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 ARA
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 (click
here for an example) 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
ARA guidelines. Please bring a change of cloths and
a towel.....just in case.
- Course Fee
is just
£60. A non-returnable deposit of
£30
secures a place with the balance being payable at the
first session. You become a temporary member of GGBC for
the duration of the course and are welcome to use the
club facilities during club sessions.
- 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. |
Course structure
Wed 21st May
- 8:00-10:00pm -
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 24th May - The basics
- Introduction - session 1 - 10am - Midday
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.
Followed by a break for lunch
- Sessions
2 - 12:45pm - 2:45pm
We combine video and practical demonstration to
illustrate the correct sculling technique....and move
swiftly on to the water in the quads and double sculls
to practice. Working in groups we use various drills
to build confidence.
- Session 3 - 3:00 - 5:00
The sculling
stroke is now refined with emphasis on the catch and
finish phases. We introduce
specific exercises to improve the timing and balance.
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.
Monday 26th May - Single sculling
- Session 4 - 10am - Midday
After a warm-up on the rowing machines we
introduce the single scull - carrying the boat, safety
checks, getting on and off the water. We build
confidence by working in pairs and encouraging each
other. Break for lunch
- Session 5 - 12:45pm - 2:45pm
We review sculling technique and then attempt
to put it into practice in the singles. Each person is
allowed to work on the the various skills in their own
time without any pressure.....it's not as difficult as
it first appears - honest!
-
 Session
6 - 3:00pm -
5:30pm
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. Followed by a celebration BBQ and a few
glasses of wine.
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. |
