How do you execute 'Hold water starboard, Stand by to give way port, Give way port' commands?

• A. Port side leans backward with the blade out of the water.
• B. Starboard side places blade in the water; Port side leans forward with the blade in the water.
• C. Port side starts to row forward.
• D. Starboard side places the blade in the water; Port side leans forward with the blade in the water, ready to make the first stroke; Port side starts to row forward.

Answer: (D)

This sequence tests how you move from holding water to starting propulsion in a coordinated stroke. Hold water with the starboard blade in the water to stabilize the boat and keep it from drifting. Stand by to give way port means the port side is being prepared to take the first stroke, with the rower leaning forward to bring the blade into the water and get ready. Give way port is the moment the port blade actually begins the stroke, pulling water backward and pushing the boat forward. This setup keeps the boat balanced during the transition and ensures the first power stroke comes from the port side. The other options don’t reflect this exact progression or the correct placement and timing of the blades for the initial stroke.