Paddlers
Paddlers sit facing forwards and paddles are used in a canoe fashion (rather than the kayak style typical of crew). Because each individual handles only one paddle, paddlers will become specialized in right or left-handed paddling. Left-handed paddlers are typically in higher demand. Stronger paddlers are typically placed closer to the front of the boat, with the most experienced making the lead pair located directly after the drummer. The lead paddlers and the drummer together set the pace for the team. All other paddlers synchronize their strokes to the paddlers in front of them (whom they can directly see) and the drum beat (which they can hear). In sharp maneuvers, paddlers on one side of the boat may be instructed by the steer to back paddle, or lift or drag their paddles.