Is Rowing A Proper Sport? (Rowing)

Member Name: eyedo6789

Product:	Rowing
Date:	31/03/09 (109 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great For Physical Fitness

Disadvantages: Low Skill Levels Compared To Other Sports

I am not sure that it is.

Let's look at the case for it being a proper sport:

1. You have to be fit and strong to do it.
2. It is included in the Olympic Games
3. There is a long tradition of it at Oxford and Cambridge universities.
4. In the coxed eights there is room for a little fella or lady at the front.
5. It is ecologically friendly.
6. It keeps the kids off of the mews and away from the Pimms.

And what about the case against?

1. It is one of the few sports that you can do sitting down.
2. The skill factor in it is close to zero.
3. It is elitist.
4. It is a boring spectator sport.
5. There are too many different classes of boats and crews thus devaluing it.
6. The quality of the boat is a factor.

So we have some of the arguments for and against. I am of the belief that it is not quite a proper sport. To make it more attractive and to make me more of a believer I would like to see just single skulls and eights in their different weight classes.

I actually feel sorry for some of the medalists at Beijing who have not had that much public recognition because of the ongoing legacy and continued success of the 4 man crew.

Summary: The Jury Is Out On This One