Beginning a Sculling Program

Ocean Community YMCA
We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities
Mystic River Rowing
Beginners Guide to the Joy of Sculling
Mystic Learn To Scull Clinic Lessons
Table of Contents
Novice Lesson Outline…………………………………………………………3
History of Rowing……………………………………………………………….5
Rowing and Health……………………………………………………………...6
Safety and Clothing……………………………………………………………..8
Diagram of a Rowing Shell…………………………………………………...10
Equipment checks and adjustments……………………………………….12
The Grip………………………………………………………………………….14
The Rowing Stroke…………………………………………………………….15
Emergency Procedures……………………………………………………….18
Rowing Rules………....………………………………………………………...20
Glossary of Rowing……………………………………………………………22
Books and Websites on Rowing……………………………………………..27
***With Special Thanks to Navesink River Rowing***
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Ocean Community YMCA
We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities
Mystic River Rowing
Learn to Scull Clinic Lesson Outline- Coach Pat Guelakis
Day 1
1. Introduction to Rowing
a. Swim Tests
2. On Land
a. Row on Land
h. Safety
b. Ergometer
c. Stroke Cycle (catch, drive, release, recovery)
d. Hands
e. Arms
i. Parts of Boat
f. Hips/Back
j. Boat Handling
g. Legs
k. Movie Clip
3. On Water
a. Demonstration
b. In Boat Rowing
4. Off Water
a. Wash Down
b. Care of Boat
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c. Stretching
Day 2
1. On Land
2. On Water
3. Off Water
Day 3
1. On Land
2. On Water
3. Off Water
Day 4
1. On Land
2. On Water
3. Off Water
Day 5
1. WINTECH RACING CLINIC
2. Graduation
Introduction- The History of Rowing
Rowing originated not as a sport, but as a means of
transportation and warfare. All of the major ancient
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civilizations used rowing to advance their cultures, both in peace and war. The victors of
many sea battles were those that could outmaneuver their opponents on the water. The
Athenians frequently won because they used a form of a moving slide in order to
incorporate the oarsman legs. The Vikings were successful in sea battles, in part,
because of the speed of attack they could achieve with their rowing ships.
Competitive rowing is one of the oldest and most traditional sports. Races between
oared galleys were held in ancient Egypt and Rome. The first mention of rowing as
sport (rather than as transportation) is found in the book The Aeneid, written by the
Roman poet Virgil between 30 and 19 B.C. -- over 2,000 years ago! Although rowing
was always popular with fishermen and sailors, it was not until the 1700's that the sport
became popular with ordinary citizens when watermen would race in long barges on the
Thames River in England. The Thames is the setting for three of the most celebrated
rowing events in the world: Doggett's Coat and Badge Race, the oldest rowing contest
in the world, held annually since 1715; the annual Boat Race between the universities of
Oxford and Cambridge; and the Henley Royal Regatta.
The sport of rowing as we know it today began in 1829 with the first Oxford-Cambridge
race. The Henley Royal Regatta was started in 1839. The Yale-Harvard race on the
Charles River marked the beginning of competitive rowing in the United States in 1852.
Rowing became the first organized collegiate sport in the U.S., complete with its own
governing body. Today, men's collegiate rowing in the U.S. remains independent of the
NCAA, while women's rowing became a NCAA sport in 1997. International
championships were first arranged in 1893, and remain under the direction of the
Federation International des Societes d' Aviron (FISA).
The first recreational rowing boat was introduced by Arthur Martin in 1971. He wanted to
row on coastal waters too rough for racing shells. Now many manufacturers have
recreational rowing shells that are more stable, wider, and shorter than racing shells.
Rowing and Health Benefits
Some skilled rowers are as young as 7 years old and
the oldest woman to race the Head of the Charles
Regatta was 91. There are even adaptive rowing rigs
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for partially handicapped people. Rowers are superb examples of excellent conditioning.
Some of the best athletic bodies may be seen on rowers. However, rowing for
beginners does not necessarily have to be any more strenuous than walking. Beginners
and recreational rowers can learn the stroke within in their individual capabilities.
