Two Types of Rowing
February 27, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Oars, Rig Differently
Here is a question for you, (and I cannot wait for the comments).
If your focus is sweep rowing, and going fast, can sculling help you get faster?
I had my own opinion about this, but I wanted to search out others for their thoughts. I asked several friends who are rock-star coaches. I got several different responses back and the common theme that stuck out was, “it sure can!”
When I prompted one coach for more details she told me “Sculling can help with so many of the small intricacies of sweep rowing that the athlete dismisses as important when the call is loud and clear to PULL HARD.”
The thought here is that sculling is the feeling counterpart of sweep rowing. Like cross-country skiing and down-hill skiing—cross country skiing can teach skill sets that are critical to building a foundation for good down-hill skiing.
Another coach, world renowned Allen Rosenberg, told me that four main areas may improve when a rower sculls:
- Balance
- Blade work skill
- Body posture
- Sensitive to the stroke
It also seemed that improvement can begin immediately. Meaning that you wouldn’t have to log in thousands of miles before any benefits happen.
A quick Google search will show that this is a topic of discussion for many. We are experimenting with sculling this Spring, to see if it improves our sweep rowing.
Something to consider if you are interested in making a sweep boat go fast.
More a question than a comment.
I own a Vespoli Quad ( Masters ) I do all the work on the boat. I just replaced the oarlock assemblies. When setting the oar lock height, is the measurement for the Starboard the same as for the port, or should there be a slight differential for “hand crossover.?”
An introduction to sculling for a sweep rower can result in several epiphanies.
1) The rower will be humbled by how little they have been paying attention to boat feel. There is no engine room to hide in anymore!
2) The effects of improper power application and slide rush will become evident.
3) It will shed light on rowers’ power-to-weight ratio, prompting some to step up to the plate and highlighting others with hidden talent.
4) Sculling will demonstrate that the burden for proper technique is truly on the rower, not on the coxswain or some guy in a motor boat shouting things. They will become more independent and driven after they realize success is in their hands.
If a team does not have proper sculling equipment available, I believe that rowing in a coxless pair can help achieve similar effects. Every sweep rower should become proficient in this type of shell. Vice versa, a sculler who rarely sweeps would benefit from spending time in a coxless pair. I think it is easier for 4 folks who have never rowed together to pick up a 4x and have a good row, than for them to hop in a 4+ or 4- and have success. Something to think about.
@ Trubee:
I usually put the height of the starboard rigger about 1/2″ (1.25cm) higher than the port, to help with left over right . . .
@ R.M.
How true. The feeling of the importance of technique can be overwhelming. We are noticing more smiles-per-mile with the sculling. Something also to think about!!