Water sports are interesting and remain helpful for keeping the body fit. Whether sculling or rowing, athletes can have fun with their skills as they get across the water. Both activities seem pretty similar, and as such, some folks want to know the difference comparing sculling vs. rowing.
Rowing was only a method of transportation in Greece, Egypt, and Rome but soon turned into one of America’s top sports. Soon, it became part of the Olympics (in 1896), having different categories of the sport. Sculling is also a means of propelling through water and is commonly associated with rowing. Folks involved in this activity move two oars to propel their boats.
Differences between Sculling and Rowing
When sculling, the participants have two oars in their hands, holding one in each hand. On the other hand, athletes with only one oar in their hand are rowing (sweep rowers). Nevertheless, there are three major event categories in sculling events.
- The single – 1X category: This category of sculling requires a single participant
- The double – 2X category: Only two persons get involved in this category of sport
- The quad – 4X category: Four participants get involved in this category of sculling
Sweep rowing also shares some similar characteristics, having different categories. However, the number of persons needed to participate in each category differs. Here are the rowing categories and the number of participants involved.
- The pair category
- The quads
- The eight category
Sculling Boats
There are various types of sculling boats, and they include:
- Single Scull: In this boat has one rower that has two blades (oars) at hand. The boat steers with the rower changing the pressure using the oars in the water.
- Double Scull: The varying water pressure on the oars steer the boat, and only two participants partake use such boat.
- Coxed Quad: Beginners and juniors seem comfortable using this type of boat, carrying four participants. Kindly note that each has their oars at hand and steers using a cox.
- Coxless Scull: Unlike the former, athletes ensure that the boat steers with one participant’s feet.
- Octuple: only eight rowers use this type of boat, with each having two oars with them. There is also a cox for steering the boat, and even if it seems rare, you will find it in use by beginners.
Sweep Rowing Boats
- Coxless Pair: The boat allows two rowers, with each having an oar in his hand. Then, the boat gets steered with one rower using the rudder connected to their shoes.
- Coxed Pair: Two rowers have a coxswain for directing the crew and an oar in their hand.
- Coxless Four: This seems similar to the coxless pair but has four rowers in the boat.
- Coxed Four: Four rowers, bearing an oar each and steering the boat with a cox.
- Coxed Eight: The boat accommodates eight participants, with each holding an oar (four on one side and four on the other). Then, there is a cox for steering the boats.
Final Words
Sculling vs. rowing, which event seems more fun? Well, both sculling and sweep rowing are pretty similar, with only a few differences. Whether you decide to go sculling or rowing, you are sure to have a swell time.