Sculling Course?

[LizB]

I'm thinking of going on a sculling course and wondered if anyone knows anything about the ones held at Tideway Scullers?

[jameshs]

Liz

What level of sculling experience do you have - or are you starting from scratch - I am guessing that you are a rower from your pricure!

Have you rowed on the tideway?

Are you looking for something that takes you from your first wobble to a level of proficiency, or looking to grow with your own rig?

I only ask because there are different options for these ..... speaking as someone who has been looking for and doing sculling courses for a while!

James

[LizB]

Thanks James.

I learned to row sweep but started sculling about 2- 3 years ago, just by going out in a 1x, putting the hours in and taking snippets of coaching from whoever was around. Last year I took it a bit more seriously and also sculled in a 2x whilst keeping up my singling. My doubles partner is an experienced rower but learned to scull at Tideway scullers when she was in her early 20s, and is technically much better than me. Although we went to a few regattas last year (in the 2x and 1xs) we are both novice scullers.

I feel as though I have many bad habits and am not sculling efficiently and get quite frustrated, so I'm thinking maybe an intensive course would improve things.

I'v never rowed or sculled on the Tideway.

[jameshs]

I have never done the TSS course - looks good, but I have held off doing it because it is mixed levels and mixed ages - so I have always felt (as a fairly experienced and confident sculler - but wanting to get better) that I may be waiting for people who are working out how to get in. (If I am wrong someone let me know as I row opposite the club!)

Tideway is also a challenging environment to learn technique - survival yes :)

I would recommend any of the courses by Allan Whitwell - he does week long ones in france (which I want to do) and a weekend at Weybridge http://www.weybridgerowing.org.uk/ (which I have done). I think he also does Perterborough.

I would also LOVE to go to Craftsbury Sculling Centre - one to save up for.

Nothing like being looked at by a coach, but I would also look at the DVDs that are around by the UK coach - don't have them to hand, but will put them up later.

James

[LizB]

Thanks for all the info James.

...I see what you mean about the Craftsbury camp and the French one sounds good too, but sadly I think a weekend is more in my budget at the moment.

[Tom1986]

The France one is very good, and the food is lovely!

Definitely doing if you have the time/money, about £500 for the week I think, which is about average for a week long training camp in Europe.

[Cader]

I would recommend any of the courses by Allan Whitwell - he does week long ones in france (which I want to do) and a weekend at Weybridge http://www.weybridgerowing.org.uk/ (which I have done). I think he also does Perterborough.

He came to Peterborough about two year ago I think - just a one off for us at the club. His French set up seemed very good though.
Glyn

[footplate]

Do you know how much the courses cost? I have been sculling and rowing since I was a teenager, but the mrs is pressuring me to help her learn. Now, I don´t want to coach her because she is just going to get angry with me (as you can imagine!) So it´s either I get her something like this....or I will grab a SPA deal from Groupon Always a good option.

[jameshs]

Do you know how much the courses cost?

where are you based?

[footplate]

Based in the West midlands...but we don´t mind travelling. Where do you think will have them on "Home Pier Point"?

Been there enough in the past, too watch (not race) I should add

[jameshs]

I think your best bet is to find a local club that will take a longer term view - rather than a crash course.

All the others I know about are based in London over the summer.

once my club www.putneytownrc.co.uk has build a better river access I am hoing that we will be offering week, weekend and ongoing sculling courses for aducts. - at the moment we only offer ongoing week by week!

James

[footplate]

@James, Ok I will look into getting her into a local club. I think you are probably right here and this is the best option - she was just adamant that a course would be a great option: I think because you are around other beginners at the same level.

We all know how intimidating elite rowers can be! :) Not that I am one of course.

[hydrophile]

I'm really glad the OP started this thread and thanks to all for the feedback on the courses.

Has anyone also heard of Calm Waters? http://www.calmwatersrowing.com/ I might be in DC for work in May and I'm tempted to make the side trip this , which seems more intimate than Craftsbury.

For those considering Craftsbury - a mate went Sept last year and he thoroughly enjoyed it. A bit pricey though.

[jameshs]

Have not been to calm water but have watched lots of their videos - they seem to be good no nonsense coaches who really know their stuff.

Generaly there is a lack of courses for older scullers - so I always look for ones with Alan Whitwell - he runs them in the south of france (have not yet been, but heard good reports) - whereas I have done the one he runs in London and it was really beneficial.

My partner did a beginenrs at Barn Elms (london) a few summers ago, but it was all a bit ramshackle.

I get regular coaching on the tideway - but look at that lake in clearwater! flat, flat flat!

[hydrophile]

Have not been to calm water but have watched lots of their videos - they seem to be good no nonsense coaches who really know their stuff.

That made me smile. Like LizB and many others, I'm self taught too - in my case, largely using youtube videos from Calm Waters and Nick Garratt of Mosman. I've emailed Weybridge to try and book a place for the sculling weekend in April - really looking forward it. Learning some good sculling technique in flat waters would make a nice change from the near-coastal Thames in East London.

BTW - congratulations on the impressive fund raising at Putney Town. Should make life a bit easier once the work is completed.