Hinksey Sculling School
What is the relationship between sculling and rowing - ie does proficiency in sculling automatically lead to rowing?
It is a generally accepted "rule" that an athlete who has learned to handle a single sculling boat proficiently will be able to transfer to a sweep oared boat virtually seamlessly. Conversely, the athlete who starts in a sweep oared boat will virtually have to start again at square one if she/he wishes to begin single sculling.
There is a fine understanding of balance acquired in a single sulling boat which is just not possible in a sweep oared boat. it therefore follows that a single sculler will bring a finesse to her/his sweepoared rowing which a non sculler will be unable to.
As a matter of interest athletes are not allowed to sweep oar until they are 15 years of age. This is all to do with the body's development. Sculling does not involve twisting whereas modern sweep oar rowing does.