Top Left, 9 year old Bonnie rowing an Alden Ocean Shell in a race, Above,
90 year old Ernestine Bayer racing at the Head of the Charles Regatta, Left:
Mike Davidson paralyzed in a biking accident in an adaptive Alden rig with
Joanne Stolen, Right newest innovation in recreational shells with a folding
rigger, the Echo.
After acquiring basic rowing
skills, novice rowers can reach
their target heart rate for burning
calories-this means weight loss
and muscle toning.
Watch the sport and you might
get the impression that upper
body strength is most important,
but actually, the legs are of
greater importance, since that's
where the stroke begins and
legs are your most powerful muscle group. It takes power from every major muscle
group to propel the boat through the water. The fluid, rowing stroke tones and
strengthens your legs, arms, back and shoulders. You'll also feel it in your abdominal
muscles and glutes.
Because rowing exercises muscles through a wider range of motion than most other
exercises, your muscles stretch and joints rotate to a greater extent. This promotes
mobility and flexibility. Because the rowing stroke is fluid and your energy comes from
pushing steadily against a solid base, there is no harsh, jarring impact, to cause shin
splints or joint injuries.
Flexibility
The lack of flexibility can be the MOST limiting factor in learning good technique.
Flexibility refers to the ease of body movement through a wide range of motion. The
body should be flexible enough to move slowly, smoothly, and comfortably through a
wider range of motion. Moderate but sustained stretching is more effective than short,
extreme, and forced stretching.
Six area requiring flexibility in rowing
1. hamstrings
2. lower back
3. hips
4. calves
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5. ankles
6. shoulders
Some good stretches
Yoga Stretches from Sun Salutations
Safety and Clothing
Like all other aquatic sports, Rowing has some basic necessities in order to
prevent loss of life or serious injury.
1. Rowers should be able to swim. "Personal Flotation Device" is required in
all boats during Learn To Scull Clinics.
2. Study, understand and obey the traffic rules, restrictions and hazards of all
waterways on which you intend to row, train or race.
3. Beginning scullers should always row under supervision.
4. Assess the weather conditions before rowing. Do not row if a lightning
storm appears imminent or where visibility is poor e.g. fog, heavy rain.
5. All rowing will be conducted between sunrise and sunset. Coxless boat
crews should check their course regularly and be wary of craft that might
change course without notice.
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6. Review the weather forecast before rowing in inclement conditions. If in
doubt always seek the advice of an experienced coach or rower.
7. Protect yourself from the effects of extreme heat and sun. Drink water,
wear a hat, long sleeve training top, water resistant sun block &
sunglasses .
8. In cold weather, dress to retain body warmth in order to prevent injuries
and/or illness e.g. hat, tights, thermal long sleeve tops.
9. Make sure you have adequately warmed up prior to any strenuous training
session or race.
10. Make sure you know how to get into a boat if you flip.
Rowing Clothing Basics
It's important to dress appropriately for safety, performance, and health,
especially during the colder and wetter weather.
Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics such as Polypro, CoolMax and similar fabrics are best because
they keep the rower relatively warm even when wet, and they dry quickly. You
will get wet from perspiration, rain, and splash.
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Best Clothing
The best clothing for rowing is soft, stretchy, breathable, and fairly form fitting.
Don’t overlook an old, close fitting sweater. Loose shorts can get caught in the
slides under the moving seats, so avoid basketball style shorts or warm-ups.
Loose tops can get caught in the oar handles, so avoid bulky jackets or
sweatshirts.
For official rowing clothing there are many manufacturers
http://www.row2k.com/rowingmall/
http://www.potomacrowing.com/
http://www.sewsporty.com
http://www.jlracing.com
Diagram of a Rowing Shell
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1.
2.
Bow - The forward section of a boat.
Bowball - A rubber ball attached to the bow tip of a shell to protect against
damage and injury in case of a collision.
3. Seat - The sliding seat that the rower sits on.
4. Foot Stretcher – An adjustable bracket in a shell that the rower’s feet are
secured into a type of shoe.
5. Rigger - A framework attached to the shell and used to support the oarlock;
also called an "outrigger".
