209.607.9876
info@deltasculling.org
Sculling is different from kayaking. Scullers use two oars, sit on a moving seat, and row backwards. In other words you face where you’ve been, not where you are going.
Sculling boats are often called “blind boats” because none of the athletes in the boat looks in the direction of travel. This is different from sweep boats, where each rower handles one oar and where a “coxswain” often faces the rowers and the direction of travel. Coxswains do not row; instead, they both steer the boat and call out commands to the crew.
Rowing is a full-body low-impact sport but your body may get in the way of learning the sport. A bad back, stiff joints, bad knees and shoulders may make it a little more difficult to get in and out of a boat. DSC’s boats accommodate people from 90 to 225lbs so body size can limit access to the sport.
You will learn to scull in a wide, relatively stable two-person boat with a skilled rower and then progress to a wide one-person boat equipped with pontoons which is similar to training wheels on a bicycle. The width of the boat and the pontoons increase the stability of the boat.
You will learn the basics of the rowing stroke on land by practicing the movements on a rowing machine. We hope this will make it easier for you to implement the stroke on the water.
Rowing requires commitment to learning on land and water. Rowing looks simple but it requires consistent practice to be successful. Attendance is critical.
New rowers are paired with experienced rowers and get individual attention. Let us know as soon as possible if you have to miss a session.
The sport will challenge you to learn a movement which is deceptively simple and completely new.
DSC’s rowing programs meet rain or shine as scheduled. Safety is our highest priority so practices will take place on land if lightning, wind or other conditions make water practice dangerous.
Masters sculling with DSC is an early morning activity. Especially in the summer, we get on the water early before the heat of the day and before the river gets busy with recreational boaters. After sufficient training, proficient scullers can row any time from dawn till dusk.
Water and sun protection are important – bring a water bottle, sunglasses and a hat.
Wear comfortable but snug exercise clothes and dress in layers that you can remove as you get warm. Avoid baggy clothes that can get caught in the boat’s sliding seat.