In later years of adult competition the high strain demanded by rowing over long distances is only capable of being supported by fully intact connective tissues. It is important therefore to develop the muscles involved in trunk stability at an early stage to support the stresses of competition at the elite level. However, it is beneficial for skill development if they undertake some sweep oar rowing at low intensity and on both sides of the boat. This may even entail an occasional race up to 1000 meters in distance for the better developed of this group in the 14 to 15 years age levels. It is essential to accompany this with a properly supervised strength and conditioning program and advisable for rowers to learn to row both sides of the boat.
Girls generally grow and mature earlier than boys.
Cross sectional height values for girls are around 160cm and begin to plateau at age 14 or 15 years of age while boys grow steadily through this period to around 170cm. Similarly girls weights level off at the same time at 55kg while boys grow to 60kg. The differences in the range of values for both sexes from these studies is significant. There are late developers and early developers. Late developers grow for longer than early developers and they are generally taller as adults.