6. Oarlock - A U-shaped device on a boat's gunwale where the oar rests and
swings; also called a "rowlock".
7. Gate -A bar across the oarlock to prevent the oar from popping out.
8. Deck - The areas of a shell at the bow and stern.
9. Stern - The back part of a boat.
10. Oar - A lever used to propel and steer a boat through water, consisting of a
long shaft of wood with a blade at one end.
11. Handle - The part of an oar held by an oarsman.
12. Sleeve - The plastic jacket on the shaft of the oar upon which is mounted a
button, used to secure the blade to the oarlock.
13. Button - A collar around the shaft of the oar that keeps the oar from slipping
through the oarlock and can be adjusted up and down the oar to increase or
decrease leverage.
14. Blade - The flattened, or spoon-shaped, part of an oar that touches the water
during rowing.
Types of Rowing Shells
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There are nine classes of boats, of which five are for sweep-oared rowing in
which the rower uses one oar with both hands, and three are for sculling for
which sculls are used, one in each hand.
Some classes carry a coxswain who either sits in the stern or lies in the bow
to steer the boat. The boat classes are:
Approx. Length
Minimum Weight
1x = Single sculling skiff
8.2 m (27 ft.)
14 kg (30.8 lbs.)
2x = Double sculling boat
10.4 m (34 ft.)
27 kg (59 lbs.)
4x = Quadruple sculling
13.4 m (44 ft.)
52 kg (114 lbs.)
4x+= Coxed Quadruple scull 13.7 m (45 ft.)
53 kg (114 lbs.)
Sculling boats
Sweep oared boats
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2- = Coxless pair oar boat
10.4 m (34 ft.)
27 kg (59 lbs.)
2+ = Coxed pair oar boat
10.4 m (34 ft.)
32 kg (70 lbs.)
4- = Coxless pair oar boat
13.4 m (44 ft.)
50 kg (110 lbs.)
4+ = Coxed pair oar boat
13.7 m (45 ft.)
51 kg (112 lbs.)
8+ = Eight oar boat
19.9 m (62 ft.)
96 kg (211 lbs.)
Equipment
Before you take off on a row check the following:
Foot stretchers
Make sure the wing nuts on the stretchers are only finger tight or you will need a
tool. You may need to adjust foot stretchers when you get into the boat.
Seat
On most seats there is an indentation on one side to make room
for your tailbone. Make sure this faces towards the bow.
Remember “crack toward my back”. A lot of people put the seat in
backwards. It’s a bit uncomfortable that way!
Track
Make sure track is free of debris and sand. Your seat will hang up otherwise.
Riggers
Check the nuts on top to make sure they are snug.
Drain plugs
Make sure the drain plugs are in and fitting snugly. After you row release the
drain plugs to let any water that might have gotten into the boat out.
Oarlocks
Gatekeepers should be closed at all times except when you are inserting your
oars. If they are left open they might flop around and get bent!
Fingernails and Rings
You will find long fingernails and sharp rings a ‘pain’ when you row.
Putting the oars in the oarlock
You would be surprised how many people put them in backwards.
Put the oarlock parallel to the boat when placing the oar in the knob of the gate
faces the foot stretchers. Open gate keeper by turning screw knob. Place oar in
from the inboard.
Foot stretchers
Collar button
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Transporting and Care of the Shell
Please use care in handling, storing, and transporting your shell. It is always
better with 2 people. Your coach will also demonstrate a method for one person
to carry a shell down to the water.
Your boat should be washed down after each use and properly stored in the rack
you got it from. Wash the boats on the slings.
The sculling oars should be also cleaned after each use.
Start a routine clean up and maintenance check after each row and report any
missing parts or damage in the logbook.
Adjustments
1. Rigger height off the water - hands should feather just above your navel set by the space washers on the oarlock pin. Due to left over right rigging
height, your left hand will be slightly above your right.
2. Foot assembly adjustment - for length of each rower's legs -set so each
rower does not hit the end of the seat track when fully extended and
thumb grazes stomach when feathering.
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Grip
It is important to learn the proper grip for holding the oars.
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•
•
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A proper grip is relaxed with the thumbs on the end of the handles.
