Sculling Assessment Guide
As you progress through the Learn to Scull program, your coaches will be evaluating your developing skills to ensure you’re ready for increasing independence on the water. This guide explains the assessment process, evaluation criteria, and what comes next after the program.
Assessment Approach
Our Philosophy
At AARC, assessment is designed to be constructive and supportive, not stressful. The goal is to ensure your safety on the water and to help identify specific areas for continued growth.
We recognize that everyone learns at different rates, and we're committed to helping you succeed regardless of how quickly you progress.
When Assessment Happens
Assessment in the Learn to Scull program is both ongoing and formal:
- Continuous feedback throughout all four sessions
- Mid-program check-in after Session 2
- Final skills evaluation during Session 4
- Post-program recommendations shared after completion
Who Conducts the Assessment
Your regular program coaches will evaluate your progress, typically with input from:
- Your primary session coach
- The program coordinator
- At least one additional coach for consistency
Evaluation Criteria
Your sculling skills will be evaluated across five key areas:
1. Safety Awareness
Essential Skills:
- Successful completion of flip test
- Knowledge of traffic patterns
- Proper lookout while rowing
- Understanding of right-of-way rules
- Weather awareness
Advanced Skills:
- Ability to anticipate potential hazards
- Good judgment in changing conditions
- Proper bridge navigation
2. Boat Handling
Essential Skills:
- Safe carrying and launching
- Proper entry and exit from dock
- Basic equipment checks
- Equipment care and cleaning
Advanced Skills:
- Independent equipment adjustments
- Efficient carrying and maneuvering
- Problem-solving with equipment issues
3. Technical Proficiency
Essential Skills:
- Basic stroke sequencing
- Ability to maintain balance
- Recovery control
- Basic blade work
Advanced Skills:
- Consistent catch placement
- Effective power application
- Clean finishes
- Good posture and body positioning
4. Steering & Navigation
Essential Skills:
- Basic course maintenance
- Staying on correct side of river
- Making basic turns
- Awareness of surroundings
Advanced Skills:
- Precise steering around obstacles
- Confident bridge navigation
- Maintaining course while rowing continuously
5. Independence & Decision-Making
Essential Skills:
- Following traffic patterns
- Basic skills self-assessment
- Proper sign-out procedures
- Asking for help when needed
Advanced Skills:
- Sound judgment in varying conditions
- Appropriate exercise of caution
- Self-correction of technique
- Planning appropriate rowing course for conditions
Competency Levels
After assessment, you’ll be assigned a competency level that helps determine appropriate next steps:
Level 1: Developing
- Has demonstrated basic safety awareness
- Can handle boat with assistance
- Still developing fundamental technique
- Needs continued direct supervision
- Next step: Additional supervised sessions recommended
Level 2: Competent
- Demonstrates consistent safety practices
- Can handle boat independently in calm conditions
- Shows solid fundamental technique
- Can navigate familiar areas with minimal supervision
- Next step: Cleared for monitored rowing in designated areas
Level 3: Proficient
- Excellent safety awareness and practices
- Confident, independent boat handling
- Good technical execution
- Can navigate all standard club rowing areas
- Next step: Cleared for independent sculling
Self-Assessment Tools
We encourage you to track your own progress as you move through the program. Use the interactive tools below to monitor your developing skills.
Progress Tracking
Your progress is automatically saved in your browser. You can reset or export your progress data using the buttons at the bottom of this page.
Skill Development Tracker
Track your comfort level with each skill on a scale from 0-100%.
Self-Assessment Checklists
Check off each skill as you become comfortable with it.
Safety Skills
Technical Skills
Independence Skills
Competency Self-Assessment
Based on the competency levels described above, how would you assess your current skills?
Level 1: Developing
Level 2: Competent
Level 3: Proficient
Track Your Progress
Consider keeping a rowing journal to note your improvements, challenges, and goals after each session. This will help you see your progress over time and identify areas for focused practice.
After Assessment: Next Steps
What to Expect
After your final assessment in Session 4, your coaches will:
- Provide a written evaluation with specific feedback in each area
- Assign a current competency level
- Offer specific recommendations for continued development
- Suggest appropriate next program options
Continued Development
Based on your assessment, your coaches may recommend:
If You Need More Support
- Extension lessons (individual or small group)
- Supervised practice sessions
- Partnered rowing with experienced members
- Focused drill sessions in protected areas
If You're Ready for Independence
- Novice program participation
- Independent sculling privileges
- Technical improvement clinics
- Introduction to club rows and events
A Note About Assessment
Remember that assessment is simply a tool to ensure your safety and guide your development – it's not a judgment of your potential as a rower. Many of our most accomplished club members needed extra time and practice at the beginning.
The goal is to help you become a confident, safe, and skilled sculler who can enjoy rowing for years to come, regardless of how quickly you progress initially.