The GGBC adult Learn2Scull
course is the ideal opportunity to get some expert
instruction on the basics of sculling (two oars per person). It's aimed at novice
rowers who
want to learn the basics of sculling in a controlled and welcoming
environment.
Please note - if you haven't rowed before then we'd
recommend you attend the Learn2Row course before trying
sculling.
GGBC has
always had an enviable reputation for encouraging new comers
to 'give it a go'. This course provides a more structured
approach to learning by closely following the British Rowing
progression guidelines.The course will fast track beginners over a series of
intensive sessions from the basic techniques using
ergometers and restricted fours through to rowing single
and double sculls, and may be even the super fast octuple.
- Course feedback and coaching - Throughout the
course an experienced coach will be on hand to provide
expert advice and guidance from the vantage point of the
club's safety / coaching launch. In addition a L2S webpage
will be online with still and video footage of
your outings....one of the best ways to obtain feedback and
invaluable coaching advice. You'll be surprised how much
your sculling improves over the course....and you'll have the
pictures to prove it!
- Who can attend - L2S is an adult only course (18+).
There's no upper age limit - we've had several excellent
rowers of 60+ complete our courses. You don't need to be
super fit to join....technique is the key at this stage, but you
must be able to swim at least 50m in light
clothing for safety reasons - This will be
assessed during the swim test. There's a reasonable
chance you'll put swimming skills into practice when you
go single sculling!
- How many participants - To ensure everyone gets the most from the course numbers
are strictly limited to just 8 people. There's no
standing around on the bank waiting around on a GGBC
course!
- What to wear - a layered approach is always
best given the vagaries of the British weather. Tight
fitting tops and leggings are best to prevent clothing
becoming entangled. A light waterproof is also handy and
a hat. Don't wear anything too precious.....or white!
See the GGBC kit page
and the
BR
guidelines. Please bring a change of cloths and
a towel.....just in case.
- Course Fee
is just
£75. If you're not already a GGBC member then you'll become a temporary member of
for the duration of the course.
- Location - The course will be run from the
Oratory boathouse,
Whitchurch on Thames.
Pre-Course
You'll receive an electronic copy of the L2S handbook
giving full course details and objectives - an ideal
reference for all the new terms and phrases.
You'll also
receive the GGBC members handbook which provides
information on the club's safety policy, rules, contacts etc.
Equipment
All equipment is provided - quads, doubles, and single
sculls (may be even an octuple!). GGBC was very fortunate to
be awarded a grant in 2007/8 for 4 brand new single
sculls...we aim to get everyone into these by the end of the
course.
Safety is taken very seriously at GGBC and at all times we
will have a fully equipped coaching / rescue launch on
hand....just in case. |
Course structure
Wed 2nd June
- 7:00-9:00pm -
Oratory School, Reading
- Swim test & capsize drill
A trip to the local swimming pool for a quick dip to
test your swimming skills in rowing kit. We follow this with a
capsize
drill (poster) in a single scull....sounds much more daunting
than it really is! We then have some fun confidence
building exercises. At least some of you will be
standing on one leg in a scull by the end of the
evening. Attendance of this session is mandatory - if
you fail to make it you won't be able to continue the
course.
Saturday 5th June - The basics
- Introduction - session 1:30pm - 3pm
Course outline, a quick tour of the club facilities,
and some important safety information. Then an
introduction to the basics of
sculling on the rowing machines and an
outing in the very stable coxed quads.
- Session
2 - 3:30pm - 6:00pm
We combine video and practical demonstration to
illustrate the correct sculling technique....and move
swiftly on to the water in double sculls
to practice. Working in groups we use various drills
to build confidence.
- Session 3 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Instruction on
carrying, checking and handling a single. For
those who feel confident an outing in a single
follows....for the remainder we continue in the doubles
building on the skills learnt throughout the day.
Sculling isn't easy and so we remain flexible and always
tailor the course to our participants needs. With our
impressive fleet of sculling craft we're confident we'll
find the right boat for each person - be it the very stable
gig doubles through to the finest single scull. There no
need to feel intimidated, we have some excellent club
members to help you gain confidence and really enjoy the
experience. We have carefully designed the course so that
the majority of the single sculling is in the evening - any
wind tends to drop and the river cruisers cease.
Wednesday 9th June - Single sculling
To ensure maximum safety and individual attention the
group is split into two, four rowing at each session. Please
ensure you state your availability on the application form.
- Session 4 - 6-7:30pm & 7:30-9pm
We take advantage of the more favourable evening
conditions to build confidence and work on technique.
Smaller groups allow us to give individual tuition
and enable the participants to work closely in pairs.
Saturday 12th June - Single sculling
- Session 5 -
5:00pm - 6:30pm
We review sculling technique and put it into practice in the singles
and doubles. Working in pairs we build confidence and
technical skills.
-
 Session
6 - 7pm -
8:30pm
A fun finally to see how well
you've progressed plus the award of the much prized
L2S Mugs! May be you'll manage a new record time for the
round the island course. A combination of speed and
skill exercises...just for fun!
Post L2S - the
course includes temporary membership of GGBC
for duration of the course. We very much hope you'll
continue to row with the club and take out full membership.
This will give you lots of
opportunities to put your new found skills into practice
either for a recreational row or during the intense
competition of the Goring & Streatley regatta. |
