Session 4: Navigation and Working Up River
Session 1
Introduction
Session 2
Building Skills
Session 3
Refinement
Session 4
Independence
Welcome to your final Learn to Scull session! This guide will help you understand what to expect as you integrate all previously learned skills and develop confidence in river navigation, including bridge passage.
Session 4 Objectives
By the end of this session, you should be comfortable independently sculling, navigating on the water, understand your next steps, and be aware of how video can aid your rowing journey.
Preparation for Session 4
- Watch the Session 4 Videos to prepare for this session.
- Reflect on your progress since Session 1
- Think about questions you may have about continuing with rowing
- This session may be more physically demanding with longer continuous rowing
- Stay well hydrated and bring extra water
Preparation Tip
Come prepared with any questions about club membership, equipment, or continued rowing as this is your final formal Learn to Scull session.
Skills Practice
Review & Session Plan
- Reinforcement of leg drive and ratio/rhythm concepts
- Review of navigation rules, docking, and backing
- Outline of Day 4 activities, including skills circuit
- Explanation of group division approach
- Introduction to different boat types (e.g., trainers, racers) and their characteristics.
Equipment Prep & Launching
- Standard boat preparation with special attention to steering components
- Double-checking all equipment
- Supervised launching with minimal assistance
Warm-up & Group Division
- Short row near boathouse
- Assessment of individual control/confidence
- Formation of skill-based groups:
- "Bridge Ready" group
- "Skills Development" group
Group-Specific On-Water Session (with break)
- Guided upriver row with bridge passage
- Focus on navigation, traffic patterns, and maintaining ratio/rhythm
- Building endurance with longer continuous rowing
- Practicing "Eyes up, check clearance" and "Hold course through arch"
- Docking practice
- Focused skill refinement stations (Skills Circuit):
- Turning (pivot turns, wide turns)
- Docking practice
- Continuous rowing with focus on ratio and rhythm
- Emphasis on "Consistent rhythm" and boat feel
- Additional practice with looking around frequently
- Technical technique exercises to improve specific areas
Note: Groups may switch focus in the second half of the session to ensure everyone gets experience with both skill areas.
Landing & Next Steps
- Efficient dock approach and exit
- Thorough equipment cleaning and storage
- Program completion discussion and skills assessment feedback
- Post-program pathways information, including information on video review sessions
Key Activities You'll Experience
A series of focused exercises to practice and demonstrate key boat handling skills:
- Turning: Execute pivot turns and wider, sweeping turns.
- Backing: Practice rowing backwards for control and maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Docking Practice: Approach and depart from the dock safely and efficiently.
- Ratio and Rhythm Rowing: Maintain consistent stroke rhythm and power application over a set distance.
This circuit allows for assessment of individual skills in a controlled environment.
You'll practice maintaining stroke rhythm, sequencing, and power application while actively steering, monitoring position, and looking over your shoulders frequently. This integrates all learned skills in a practical, dynamic setting and tests your ability to multitask – rowing effectively and navigating safely.
Guided practice rowing through designated bridge arches, focusing on maintaining a straight course, judging clearance, and adhering to the "no passing" rule. This builds confidence in navigating a common and potentially hazardous river feature and directly addresses safety and traffic pattern knowledge.
You'll rotate through focused practice stations:
- Balance and Relaxation: Square blade rowing at light pressure
- Technical Precision: Pause exercises to reinforce sequencing
- Turning Practice: Pivot turns and course changes
This addresses specific skill gaps identified in earlier sessions.
What's Next After the Program?
Your Learn to Scull journey doesn't end here! At the conclusion of this session, you'll receive:
- Information about club membership options
- Guidance on how to continue developing your sculling skills
- Information about rowing programs you might enjoy
- Details on how to participate in video review sessions to get personalized feedback on your technique.
Moving Forward
Ask your coaches about specific recommendations for your continued development. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and there are opportunities for scullers at all levels!