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Rowing

Athlete Eligibility and Classification

Athletes with physical disabilities are eligible to compete. Sport-specific classification procedures are not yet posted on the International Paralympic Committee web site.

Events

There are four boat classes:

bulletLTA4+ ... legs, trunk, and arms coxed four
bulletTA2x ... trunk and arms double scull
bulletAW1x ... women's single, arms only
bulletAM1x ... men's single, arms only
 
Class Distance Boat Gender
LTA4+ 1000m Sliding seat Mixed
TA2x 1000m Fixed seat Mixed
AW1x 1000m Fixed seat Women only
AM1x 1000m Fixed seat Men only

Playing Area

A 1000m rowing course has been used for most events; however, some competitions for the LTA4+ class have been conducted over a 2000m course.

Rules

World rowing (FISA) rules apply. However, rowing is a relatively new Paralympic sport, with rule modifications possible in the future, especially related to equipment specifications.

Equipment

The hull of the rowing boat is identical to the boats used by athletes without disabilities. The major change to the boat is seating:

bulletLTA4+ boats have sliding seats
bulletTA2x has a fixed seat with low back rest
bulletAW1x and AM1x boats have fixed seats with a higher back rest.

Smaller boats have additional buoyancy devices attached to the rigging on the sides of the boat to provide additional stability.

Two methods of transferring:

bulletAbove - using a transfer board and a set of steps that rise to wheelchair seat height
bulletRight - using a mechanical or hydraulic lift

Links

bulletInternational Paralympic Committee (IPC)
bullet World Rowing.com (FISA)

Page prepared by Gail Dummer

Disability Sports Web Site                        © Michigan State University                        Revised 12/12/2007