Pressure on the end of the handles pushes the oars against the buttons.
Fingers wrapped around the handles.
Heels of the hands away from the handles
Wrist remain flat during most of the drive and recovery
Feathering and squaring are done by the pressure of the fingers, which
rotate the handle in the hook of the fingers. Wrists remaining flat.
A relaxed grip with thumbs at the end of the handles exerting a little
pressure towards the oarlock. Wrists are flat.
During feathering and squaring, rotate oar handle in the hook of the fingers.
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The Rowing Stroke
Catch - The point where the legs are compressed in a 90 degree angle, the arms
are stretched out, the body is angled forward and the blade is enters the water.
Drive - the part of the stroke where the legs are pressing down, then the back
and arms swing backward, sending the body to the bow.
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Finish - the point where the rower
pushes down on the handle of the oar
to pop the blade out of the water and
begins to push the arms out of the
bow.
Recovery - the time spent pulling the body back up to the catch; first the arms
extend, then the body angle is achieved, finally the legs are pulled up to the
catch.
On the Square - keeping the blade perpendicular to the water on the recovery.
On the Feather - keeping the blade parallel to the water on the recovery.
Proper Posture
Straight back
Keep your back as straight as possible without being stiff. Sit up tall – try to feel as
though the handle is well below your ribs. Try to keep your chest full, but relaxed. Let
the back have only one joint - at the hips.
• Better connection between back and legs
• More room over thighs and legs to feather
• More room in rib cage for lungs
• A stable platform against which the arms can draw for a steadier finish
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Steady Shoulders
The blade should be inserted with just the hands, and the boat should be picked up with
leg drive – therefore, try to hold the shoulders steady throughout the drive – make sure
they are in a horizontal plane.
• Steady shoulders keep the body weight moving horizontally which allows the
boat to run at “trim”
• Steady shoulders keep the legs strong and quick.
Holding yourself upright
Shoulders down chest up.
The Head
Try to keep the head moving in the same horizontal plane throughout the stroke cycle.
Keep the jaws and face relaxed.
Proper Body Control at the Catch
Starts with proper body angle established at the finish. Hands away, body angle (pivot at
the hips) while the legs are still down, come up the slide to about 1 ½ inch before the
forward stops, anticipate your set, stop the forward momentum of your slide and reverse
direction.
Proper Connection at the Catch
Set against the legs in the lower back at the catch....like doing cleans or dead lifts. Brace
back and use the legs as prime movers throughout the drive. For every inch you drive,
you move the oar handle a corresponding inch.
Proper Control at the Finish
Open back sharply and quickly after the legs are used up (not more than 10-15° past
perpendicular). Use your abdominal muscles.
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Emergency Procedures
Flipping the Boat and getting in
Hold your oar handles together and you will find it very difficult to flip the boat.
Separate your oars and raise one or the other and the boat suddenly becomes
very unstable. The key is, if you find you are going to hit something or a huge
boat wake is about to reach your boat, hold your oars together and it will keep
you from tipping.
Falling out and getting back in
If you feel like you are going to tip, don’t fight it. To get back in
a. Right your shell. You might need to reach over the hull and pull on the
rigger.
b. Grip both handles of the oars with one hand.
c. Place your other hand between the tracks on the slide.
d. Push yourself up. You might need to kick your legs. Swing your seat onto
the shell.
e. Lift your legs in.
f. Another method is to pull your torso onto the shell far enough so you can
swing your legs over to straddle the boat.
a
c
b
d
e
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Catching a Crab
Sometimes catching a crab makes you flip. This is not a crustacean type of crab,
it is when your blade buries in the water driving it under. This is sometimes
caused by too tight a grip. Use very little wrist to take the blades out of the water,
pushing the oars away sharply with firm wrists just slightly flexed. You must
feather your oars after your blades are extracted.
Waves and Weather
As a sculler you need to stay out of trouble because you are the most vulnerable
boat afloat, be aware of waves and weather. It is impossible to avoid wake from
motor boats.
When you see a boat with a threatening wake, move away from it’s course and
as the first wave comes near, turn parallel so the boat will lift evenly. Keep both
blades in light contact with the water and let the handles move upward and
downward as the wave passes under you.
