Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout that builds endurance, strength and cardiovascular fitness. However, even experienced rowers can occasionally fall victim to an unwelcome mishap known as “catching a crab.” But what exactly is a crab in rowing, and how can you prevent this problematic occurrence?
Defining the Rowing Crab
A crab refers to a specific error that can take place while rowing. It occurs when a rower loses control of the oar during the stroke phase. This causes the blade to become trapped in the water due to the momentum of the boat. As a result, the oar handle swings rapidly backwards over the rower’s head or strikes them forcefully in the chest or torso.
This jarring motion not only interrupts the rhythm of the stroke, but can also cause the rower to lose balance and be ejected from the boat in extreme cases. It essentially brings the rowing motion to a complete halt, which can be disastrous in a competitive race.
While the terminology sounds odd, the name “catching a crab” is thought to derive from the resemblance of a stuck oar to a crab caught in a net But don’t worry, there are no actual crabs involved!
Common Causes of Catching a Crab
Catching a crab is most often caused by improper oar handling. Here are some of the common mistakes that can lead to this problem:
-
Inserting the blade too deep – Allowing the oar blade to go too far down in the water prevents clean extraction and causes it to get lodged.
-
Rushing the catch – Entering the catch phase too quickly before the oar is squared causes an unclean entry.
-
Poor hand placement – Gripping the oar handle incorrectly prevents proper control and leverage.
-
Oversteering – Excessive steering motions can throw off the blade angle.
-
Tight grip – Holding the oar too tightly restricts wrist movement needed to extract smoothly.
-
Feathering too early – Rotating the oar before extraction allows water to catch the blade lip.
Dealing With a Crab Safely
While catching a crab is never ideal, it does not have to capsize the boat or lead to injury if handled properly:
-
Stay calm – Don’t panic. Keep your composure.
-
Don’t fight it – Avoid battling the trapped oar handle, just let it pass behind you.
-
Hold on – If being ejected, grab onto the boat to avoid going overboard.
-
Communicate – Tell teammates you’ve caught a crab so they can react accordingly.
-
Regain control – Once settled, carefully rotate the oar to horizontal and remove it from the water.
Preventing Crabs in Rowing
The best way to avoid catching crabs is through proper technique and oar handling:
-
Enter the catch with control, don’t rush.
-
Keep blade vertical as it enters water.
-
Use a light but firm grip on handle.
-
Allow wrists to flex for extraction.
-
Keep hands close to body for balance.
-
Extract blade before feathering.
-
Practice drills for clean catches and extractions.
Additionally, checking equipment and conditions can help minimize crabs:
-
Inspect oarlock height and fix if too high.
-
Check that oar handles are sized appropriately.
-
Ensure oarlocks are moving freely.
-
Row in suitable weather and water conditions.
-
Clean oar blades to prevent catching water.
What to Do After Catching a Crab
If you do catch a crab, here are some tips for recovery:
-
Take a moment to re-orient yourself and ensure you are balanced and in control.
-
Identify if you are injured or just shaken – seek medical attention if required.
-
Communicate with your crew so they understand what occurred.
-
Try to analyze why the crab may have happened and what can be improved.
-
When ready, gradually resume rowing to regain rhythm and confidence.
-
Consider practicing drills to reinforce proper technique.
-
Stay positive – catching the occasional crab is part of the sport!
While catching a crab can be unsettling and disrupt a workout or race, understanding why they happen and how to prevent them is key. With proper preparation, technique, and equipment, rowers can avoid crabs and enjoy their time on the water. Paying close attention to oar handling, stroke mechanics, and conditions provides the best defense against this untimely mishap.
In Summary
A “crab” in rowing refers to when a rower loses control of the oar, causing the blade to get stuck in the water. This jolts the rower and slows the boat. Crabs are usually caused by mistakes in oar handling technique. While annoying, they can be avoided through practice, focus and preparation. Stay calm if you catch one, regain control and you’ll be back in the flow in no time. With the right precautions, crabs don’t have to cramp your rowing style.
What Does a Crab Mean in Rowing?
About that little back story, I remember telling my mother that I didn’t believe there were any crabs in that lake, and she laughed out loud and insisted that on that day there was!
Of course, she wasn’t talking about those little crustaceans that crawl sideways. She was talking about the rowing term crab.
I’m Petra, and today, we are talking about something no one wants when rowing- catching a crab.
Basically, catching a crab in rowing is when the rower loses control of the oar. The oar handle swings backwards because the blade itself is trapped in the water by the movement of the shell.
This can cause the oar handle to swing up and over the rower’s head. The rower loses control and the boat loses speed.
Other times, the rower is holding onto the handle tightly and they get flipped up and out of their seat, sometimes landing in the water!
For many newbies, catching a crab is one of their biggest fears. It is not uncommon for newbies to catch a crab. I’ve told many noobs (people new to a sport) that they should actually welcome a crab so they can experience one and get it over with!
It’s very much like learning to ride a bicycle. It’s nearly impossible to learn to ride without falling at least once. To be honest, crabbing, like falling, is a valuable experience.
You will learn a lot if/when you catch a crab. Doing so allows you to move forward and focus on other things.
How Can You Avoid Catching a Crab?
The most common cause of a crab is usually that the blade is not square in the water.
This is either because the catch was not square to begin with or the rower was feathering the blade while it was underwater.
In most instances, both of these novice errors can be fixed quickly and simply.
The major problem occurs when novice rowers try to pull the oar handle lower into their laps during the finish, believing that this will bring the blade out of the water.
This actually gives you less space, not more. The opposite should be practiced. Pull the finish higher, not lower across your lap.
I know that this sounds like the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish, but try it slowly, and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.
Some coaches teach their students to leave a minimal amount of space between the blade and the water during recovery, but I have found this to be more of a hindrance than a help.
A bit of rough water or the wake from a passing boat is all that you need to catch a crab as the oar touches the water.
That’s strictly my opinion here, and if your coach encourages this tight clearance on recovery, then listen to your coach.
Corpus Christi ejector crab (Emma Sprints, 2014)
FAQ
What does it mean to catch a crab in rowing?
Catching a crab is every rower’s race-day nightmare. The term refers to when a rower’s oar accidentally gets sucked underwater mid-stroke, wrenching it out of control.
What is the hardest spot in rowing?
The 8 seat is usually the hardest to row. Stern seats require fluid and consistent rowers. It is important to remember that all three sections are equally important. A winning boat consists of 8 people rowing together as a team under the direction of their coxswain.
How to avoid catching a crab in rowing?
Union Bay’s Rowing Club suggests using a light, firm hold on the oar. Most of the time, a crab occurs when the oar is turned too far, too soon. This is because the rower panics and grips the handle too tightly, banging it down with their wrist. Instead, a rower should use less wrist to take the blade out of the water.
Why do they call it catching a crab?
If you’re an experienced rower, then you’re probably familiar with the term “to catch a crab.” But where did the phrase originate? The idiom bares some resemblance to the Italian phrase, “pigliare un granchio a secco,” which means “to catch a crab on dry ground” and refers to making a blunder.