Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Double scull

A double scull is a lightweight rowing shell designed for two rowers, each using a pair of oars—one in each hand—to propel the boat forward in the sculling discipline of competitive rowing.^[1] This coxless boat, abbreviated as 2x, typically measures around 10 meters in length and has a minimum weight of 27 kilograms, emphasizing balance, synchronization, and power over a standard 2,000-meter race distance.^[2]^[3] The double scull distinguishes itself from sweep rowing, where athletes share oars between sides of the boat, by requiring each rower to control both oars independently, demanding precise coordination between the bow and stroke positions to maintain rhythm and direction.^[1] Steering is achieved by the rowers varying pressure on their oars, with the bow rower often responsible for maintaining direction.^[4] In Olympic and international competitions, races occur on calm-water courses with multiple lanes, where crews start from an aligned position in their assigned lanes and finish by crossing the line backward, as rowers face the stern.^[3] Men's double sculls has been a staple of the Olympic program since its debut at the 1904 St. Louis Games, where the United States dominated early editions, winning multiple golds through athletes like Paul Costello, who secured three consecutive victories from 1920 to 1928.^[2]^[5] Women's double sculls joined the Olympics in 1976 at Montreal, marking a significant expansion of the sport to include female events, with Romania's Elisabeta Lipă emerging as one of the most decorated Olympians in the discipline, earning medals across four Games from 1984 to 2000.^[6]^[3] Both genders compete in open-weight categories, though lightweight variants existed from 1996 to 2020 before being discontinued for the 2024 Paris Olympics.^[2] Beyond the Olympics, double sculls feature prominently in World Rowing Championships and national regattas, where crews like Croatia's Sinković brothers—Valent and Martin—set the men's world best time of 5:59.72 in 2014 and dominated international fields through the 2020s. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Romania won gold in the men's event.^[2]^[7] The event's appeal lies in its blend of individual skill and teamwork, often regarded as an ideal boat class for developing rowers due to its manageable size and the direct feedback from synchronized strokes.^[8] Current world bests include 6:37.31 for women, set by Australia's Sally Kehoe and Olympia Aldersey in 2014; New Zealand won the women's Olympic gold in 2024.^[2]^[9]

Overview

Definition and Classification

The double scull, denoted as 2x in rowing nomenclature, is a discipline within the sport of rowing where two athletes propel a lightweight shell using two oars each, one in each hand, in a sculling configuration. This setup distinguishes it from sweep rowing, where each rower handles a single oar. The boat is designed specifically for two rowers seated in tandem, without a coxswain, emphasizing coordination and balance for propulsion.^[10] World Rowing, the international governing body for the sport (formerly known as FISA), classifies double sculls into openweight and lightweight categories to accommodate diverse athlete profiles and promote inclusivity. Openweight events have no bodyweight restrictions, allowing rowers of any size to compete, while lightweight categories impose limits to level the playing field: for men, no rower exceeds 72.5 kg with a crew average of 70 kg; for women, no rower exceeds 59 kg with a crew average of 57 kg. These classifications apply uniformly to double sculls, with the minimum hull weight set at 27 kg for both categories to ensure structural integrity and fairness in competition.^[11]^[12] However, lightweight double sculls were removed from the Olympic program starting with the 2024 Paris Games.^[2] Within sculling variants, the double scull is positioned between the single scull (1x), which accommodates one rower with two oars, and the quadruple scull (4x), designed for four rowers each using two oars. Unlike these, the 2x requires precise synchronization between two athletes to maintain course and speed over standard race distances. The minimum hull weight for a single scull is 14 kg, and for a quadruple scull, it is 52 kg, reflecting scaling with crew size.^[12] A key performance characteristic of the double scull is its symmetrical propulsion, where each rower's dual oars create balanced forces on both sides of the boat, contributing to inherent lateral stability without the need for a coxswain. This design enhances maneuverability and reduces the risk of capsizing compared to asymmetrical sweep configurations, allowing for efficient straight-line travel in competitive settings.

