Being able to stop the boat is also of the utmost importance.

“Hold her up!” or “Hold it” is the command to use,or in emergencies, “HOLD IT HARD!” shouted at top volume. The rowers will stop rowing and square their blades in the water to slow the boat down rapidly. If you are rowing along at full speed before saying this, it will take you 1-3 lengths to come to a halt, so look ahead! When the boat has stopped, you can no longer steer with the rudder, but you may need to move the boat around. To do this, rowers can either ‘row on’ or ‘back down’.