The sport can be both recreational, focusing (3) _____ learning the techniques required, and competitive where overall fitness plays a large role.

The many different formats are a result of the long (10) _____ of the sport, its development in different regions of the world, and specific local requirements and restrictions.

there are many different types of (9) _____.

Since the action of rowing (8) _____ fairly popular throughout the world,

It is a demanding sport requiring strong core balance as well as physical (7) _____ and cardiovascular endurance.

and uses the oars which are held in (6) _____ by the oarlocks to propel the boat forward, towards the bow

(5) _____ rowing, the athlete sits in the boat facing backwards, towards the stern,

It is also one of (4) _____ oldest Olympic sports.