To get maximum propulsion, should a boat’s team of rowers set their strokes to the same rhythm? Or should the rowers stagger the dropping and pulling of the oars through the water? Athletes and scientists have looked at the question, offering illuminating but inconclusive observations. But this month’s Physics Today features a special article by fluid mechanic researchers at the Paris École Polytechnique laboratory of hydrodynamics (LadHyX), who provide data and fundamental physics approaches for coaches, sportspersons and scientists to keep in mind the next time they observe or get into a crew boat.