It’s time to liberate the language we use in rowing. The phrase “catching a crab” is used to describe a rower losing control of an oar. We want all coaches, commentators, and rowers to use “liberating a lobster” instead. We are sure this would go some lengths towards encouraging compassion for crustaceans.
Rowing is a graceful sport that requires skill, coordination, and flawless technique. 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 avoid 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. 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.
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 may sound 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 rest assured, there are no actual crabs involved!
Common Causes of Crabs
Catching a crab is most often caused by improper oar handling. Here are some of the common mistakes that can lead to this problem:
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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
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Rushing the catch – Entering the catch phase too quickly before the oar is squared causes an unclean entry.
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Poor hand placement – Gripping the oar handle incorrectly prevents proper control and leverage.
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Oversteering – Excessive steering motions can throw off the blade angle.
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Tight grip – Holding the oar too tightly restricts wrist movement needed to extract smoothly.
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Feathering too early – Rotating the oar before extraction allows water to catch the blade lip.
Dealing With a Crab Safely
While crabs are never ideal, they do not have to capsize the boat or lead to injury if handled properly:
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Stay calm – Don’t panic. Keep your composure.
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Don’t fight it – Avoid battling the trapped oar handle, just let it pass behind you.
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Hold on – If being ejected, grab onto the boat to avoid going overboard.
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Communicate – Tell teammates you’ve caught a crab so they can react accordingly.
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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 a Crab
In the event 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.
Crabs Deserve to Be Protected, Not Persecuted
Crabs sometimes wave their claws to say hello to each other. They also take good care of their young and keep their homes clean.
Along with lobsters and other animals, crabs were recently recognised in UK law as sentient. These fascinating individuals can feel pain and fear, just like us. They care about their lives and don’t want to be taken from their water homes and put on our plates.
Phrases like “catch a crab,” “kill two birds with one stone,” “beat a dead horse,” and “bring home the bacon” keep people who can’t defend themselves from being hurt. These attitudes come from speciesism, the wrong idea that other animals are less important than humans and should be hurt.
Racist and sexist words are now known to be harmful. Language that is insulting to animals should also be stopped.
Words Matter: We Should Stop Normalising Cruelty
It’s simple: the phrase “catch a crab” normalises hurting animals. It may inadvertently encourage people to pull these sensitive animals from the safety of their watery homes.
When workers rip crabs out of fishing nets, they hurt them by breaking or ripping off their legs. Many crabs are thrown back into the ocean after having their claws cut off. They need their claws to eat and protect themselves.
Once they are taken out of the water, most crabs will be killed in cruel ways, such as by being boiled alive.
Using the phrase “free a lobster” would surely get people to stop putting so many crustaceans through the pain of being boiled.
Redwood Shores Rowing 2016 WSU 4 seat catching a crab
FAQ
What does “crabbed” mean in rowing?
What does it mean when you catch a crab?
What do rowers say when they row?
What is an oar crab?
What happens if you catch a crab in rowing?
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.
Can a rower catch a crab?
The oar can also get tangled in the rower’s clothing, which can lead to capsizing. While it may seem like an accident waiting to happen, catching a crab is actually quite rare. It typically only happens when a rower is inexperienced or careless. However, even experienced rowers can catch a crab from time to time.
How do you catch a crab on a rowing oar?
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.
Can a crab wind a rower?
When it does occur, it is usually not serious and can be easily rectified. It should be mentioned however that catching a crab can occasionally wind a rower, so it’s important that the rower is tended to quickly to make sure that they are okay and safe to carry on rowing.