What is the Difference Between Sculling and Rowing?

The main difference between sculling and rowing lies in the number of oars used and the muscles engaged during the process.

In rowing, each rower typically uses one oar, which is held with both hands. Rowing is often referred to as "sweep rowing" and is more common in schools and colleges. There are various events in rowing, such as pairs, quads, or eights, where each rower uses a single oar.

In sculling, on the other hand, each rower uses two oars, one in each hand. Sculling events include single, double, and quad, where the number of participants increases with each event. Sculling is less common in schools and colleges, but some institutions may offer sculling to help improve students' skills.

In terms of muscle engagement, sculling allows for more efficient use of an athlete's strength and body movement, as both arms and the muscles that support them are used equally. In rowing, one arm is often more overstretched, leading to an asymmetrical body movement and application of muscle strength to a single, larger oar. This difference in muscle engagement is one reason why sculling is generally faster than rowing.

Comparative Table: Sculling vs Rowing

Here is a table comparing the differences between sculling and rowing:

• Both involve the same rowing stroke, consisting of the catch, drive, finish, and recovery |
• Both require great technique and teamwork in the case of sweep rowing |
• High risk of rib stress injury when switching between sculling and sweep rowing, but not when focusing on one type of rowing |