Recreational Rowing Overview
Swift’s recreational (1x and 2x/-) are built using FISA’s design for PARA boats. They are available in 3 grades of construction, Elite Plus, Club A, and Club B, all of which are sandwich construction, so providing stiffness and durability, which is especially important in these flat bottomed boats, while at the same time keeping the weight manageable.
They are useful for introducing beginners to rowing, as recreational boats, for touring, and as an alternative to always training in a fine racing shell, especially in open water or rougher conditions, or for heavier loading and less concern with balance (floating ergometer!). Please note that these are not for use on the sea.
They are stable due to their greater width/beam and flat bottoms, they track well due to their length, and also have a good turn of speed. The single was even used by a novice rower, and helped her get a 3rd place finish in the Czech junior championships some years ago.
| Overview | Hull | Saxboards | Canvas decks | Seat deck | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Plus | For use in top level competition. | Honeycomb core with inner skin of mostly carbon cloth, outer skin of kevlar, and carbon reinforcing | Honeycomb core with inner skin of carbon cloth, outer skin of kevlar, and carbon reinforcing | Honeycomb core with inner skin of prepreg carbon and outer skin of kevlar. | Closed cell PVC foam core with carbon and kevlar skins. |
| Club A | Mainly for training purposes, although with only a small weight disadvantage over Elite Plus boats, can still be highly competitive. | Coremat core with kevlar skins, and carbon reinforcing. | Honeycomb core for 2s, closed cell PVC foam for 1s, with carbon and kevlar skins, and carbon reinforcing. | Honeycomb core with inner skin of prepreg carbon and outer skin of kevlar. | Closed cell PVC foam core with kevlar skins. |
| Club B | Specifically built for training purposes. Quite heavy, but great “work horses”. This construction is relatively easy to repair. | Coremat core with fibreglass skins. | Honeycomb core for 2s, 4s and 8s, closed cell foam for 1s, with fibreglass skins, and carbon reinforcing. | Honeycomb core with fibreglass skins. | Closed cell PVC foam core with fibreglass skins. |