive rower in this seat since everyone else will match the last rower’s stroke rate. The Stroke is also in the best position to communicate with the coxswain and give feedback. If the coach puts you in this position, you are probably the best and most reliable crew member since it will be your task to set the team’s rhythm and stroke rate—the reason why this rower seat is called the Stroke.

Stern Pair: Seat number Seven (#7) and Stroke are referred as the Stern Pair. Seven sees the back of the Stroke and has the job of emulating the stroke so others can follow. If the Stroke changes rhythm, seven needs to match it immediately so the rest of the crew can do likewise. If there is a problem with the rest of the crew, #7 relays the info to the Stroke who can then tell the coxswain.

Middle Crew aka The Engine Room: The Middle Crew are those in the center of the boat. In a Coxed 8, the Middle Crew will be rowers #3, #4, #5, and #6, while in a Four, they will be rowers #2 and #3. These are often the heaviest and the most powerful rowers. They get nicknames like the Fuel Tank, the Meat Wagon, the Engine Room, or the Powerhouse. These names are well deserved since their job isn’t to steer the boat or decide on the stroke rate, their only job is to row as hard as possible.

Bow Pair: The rower closest to the bow is called the Bowman or just Bow. In an Eight, #1 and #2 are called the Bow Pair. They are often the smallest members of the crew (other than the coxswain), so that the cox can see what’s ahead. If this was a coxless boat, it is the bow or the bow pair that will be giving directions to the crew and shouting out encouragement. In a Coxed 8, the pair is responsible for the stability of the boat. They are often the most technical, with the ability to be flexible and to move at a moment’s notice.