Sculling drills and tips

[ThatMoos3Guy]

So, it looks like I'm going to have the opportunity to get a lot of time this summer in a single. However, since my coach also runs a masters program I will not have a lot of 1 on 1 coaching. Most days I will just grab a boat and some oars, and then launch. I rowed a single a bit over the fall, probably 12-15 times, but I'm not very experienced at it. I was wondering if anyone had some useful drills that helped them a lot when they first started sculling, or just tips in general. Thank you for any suggestions!

[Bob S.]

So, it looks like I'm going to have the opportunity to get a lot of time this summer in a single. However, since my coach also runs a masters program I will not have a lot of 1 on 1 coaching. Most days I will just grab a boat and some oars, and then launch. I rowed a single a bit over the fall, probably 12-15 times, but I'm not very experienced at it. I was wondering if anyone had some useful drills that helped them a lot when they first started sculling, or just tips in general. Thank you for any suggestions!

Pause drills for working on balance.

Bob S.

[Dr. BBW]

Bob,
Also are there any land-based devices or exercises that can be used for balance training on land to help with balance in the scull? I'm a former college sweep rower, now sculling. Thx in advance. BBW

[pmacaula]

Take a look at this thread on Rowing Illustrated -
http://www.rowingillustrated.com/boards ... =16&t=2741

[Bob S.]

Bob,
Also are there any land-based devices or exercises that can be used for balance training on land to help with balance in the scull? I'm a former college sweep rower, now sculling. Thx in advance. BBW

You might check this out:

http://www.coreperform.com/

I have never used one, so I can't say whether it would help or not.

I believe that there are a lot of more general balance exercise devices around, like a Swiss ball or a board on a roller, but I have had no experience with any of these except a very limited use of a Swiss ball i.e. lying prone on one spread-eagled and balancing with the support of just two opposing digits or even on one. I don't have good enough balance to do it with no point of support (other than the ball).

The ultimate balance trick that I have heard described was by a member of my old club who was able to do a head stand on a free floating racing shell. I haven't seen it myself, but I believe the story.

Bob S.

[ThatMoos3Guy]

I've used the core perform before and it didn't really seem to do anything, it was just kind of annoying. It just makes it so you have to sit straight up while your erging, but doesn't at all mimic the balance required in a boat.

[Byron Drachman]

When the river is frozen and I use the C2 I use something homemade similar to the CorePerform. I think it is subtle but I think that it does help you develop balance for OTW.

I think square blade rowing is a good balance drill. If you are uncomfortable at first, you could try doing every fifth stroke with the blades squared (no feathering.) Even if the edges of your blades drag on the water a little, you'll be able to do it. After a while it becomes easier and you can keep increasing the number of strokes with blades squared. Once you can row with squared blades you can keep your blades off the water during the recovery and your balance is good.

[Dr. BBW]

Thanks everyone for the input! Most appreciated

[Rockin Roland]

There's only one land based training aid for sculling worth using. It's called the Rowperfect "Indoor Sculler". As the name suggests it's the next best thing to actually being out there on the water. Its limited tilt seat does a far better job than a core perform seat. That combined with the moving flywheel and oarflex spring loaded handle gives you a pretty good boat like feel that no other erg can match. A number of elite European rowers have been using them for land based training and swear by them. Unfortuantely, if your in the USA they won't be available for purchase until September.

I absolutely love mine and never really enjoyed erging until I traded my C2 for one. The only thing it won't help you with is oar control. A tub shaped boat on the water is best used for novices to master oar control before graduating to a skinny boat.