Comparison to Other Rowing Boats

The double scull, denoted as 2x, differs structurally from the coxless pair (2-) primarily in oar configuration and rower positioning. In a double scull, each of the two rowers handles two oars—one on the port side and one on the starboard side—creating symmetrical propulsion and allowing both athletes to sit in aligned seats without alternating sides.^[13] In contrast, the coxless pair employs sweep rowing, where each rower uses a single longer oar on opposite sides of the boat, necessitating one athlete to row on the bow side and the other on the stroke side for balance.^[14] This setup in the double scull promotes inherent stability through balanced forces, while the coxless pair relies on the rowers' mirrored actions to maintain equilibrium.^[13] Performance-wise, the double scull offers advantages in acceleration and overall speed due to the symmetrical application of force from dual oars, making it generally faster than the coxless pair over standard race distances.^[15] However, compared to the coxed pair (2+), which includes a coxswain for steering and tactical guidance, the double scull demands higher levels of interpersonal coordination between the two scullers to manage direction and rhythm without external input, potentially increasing fatigue in less synchronized crews.^[16] The absence of a coxswain in the double scull reduces boat weight and drag, enhancing efficiency in open-water conditions, but it shifts steering responsibilities to subtle adjustments in oar pressure, amplifying the need for precise timing.^[14] In usage contexts, the double scull is particularly favored in recreational and club settings for its accessibility and independence from a coxswain, allowing pairs of rowers to train or tour without additional crew members, which suits smaller sculling-oriented programs.^[14] Competitively, it thrives in events emphasizing technical finesse, such as Olympic lightweight doubles, where its design supports high-speed sprints without the added mass of a coxed configuration.^[16] This contrasts with sweep boats like the coxed pair, which are more common in larger team-oriented competitive environments requiring a coxswain's oversight. Ergonomically, sculling in a double scull requires balanced bilateral arm and shoulder strength, as rowers must coordinate symmetrical movements on both sides, fostering even muscular development across the body.^[17] Sweep rowing in pairs, by comparison, imposes unilateral demands, with greater lateral bending of the spine (particularly in the upper lumbar and lower thoracic regions) and increased axial rotation at the catch position due to the one-sided oar pull, which can lead to asymmetrical loading and potential overuse injuries if not balanced through cross-training.^[17] These differences highlight the double scull's role in promoting holistic body mechanics, though it may challenge rowers transitioning from sweep styles with its emphasis on fine motor control for dual-oar handling.^[16]

Design and Equipment

Hull Specifications

The hull of a double scull is engineered for speed and efficiency, typically measuring 9.5 to 10.5 meters in length with an average of around 10 meters to accommodate two rowers and optimize propulsion.^[18] The beam, or width, ranges from 0.35 to 0.45 meters, providing a narrow profile that minimizes drag while maintaining structural integrity.^[19] This design features a rounded cross-section at the waterline, which enhances hydrodynamic efficiency by reducing resistance and promoting smooth water flow.^[20] Modern double scull hulls are primarily constructed from carbon-fiber reinforced composites, selected for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, which allows for lightweight yet rigid structures that maximize performance.^[21] These materials enable compliance with World Rowing's minimum hull weight of 27 kg for openweight double sculls (excluding oars and accessories), a standard that ensures fairness in competition.^[22] Earlier designs relied on wooden construction for durability, but composites now dominate due to their superior lightness and resistance to flexing under load. To enhance stability, the hull incorporates an integrated fin or skeg at the stern, a fixed protrusion that counters rolling and yawing forces, providing directional control essential for sculling without a rudder.^[23] The interior includes parallel seat tracks for sliding seats, permitting travel distances of 0.8 to 0.9 meters to facilitate powerful leg extension during the stroke.^[24] World Rowing regulations mandate minimum weights not only for competitive equity but also to support adequate buoyancy, requiring hulls to remain afloat with the crew seated even when fully swamped, thereby prioritizing safety in all conditions.

