Lightweight rowing

A US lightweight four rowing team. Left to right, Capt. Matt Smith teams with Erik Miller, Steve Warner and Paul Teti at the 2003 World Rowing Championships on the Idroscalo.

Lightweight rowing (abbreviated Lwt or Lt) is a category of rowing where limits are placed on the maximum body weight of competitors. According to the International Rowing Federation (FISA), this weight category was introduced "to encourage more universality in the sport especially among nations with less statuesque people".

At the international level, for crew boats, the limits are:

  • Men: Crew average 70 kg (154.3 lb) – no rower over 72.5 kg (159.8 lb)
  • Women: Crew average 57 kg (125.7 lb) – no rower over 59 kg (130.1 lb)

For single sculls, the limits are 72.5 kg (159.8 lb) for men and 59 kg (130.1 lb) for women.