If a motor boat is approaching from the stern, change course 30 to 40 degrees
away from the projected course of the vessel until its’ wake nearly reaches you,
then turn back toward the motor boat in order to meet the wave parallel to it.
Rowing diagonally away gives you more time to put distance between you and
the boat wake than if you have turned at right angles. In the wake, stop rowing
and play the handles loosely as your boat rises and fall.
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MYSTIC RIVER ROWING
YMCA ROWING RULES
1. Shell Selection. MRR has Alden singles and doubles for novice scullers to
use during clinics and other supervised rows. Donated racing singles are
available for intermediate and advanced scullers. YMCA members may
store their shells exclusively for their own use. Always return your boat
and oars to the same rack. Keys to the boat enclosure are available to
coaches and YMCA members.
2. Logbook. MRR maintains a logbook to keep track of rowers on the water
and to record damage to boats. All rowers, except those participating in a
clinic, should sign out and in, and record any damage and/or needed
repairs. The logbook is keep in the plastic boat box.
3. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD). All novice scullers participating in
clinics or supervised rows must carry a PFD in their shell. Experienced
scullers who do not carry PFDs, do so at their own risk!
4. Traffic Pattern. Novice clinics will be conducted in the East Bay, beyond
the piles delineating the swimming beach and inside the line of channel
piles extending from the marina north of the YMCA to the marina on
Mason’s Island. Coaches and novice scullers will row clockwise within
this area of sheltered water, starting towards (but not going under) the
causeway bridge to Mason’s Island and continuing in an elliptical,
clockwise pattern staying somewhat parallel to the two sets of piles.
Intermediate and elite scullers rowing around Mason’s Island or up the
Mystic River should avoid rowing in the channel and rather hug the shore.
When rowing in the channel is necessary, stay to the right of channel and
row defensively.
5. Lights. Rowing is from sun up to sun set, so lights should not be required.
6. Buddy System. Buddy up for safety. All rowers are encouraged to row in
pairs or groups.
7. Youth rowers. Youth YMCA members (under age 18) may use MRR
equipment only during supervised rowing sessions providing they have
successfully completed a Learn to Scull Clinic or been certified by a
coach. Rowers under 18 who want to use their own equipment during
unsupervised rows need necessary parental consent to the Mystic Branch.
8. Non-members. Non YMCA member coaches and rowers are subject to
rules set by the Director of the Mystic Branch.
9. Damage to Boats. Damage to boats and third party property should be
recorded in the log.
10. Use of Shells and Oars:
a. Before rowing: Examine your equipment and sign out in the
logbook.
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b. At the beach: First carry oarmasters and oars to the beach and put
them on a picnic table out of the sand. Then carry your shell to the
beach, placing it in the water’s edge so it will not float off while you
fetch and install the oarmaster and oars. If your shell has a fin or
skeg, make sure the stern rests in the water, not on the sand.
Once you have installed the oarmaster and oars, push the boat
into deeper water and get in, one person at a time.
c. After you row: Rather than beaching your boat, get out in shallow
water. Remove you oars and pull the bow of your shell up onto the
beach so it will not float away. Take your oars to the wash-down
area and prop them on the BBQ, blades on the grass. Next,
remove the oarmaster and carry it to the wash-down area and
stand it up near the wood horses. Finally carry your shell to the
wash-down area and put it, bottom up, on the wood horses. Hose
down the hull and inside of the boat, the oars and the oarmaster,
particularly the slide, the seat and wheels, and the row locks
(moving parts).
d. Storage: Return the oars to their rack and the oarmaster to the
enclosure and carry your shell, stern first to its rack and strap it
down.
e. Log-out: Sign out and note any damage or needed repairs.
f. Lock up: The last person to log out should close and lock the
enclosure.
11. Weather:
a. Lightening: Do not row if you see lightening or hear thunder.
b. Wind: Winds of more than 5 mph pose a real challenge to rowers.
Do not attempt to row around Mason’s Island in anything but calm
conditions. If you see white caps on the East Bay, do not row.
c. Sun: Protect yourself from the sun with hat, shirt and sunscreen.