Oars, Rigging, and Accessories

In double sculls, each rower uses two sculling oars, typically measuring 2.8 to 2.9 meters in overall length to balance leverage and boat speed for two-person crews.^[25] These oars feature lightweight carbon fiber or composite shafts for reduced fatigue during prolonged efforts, with inboard lengths of 85 to 90 centimeters from the handle to the collar, allowing for customizable overlap between the rowers' hands.^[26] Blade designs vary for optimal water engagement; traditional Macon blades offer a narrower profile for smoother entry, while modern big blades, such as the Concept2 Fat2 or Smoothie2, provide a wider surface area (up to 16.5 centimeters at the tip) to enhance the catch and propulsion efficiency.^[27] Handles are often adjustable in length and angle via threaded mechanisms or grips, enabling rowers to fine-tune grip comfort and wrist position based on individual anthropometrics.^[28] Rigging in a double scull optimizes the oars' mechanical advantage through precise adjustments to the riggers and oarlocks. The span, or distance between the centers of the opposing oarlock pins, is commonly set between 158 and 162 centimeters to ensure balanced load distribution across the hull's beam.^[25] Oarlock height is positioned 13 to 18 centimeters above the seat height, measured from the lowest point of the seat at full compression to the midpoint of the oarlock shelf, promoting a level handle height during the stroke to minimize shoulder strain and maximize power transfer.^[29] Pitch, the forward angle of the oarlock face relative to the vertical, is typically adjusted to 3 to 5 degrees using shims or adjustable sleeves, which angles the blade for better feathering on the recovery and deeper bite on the drive.^[30] These settings integrate with the hull's outriggers, where the distance from the pin to the hull centerline (spread) approximates 79 to 81 centimeters per side, fine-tuned for the crew's height and strength to achieve an arc of approximately 120 degrees during the stroke.^[31] Essential accessories enhance control and feedback in double sculls, which lack a coxswain. Foot stretchers, often constructed from carbon fiber or aluminum, are adjustable in height and fore-aft position to accommodate leg lengths between 75 and 95 centimeters, securing the rowers with quick-release shoes or sandals for rapid entry and exit.^[32] While competitive setups rarely include backrests to encourage core engagement, optional padded back supports can be added to the seat for novice or adaptive rowers, providing lumbar stability without impeding rotation.^[33] For synchronization without verbal cues, electronic monitors such as the NK SpeedCoach or similar on-water devices mount to the rigging and track stroke rate (typically 28 to 36 strokes per minute in racing), speed, and heart rate via Bluetooth integration, serving as a non-intrusive alternative to a cox box.^[34] Maintenance of oars and rigging is crucial for double sculls due to repetitive friction and environmental exposure. Sleeves, the reinforced sections around the loom that contact the oarlock, and collars, which limit inboard travel, experience the most wear from constant rotation and pressure, often requiring inspection for cracks or thinning after 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers of use.^[35] Routine care involves rinsing with fresh water after saltwater exposure, cleaning grips with mild soap to prevent slippage, and lubricating sleeves with silicone-based compounds to reduce drag and extend lifespan.^[36] Blades should be checked for delamination or impact damage, with minor scuffs sanded and varnished, while rigging pins and heights are verified seasonally using calipers to maintain consistent performance.^[37]

History

Origins and Early Development

The double scull emerged in the 1830s and 1840s as an evolution of the single scull among professional watermen in England, particularly on the Rivers Thames and Tyne, where rowers sought to combine individual sculling skills for greater speed and efficiency in competitive racing. Pioneering figures like Harry Clasper, a Tyneside oarsman and boat builder, contributed to its early form by innovating outriggers and narrower hull designs in the 1840s, which facilitated better balance and propulsion for two scullers wielding four oars. These developments built on the single scull's popularity, exemplified by the first English professional sculling championship held on the Thames in 1831 between watermen C. Campbell and J. Williams.^[38] Early adoption occurred through competitive events in Thames regattas starting around the mid-19th century, with initial boats featuring wooden hulls and fixed seats that limited sliding motion and emphasized raw power over technique. The Thames Regatta, founded in 1843, provided a key venue for such trials, where double sculls were tested alongside single sculls in professional matches that drew large crowds and wagers.^[39] By the 1870s, the double scull had spread across Europe and to America via emerging sculling clubs, influenced by high-profile professionals like James Renforth, the Tyneside world sculling champion from 1868 to 1871, who participated in double scull events such as his 1869 match against H. Kelley and J. Sadler.^[40] Early designs faced balance issues due to the synchronized handling of four oars in a lightweight shell, prompting tweaks like refined outrigger placements and oar locks by builders such as the Claspers to enhance stability without sacrificing speed.^[41] This period's growth paralleled the boom in professional sculling matches, which highlighted personal prowess and tactical harmony between partners, setting the double scull apart from the collective coordination required in traditional sweep rowing with shared oars.^[38]

