Rowing: How to Pronounce the Words Correctly

Rowing is an exciting sport that requires strength, skill, and endurance. However, before you hit the water, you need to know how to pronounce the words related to this sport. In this article, we'll cover the correct pronunciation of some of the most commonly used words in rowing.

Basic Terminology

Before we dive into the pronunciation of specific terms, let's go over some basic terminology. In rowing, the person who steers the boat is called the coxswain (pronounced \"cox-un\"). The boat itself is called a shell, and each person in the boat is referred to as a rower.

Pronouncing Specific Words

Now, let's move on to the pronunciation of some key terms in rowing. The word \"oar\" is often mispronounced as \"or.\" The correct pronunciation is \"or\" with a long \"o\" sound. Another common mispronunciation is \"crew,\" which is often pronounced like \"crow.\" The correct pronunciation is \"crew\" with a long \"u\" sound.

The word \"stroke\" can be pronounced in two ways, depending on its meaning. When used as a noun to describe the rower who sits nearest the stern and sets the rhythm for the crew, it is pronounced like \"strok.\" When used as a verb to describe the action of rowing, it is pronounced like \"stroak.\"

In addition, the term \"sculling\" is often mispronounced as \"skulling.\" The correct pronunciation is \"skul-ing\" with a short \"u\" sound. Finally, the term \"coxless\" is often mispronounced as \"cockless.\" The correct pronunciation is \"cox-less.\"

Conclusion

By mastering the correct pronunciation of key words in rowing, you'll be better prepared to communicate with other rowers and coaches. Remember to pronounce \"oar\" with a long \"o\" sound, \"crew\" with a long \"u\" sound, \"stroke\" with a short \"o\" or \"a\" sound depending on its usage, \"sculling\" with a short \"u\" sound, and \"coxless\" without the \"k\" sound. Keep these pronunciations in mind as you continue to improve your skills in this exciting sport.