SCULLING AND SWEEP

There are two kinds of rowing: sculling and sweep. In sculling each rower has two oars and in sweep each rower has one oar. The basic body movement of the stroke is the same; the use of arms and hands differs. A sweeping boat is named for the number of rowers: pair, four, and eight. Sculling boats are also named for the number of rowers, but using a different nomenclature: single, double, quadruple and octuple.

For both types of rowing, the rower is going "backwards" such that the bow of the boat and the direction of movement is behind the rower.

Nearly all rowing boats have stationary oar locks and a sliding seat. The rower slides forward whilethe oars move back, the oars are droppedin the water and the rower pushes backwith the feet to bring the oars forwardand move the boat. Our club also has a rare sliding-rigger boat in which the riggers move and this seat is fixed. To the left is a quadruple scull boat, where each rower has two oars. The rowers have just dipped their oars into the water and are just about to push back. Above is a single scull shell.

This is an eight, a sweeping boat where each person has just one oar.

THE ROWING STROKE The power part of the rowing stroke has three distinct segments: first, the legs drive the rower toward the bow, then the back swings toward bow and lastly the arms pull in. The recovery part of the stroke is just the reverse: hands away, lean to the stern, and compress the legs. When done well it is one smooth motion and looks easy to do. Repeating 18 or more times per minute for an hour will do wonders for legs, back, abdomen, shoulders and arms.

BODY AND MIND

Once a rower has learned the basics of the rowing stroke and is comfortable in a boat, rowing is an excellent all-around form of exercise. But a person does not have to be an aerobic powerhouse to row well. As Homer said of the rowers in Greek war boats, "Tis more by art than numerous strokes." In addition to aerobic conditioning, rowing works just about all the major muscles. This sport engages the mind and body together. With each stroke, one assesses and works on making the next stroke better. It is at once both technically interesting and meditative.

Photo credit: George Benson, Grand River, July 2007