Modern Evolution and Olympic Inclusion

The refinement of sliding seats in the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a significant technological advancement in double scull rowing, allowing rowers to extend their stroke length and incorporate leg drive more effectively for improved power and efficiency.^[42] By the mid-20th century, the introduction of fiberglass construction in the 1950s revolutionized shell design, offering lighter and more durable alternatives to traditional wooden hulls, as first experimented with by builders like Stan Pocock in the United States.^[43] This paved the way for carbon fiber composites in the 1980s, pioneered by manufacturers such as Vespoli in the U.S. and Empacher in Germany, which provided superior stiffness and reduced weight—resulting in improved speed in elite competitions due to minimized drag and enhanced propulsion.^[44]^[43] The double sculls event entered the Olympic program as a full medal competition for men at the 1904 St. Louis Games, where American crews dominated the three entries, establishing it as a staple of international rowing.^[45] It has been contested continuously since, except during the world wars, with the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron (FISA, now World Rowing) playing a key role in its standardization following the organization's founding in 1892 to unify global rules and distances.^[46] Women's double sculls joined the Olympics in 1976 at Montreal, expanding gender equity in the sport and aligning with broader FISA efforts to include female events starting in 1974.^[6] Regulatory developments further shaped modern double sculling, including FISA's establishment of its Lausanne headquarters in 1922, which facilitated consistent governance and event protocols across nations.^[46] The introduction of lightweight categories at the 1974 World Rowing Championships in Lucerne provided opportunities for athletes under weight limits (typically 73 kg for men and 61.5 kg for women), broadening participation without altering core double scull formats.^[47] Lightweight double sculls categories were part of the Olympic program from 1996 to 2020 but discontinued for the 2024 Paris Games to focus on open-weight events.^[2] Post-World War II, the sport experienced rapid growth in regions like Australia, where national federations expanded club programs and interstate competitions, and Asia, where countries such as China and Japan saw surging participation from the 1980s onward through FISA development initiatives.^[48]^[49] Adaptive versions of the double sculls emerged in the 2000s to promote inclusivity, with para-rowing events like the PR2 and PR3 mixed double sculls debuting at the 2002 World Rowing Championships in Seville and entering the Paralympic program in 2008 at Beijing.^[50] These classifications accommodate athletes with physical or visual impairments, using fixed seats and straps for stability, and have since grown to include over 20 nations competing annually.^[51]

