Why do you need upper body strength in rowing?

Answer 1

The reason you need upper body strength in rowing is because it acts as a secondary and tertiary lever, which is when the back swings and the arms pull in to the body completing the stroke. However the most primary and important part of a rowing stroke is the leg drive which is commonly mistaken to be nonexistent. so the legs accelerate and initiate the stroke and then the back and arms continue to accelerate the oar till the stroke is over. More important then upper body strength would be lower body strength.