Venetian rowing differs from the usual style in that the oarsman stands, faces forwards and rests his oars in special oarlocks: fórcole. It is a pleasant rowing style not only because it allows you to see where you are going, but also because it is extremely efficient. A recent study confirms that to transport three people plus the weight of the boat (half a ton), a gondolier consumes the same amount of energy as he does walking. Another advantage of this style is the manoeuvrability: the gondolier is able to carry out every manoeuvre - starting off, right-angle turns, slow or sudden stops, moving sideways and backwards - without changing his position.

There are three types of Venetian rowing: first and foremost the method with a single oarsman using a single oar (the oar also acting as a rudder), a la valesàna with e a single oarsman using two crossed oars, and the method with two or more oarsman - normally an even number - on alternate sides of the boat. In each case the stern oarsman has the most important role.

The use of a single oar - with the resulting reduction in the space occupied by the sides of the boat - is indispensible in the narrow Venetian canals. In fact, when two gondolas approach each other from opposite directions, the oar can be used under the approaching boat, or - as the oar is not 'closed' in an oarlock - it can be lifted from the forcola and aligned along the length of the boat. However, if you row on only one side of a boat it will go around in circles, so a technique was developed to keep the boat on a straight course.

For a detailed description of Ventian rowing techniques as well as the construction of oars and forcole (the special oarlocks used in the Venetian lagoon), see the book Venetian Oarlocks, Oars and Rowing Techniques

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Rowing Techniques

    Oars and Fórcole