Rowing Technique

Individual Sculling Mechanics

In a double scull, individual sculling mechanics revolve around the rower's precise coordination of body movements and oar handling to generate propulsion while maintaining boat balance with two oars. The stroke cycle consists of four distinct phases—catch, drive, finish, and recovery—each demanding sequential activation of legs, core, back, and arms to optimize force application and minimize energy loss. This technique applies universally to sculling, where the rower manages bilateral oar symmetry to ensure straight-line progress.^[52] The catch phase begins the stroke as the rower reaches forward with shins vertical and body leaning approximately 60-70 degrees from the horizontal, compressing the knees while keeping the back straight and core engaged. Blades enter the water simultaneously and perpendicularly (squared), with hands lifting slightly to lock the oars in place just forward of the oarlocks; this position allows for maximum leverage and stroke length. Effective catch timing relies on synchronized leg and trunk movement to avoid faults like "bum shoving," where the seat advances faster than the shoulders, reducing leg drive efficiency.^[53]^[52] During the drive phase, propulsion is generated through a leg-initiated push, followed by a powerful body swing from the hips and a final arm pull, with approximately 75% of the rower's force applied to the oars horizontally. The core remains engaged throughout to transfer power efficiently, while the upper body swings back to about 25-30 degrees from vertical at the peak, ensuring the blades remain buried without washing out. Oar ergonomics are critical here: handles are gripped with even pressure distribution across both oars to maintain balance, and the blade pitch—typically set at 3-7 degrees forward on the oarlock—facilitates clean immersion without excessive diving. Common faults include early arm dominance, which disrupts the leg-body-arms sequence and leads to uneven power delivery.^[54]^[55]^[56] At the finish, the blades exit the water cleanly as the rower completes the pull, with handles brushing the lower ribs and spoons feathering flat (about 4 degrees) to reduce drag; the body maintains a slight backward lean of 25-30 degrees from vertical, supported by core stability to prevent over-rotation. This phase emphasizes quick extraction to avoid scooping water aft, a fault that slows boat momentum. The left hand typically leads in sculling to guide the crossover, ensuring wrists stay flat and pressure remains balanced between oars.^[52]^[53]^[26] The recovery phase restores the starting position through a reversed sequence: arms extend first, followed by the body rocking forward over the pelvis, and finally the knees lifting as the seat slides forward at a controlled speed matching the boat's run. Body positioning shifts smoothly back to the catch lean, with hands away from the body and parallel to the water surface to promote relaxation and rhythm. A common fault is a rushed recovery, often due to excessive slide speed or tension, which causes instability and disrupts blade entry; this can be mitigated by maintaining even pacing to preserve hull glide.^[52]^[57] Training for these mechanics focuses on drills to refine blade control and reduce drag, such as feathering exercises where rowers practice rotating the handles post-extraction to keep blades flat and parallel to the water, minimizing wind and surface resistance. Squaring drills, involving entry with perpendicular blades using the inside hand for control, help ensure precise catch timing and symmetry in double sculls. These basics emphasize low stroke rates (16-18 per minute) for single strokes or pauses to isolate movements, building muscle memory for core engagement and balanced oar pressure without rushing the recovery.^[53]^[52]

Synchronization and Strategy

In a double scull, the two rowers occupy distinct positions with complementary roles to ensure balance and propulsion. The stroke, seated closer to the stern, sets the overall rhythm and cadence for the boat, typically maintaining 30-38 strokes per minute during races to optimize power output and endurance.^[58] The bow, positioned at the front, mirrors the stroke's movements while focusing on boat balance and steering adjustments, often checking for on-water hazards to maintain directional stability.^[1] This division allows the stroke to lead the timing while the bow provides responsive synchronization, creating a unified motion essential for the lightweight shell's efficiency. Synchronization relies on mirror-image strokes where both rowers execute the catch, drive, finish, and recovery in near-perfect alignment, requiring near-perfect alignment, where even small timing errors of 0.1 seconds can cause significant disruptions in hull speed.^[59] Verbal calls from the stroke or sensory cues—such as feeling the boat's "backup" at the catch—help maintain this timing, fostering an intuitive connection that enhances crew harmony and reduces energy loss from mismatched efforts.^[59] In elite pairs, like the 1984 Olympic champions Brad Lewis and Paul Enquist, practices such as shadow sculling (mirroring movements without oars) further refine this interpersonal dynamic.^[59] Tactical strategies in double scull racing emphasize phased pacing to exploit the boat's agility. Races often begin with explosive start bursts at over 50 strokes per minute for the first 10-20 strokes to achieve initial speed exceeding 110% of average race pace,^[60] followed by a controlled settle into mid-race rhythm at 34-38 strokes per minute to conserve aerobic capacity over the 2,000-meter course.^[61] Mid-race focuses on steady pacing with minimal speed fade (ideally 2-3 seconds over 1,000 meters), while sprint finishes in the final 250-500 meters draw on anaerobic reserves for a decisive push, provided earlier energy is managed effectively.^[60] To counter environmental asymmetries like crosswinds or currents, crews may adjust power distribution—applying slightly more force on the windward side or adapting stroke angles—to mitigate yaw and maintain straight-line efficiency.^[62] Common challenges arise from phase desynchronization, which can cause boat wobble, increased roll, and surge fluctuations that dissipate propulsion and heighten fatigue.^[63] Such desync often stems from mismatched power application or timing errors, leading to uneven boat speed and reduced overall performance. Training addresses these through paired drills, such as alternating full slides between rowers (20 strokes each) to build mutual awareness, or pausing at the arms-body-away position for one minute to perfect simultaneous catches.^[64] Additional exercises like eyes-closed rowing or light-pressure sets (on a 1-10 effort scale) enhance internal feel and tolerance for minor lags, progressively integrating into full race simulations.^[59]

