Rowing discipline

Sculling

Sculling is the discipline in which each rower uses two oars, one in each hand, propelling the boat symmetrically from both sides.

Part of Rowing

Overview

In sculling, each rower holds two shorter oars, called sculls, with one in each hand. Because a single sculler controls both sides of the boat, the discipline can be practised alone as well as in a crew.

Sculling boats include the single, the double, and the quad. These classes are commonly raced without a coxswain, so the rowers themselves handle steering and balance.

With both hands driving matching oars, sculling puts particular emphasis on symmetry and even blade work, and on keeping the narrow boat balanced through each stroke.

What defines it

Each rower uses two oars, called sculls, one in each hand.
The single scull is rowed by one person, who controls both oars alone.
Common boat classes include the single (1x), double (2x), and quad (4x).
Sculling boats are commonly raced without a coxswain, with the rowers steering themselves.
Coordinating both hands makes symmetry, balance, and timing central to the stroke.

Getting started

1Beginners often start sculling in a wider, more stable training boat, frequently on calm water with an instructor close by.
2Early practice tends to focus on handling both oars together and on finding the boat's balance at a gentle pace.