description Rowing Eight Overview
The Rowing Eight, or 'eight with coxswain' (8+), is the largest sweep rowing class, with eight rowers each using one oar and a coxswain who steers and directs. It is contested at the Summer Olympics and has been part of every Olympic rowing program since 1900. The eight is the fastest class in competitive rowing, racing over a 2,000-meter course. Major annual events include The Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge and various international regattas.
insights Ranking position
Rowing Eight ranks #3 of 121 in the Watersport ranking, behind Triathlon, ahead of Vendée Globe Offshore Race.
help Rowing Eight FAQ
How many people are in a Rowing Eight?
A Rowing Eight consists of nine people total: eight rowers (each using one oar) and one coxswain who steers the boat and calls the rhythm. It is the fastest of all traditional rowing classes on the water.
How fast does a Rowing Eight go?
An elite-level Rowing Eight can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour (24 km/h) during a race. This immense speed makes it the fastest human-powered watercraft in the world.
How long is an Olympic Rowing Eight race?
The standard racing distance for the men's and women's Eight at the Olympics and World Rowing Championships is 2,000 meters. The event has been a staple of the Summer Olympics since the Paris 1900 Games.
What is the role of the coxswain in an Eight?
The coxswain sits in the stern of the boat, facing the rowers, and is responsible for steering using a rudder. They also act as the tactical leader on the water, calling out stroke rates and executing the race strategy.
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