Competition

Major Events and Formats

The double sculls event in the Olympic Games follows a standardized 2000-meter straight course format, featuring preliminary heats, repechage rounds for non-qualifiers, and culminating in A and B finals to determine medal and final placements.^[18] This structure has been in place for men's double sculls since the 1912 Games in Stockholm, where the event adopted the modern 2000-meter distance, while women's double sculls joined the Olympic program in 1976 at Montreal with the same format.^[65]^[6] The World Rowing Championships, organized annually by World Rowing (FISA) since their inception in 1962 in Lucerne, Switzerland, serve as the premier non-Olympic international competition for double sculls, encompassing both senior and emerging categories.^[46] These championships include under-23 variants, established as the World Rowing U23 Championships in 2005 (evolving from the 2002 U23 Regatta), and coastal rowing editions since 2007, which feature longer endurance courses with buoy turns typically exceeding 4000 meters.^[66]^[67] Performances at these events contribute to Olympic qualification through allocated quota places based on final rankings.^[68] Other prominent competitions include the Henley Royal Regatta in the United Kingdom, where the elite Double Sculls Challenge Cup has been contested since 1946 over a 2112-meter course on the River Thames, attracting top international crews.^[69] The European Rowing Championships, dating back to 1893 as FISA's inaugural international event, continue annually and feature double sculls among their core disciplines, providing a continental platform for qualification and development.^[70] Governing rules for double sculls across these events prohibit the use of a coxswain, requiring two rowers to each handle a pair of oars for propulsion and steering.^[71] Races employ electronic timing systems for precise measurement to the hundredth of a second, ensuring fair outcomes on straight or marked courses.^[71] Anti-doping protocols adhere to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, with FISA conducting in-competition and out-of-competition testing to maintain integrity.^[72]

Records and Achievements

The world best time in the men's open double sculls (M2x) stands at 5:59.72, set by Martin Sinković and Valent Sinković of Croatia during the A/B semifinal at the 2014 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam.^[73] In the women's open double sculls (W2x), the record is 6:37.31, achieved by Olympia Aldersey and Sally Kehoe of Australia at the same 2014 championships.^[73] For lightweight variants, the men's lightweight double sculls (LM2x) best time is 6:05.33, recorded by Fintan McCarthy and Paul O'Donovan of Ireland in the final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021). The women's lightweight double sculls (LW2x) record is 6:40.47, set by Emily Craig and Imogen Grant of Great Britain at the 2023 World Rowing Cup II in Varese.^[74] Prominent figures in double sculls include the Sinković brothers from Croatia, who dominated the men's event with Olympic golds in 2016 and 2020, a world championship title in 2014, and the world best time that year, establishing them as one of the most successful sculling pairs in history. In the women's category, Katherine Grainger and Anna Watkins of Great Britain secured Olympic gold in the W2x at London 2012, capping Grainger's career with a long-awaited victory after three prior silvers in the event.^[75] New Zealand's Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan also left a lasting mark, winning consecutive world titles in the M2x in 2010 and 2011 before claiming Olympic gold in 2012. Great Britain has amassed over 10 Olympic medals across sculling events, including multiple in double sculls such as the 2012 W2x gold and the 2024 LW2x gold by Craig and Grant, underscoring their sustained excellence in the discipline. New Zealand dominated the men's double sculls in the 2010s, securing world championship golds in 2010, 2011, and 2017, alongside their 2012 Olympic triumph, which highlighted a golden era for the nation's scullers.^[76] In para-rowing, the PR2 mixed double sculls (PR2 mix2x) event was contested at the 2005 World Rowing Championships in Gifu, Japan, where Angela Madsen and Scott Brown of the United States claimed gold; the event features adaptive hulls with fixed seats to accommodate rowers with limited leg function, enabling trunk and arm propulsion without a sliding mechanism.^[77] This milestone paved the way for the discipline's inclusion in the Paralympics starting in 2008.^[78] At the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, the men's double sculls was won by the Netherlands' Melvin Twellaar and Jacob van de Bunt in 6:12.45, while the women's event saw China take gold with Liu Shuang and Jiang Jijian in 6:45.67. No new world best times were set in these events.^[79]