Carry a bottle of water if you plan to be out for more than 45
minutes. Take it easy!
12. Capsizing: If you capsize or fall out of your shell, get back in or stay with
your boat. If you can, push the boat to the shore. Unless it sinks, do not
abandon your boat!
13. Common Sense: These rules are not intended to be complete or
comprehensive so use your common sense and think “safety first”.
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Glossary of Rowing
TWO TYPES OF ROWING SWEEP – Rowing with one oar on one side of the boat. The length of the
oar is about 12 feet long.
SCULLING - Opposite of sweep. Sculling is rowing with two oars (an oar
on each side of the boat). The length of each oar is about 9 feet long.
SWEEP BOAT or SHELL -
<<--- Direction of Travel <<---
There are four different SHELL SIZES, distinguished by the number of
rowers in the shell (8, 4, 2, or 1). The symbol following the shell size
indicates whether with a coxswain (+) or without a coxswain (-), or whether
it is a sculling boat (x). The image above is of stern coxswained eightoared shell (8+).
SHELL - Another term for a boat. Specifically, a boat used in racing.
BOW - End of the boat closest to the direction of travel. See diagram.
Also can be used to refer to one-seat, or in conjunction with either four or
pair. Bow-four refers to seats four through one. Bow-pair refers to seats
two and one.
STERN - End of the boat farthest from the direction of travel. See
diagram. Also can be used in conjunction with either four or pair. Sternfour refers to seats eight through five. Stern-pair refers to seats eight and
seven.
PORT - Side of the boat to the coxswain's left and to the rowers' right.
See diagram. Known in some countries as STROKE SIDE.
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STARBOARD - Side of the boat to the coxswain's right and to the
rowers' left. See diagram. Known in some countries as BOWSIDE.
BLADE (HATCHET/CLEAVER, OR SPOON/MACON) - The
face of the oar that pushes against the water.
OARLOCK - Square latch to hold the oar and provide a fulcrum for the
stroke against the rigger.
RIGGER - An apparatus on the side of the boat to provide a fulcrum for
the lever (oar).
FOOT STRETCHER - Part of the boat where the shoes are attached
and where the rower pushes his legs against on the drive.
SLIDE - The tracks in which the rolling seat rolls .
KEEL - The steadiness of the boat. If the boat alternates leaning from
side to side, it is a sign of bad technique.
RUDDER - A little fin on the bottom of the boat that the coxswain can
control to steer the boat.
COXSWAIN - A very important member of the crew. Their primary job is
steering, but also provides race feedback about location on the course
and relative to the other crews and stroke rate per minute. They serve as
an in the boat coach during races. They do call “power tens” and
encourage, but don’t go “stroke, stroke, stroke.”
COX BOX - A small electronic device which aids the coxswain by
amplifying his/her voice, and giving him a readout of various information.
COACH - someone who follows the boat in a motor launch or on a bike
on the bank yelling through a loudspeaker.
STROKE - One full motion to move a boat. Consists of the catch, drive,
finish, and recovery. Can also be used to refer to eight-seat.
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CATCH - The part of the stroke where the oar enters the water.
DRIVE - Part of the stroke where the rower pulls the blade through the
water using legs, back and arms to propel the boat.
LEG DRIVE - Term used for driving the legs against the foot stretchers
on the drive.
LAYBACK - Term for how much you lean back at the finish. Too much
is bad, too little is, well, bad also.
FINISH - Part of the stroke after the drive where the blades come out of
the water. The rower removes the oar from the water, by first pushing
downward then away with the hands.
RELEASE - Another term for finish.
FEATHERING - Rotating the oar in the oarlock so that the blade is
parallel to the surface of the water.
RECOVERY - Part of the stroke where the rower comes back up the
slide slowly towards the catch. The oar is pushed away from the body by
extending the arms, reaching the body forward and compressing the legs
so the shin is vertical, preparing for the next Catch. The oar should not
drag on the water.
STROKE RATE - How fast a stroke is being taken. In terms of strokes
per minute.
ROWING COMMANDS or TERMS:
"READY ALL, ROW" – Coxswain call to begin rowing.
"WAY-ENOUGH!" - Coxswain call to have all rowers stop rowing. Call
actually sounds like "way-nuff".
"CHECK IT DOWN!" - Coxswain call that makes all the rowers drag their
oarblades through the water perpendicularly, effectively stopping the boat.
"HOLD WATER!" - Coxswain call. Another way of saying "check it down".
"LET IT RUN!" - Coxswain call for all rowers to stop rowing and to pause
at the finish, letting the boat glide through the water and coast to a stop.
Used as a drill to build balance.
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“ONE FOOT UP, AND OUT” - command for exiting a team boat.
Procedure: The outside hand holds the oar(s) away from the body. The
inside hand holds the gunwale to the dock. The inside foot is removed from
the foot stretchers and placed on the step-in board, the body weight is
shifted forward as the athlete stands supporting himself on their inside leg.
The outside foot is placed on the dock and you get out of the shell.
MISSING WATER - Bad technique where you aren't moving the blade
through the water as much as you could. Usually caused by not getting the
blade in the water soon enough at the catch. Therefore, missed water
equals less movement of the boat.
WASHING OUT - Similar to missing water except it means taking the
blade out of the water too soon at the finish.
"POWER 10 (or 20 or 30 etc.)" - Coxswain call to take a certain number of
power strokes. A power stroke is a stroke that musters all the strength you
can give.
RUN - The distance the boat moves after a stroke. Long run is very good.
Run can be visually measured by the distance between the last puddle
made by two-seat and where eight-seat's blade enters the water.
RUSHING THE SLIDE - Bad technique that causes check. Comes from
coming towards the catch from the recovery too fast.
SKYING - Bad technique where the blade is too high off of the surface of
the water at the catch.
CRAB - A stroke that goes bad. The oar blade slices into the water at an
angle and gets caught under the surface. A bad crab can catapult you out of
the boat.
ERG (ERGO/ERGOMETER/ERG MACHINE) - A rowing machine designed
to simulate the actual rowing motion; used for training and testing.
REGATTA - An organized crew race.
HEAD STYLE RACING is done in the fall and can be done on river,
where there are twists and turns. The shells do not line-up, but race against
the clock, after starting one behind the other. You need not pass another
crew to beat it, but if you pass someone that started in front of you, you
have surely beat their time. The race distance is usually 3 miles long.
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SPRINT RACING is done with the crews starting with the bow of their
shells even a racing parallel to each other. They start together, and the first
crew to cross the finish line wins. We do this racing in the spring. On the
collegiate level and internationally, the race distance is 2000 meters.
Master rowers (age 27 and older) race 1000 meters.
NOVICE - a rower in their first 12 months of rowing. Since it takes most
people a while to refine the basics of rowing and racing, they can row
against others of similar experience level.
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References
Videos on rowing
on the web
Rowing lesson by Little River Marine
http://www.littlerivermarine.com/rowing_lesson.php
Sculling 101 by Brad Lewis
Basics of sculling technique by Olympian Brad Lewis takes you through entire stroke cycle. Great
rowing footage set on the Charles River in Boston, MA.
Approx. 25 min.
Comprehensive Sculling Techniques
Technique, drills, slow motion photography and stroke analysis from Olympic oarsman John
Marden make this the best sculling video we've found.
37 minutes
Books
The Sculler at Ease by Frank Cunningham
Mastery of rowing through an intuitive approach by a respected veteran coach. The text includes
fine sketches packed with information one will re-read many times.
The Art of Sculling by Joe Paduda
A guide to technique, equipment and physiology for novices through masters by a noted rowing
coach and exercise physiologist.
Rowing Fundamentals by John Feriss
A manual with 67 articles written by top rowing coaches covering both rowing and sculling.
Includes sections on technique, rigging, coxing, training and organization.
Essential Sculling by David Boyne
By the director of recreational rowing at Harvard. Beginner and advanced techniques and boathandling skills.
The Complete Sculler by Richard Burnell
Top selling guide to sculling. Simpson of Marlow, 1973.
Books and videos available at
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/102-1847384-1752941
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