References

[1]
Learn About Rowing - USRowing
Double (2x): A sculling shell with two rowers, each with two oars. Single (1x): A shell with one rower. The Equipment and Parts of the Boat. Bow ...
[2]
Road to Paris : The Double Sculls - World Rowing
Jul 28, 2023 · The double is the four-oared, two person craft that takes power and coordination to go fast. It has featured at the Olympics ever since 1904 for the men, and ...
[3]
Rowing - Olympics.com
58 athletes (29 per gender): Single Sculls · 52 athletes (26 per gender): Pair · 52 athletes (26 per gender): Double Sculls · 72 athletes (36 per gender): Coxless ...
[4]
Rowing 101: Olympic equipment
Apr 6, 2021 · Men and women contest the double sculls (also known as the "double"), in which two rowers pull two oars each, with steering achieved by ...
[5]
Rowing 101: Olympic history
Apr 6, 2021 · American Paul Costello teamed with Charles McIlvaine and won his third consecutive gold medal in double sculls. Costello was one of five rowers ...
[6]
Olympic countdown – women's double sculls - World Rowing
Lipa was first at the 1984 Olympics, second in Seoul in 1988 and second again in Barcelona in 1992. Lipa sits at the top all time women Olympic medallists. In ...
[7]
Paris 2024 Olympic Games Preview : the Double Sculls
Jul 18, 2024 · Two people, four oars, one boat. The double sculls is often considered a rower's favourite. It's not too big or too small and is overall ...
[8]
The top 10 most-asked questions about Rowing at the Olympic Games
Jul 9, 2024 · – Lightweight Double Sculls (L2x): Two rowers, each with two oars. Men must weigh below 72.5kg or part of a 70kg crew average. Women must weigh ...Missing: minimum | Show results with:minimum
[9]
Going heavy, going light. Changing weight classes in rowing
Dec 9, 2015 · Heavyweight men can be any weight, for the lightweights they must be below 72.5kg or part of a 70kg crew average.Missing: minimum | Show results with:minimum
[10]
Rowing: Rules, regulations and all you need to know - Olympics.com
May 10, 2021 · The discipline is one of the oldest at the Olympics as the men's event started in 1900 while the women's competition came to the fore in 1976.
[11]
Basics of Rowing
Lightweight women cannot weight more than 59 kg and the average weight in the whole boat cannot exceed 57 kg (single sculler 59 kg). Variations may occur in ...Missing: openweight | Show results with:openweight
[12]
None
### Summary of Differences Between Sculling and Sweep Boats (Double Scull vs. Pair)
[13]
Disciplines - USRowing
Sweep boats may or may not carry a coxswain (pronounced cox-n) to steer and be the on-the-water coach. In boats without coxswains, one of the rowers steers by ...Missing: inherent stability
[14]
One oar or two? Rowing's discipline-switchers - World Rowing
Sep 7, 2023 · Several top rowers have switched from sculling to sweep or vice-versa – either at the start of the season, or even halfway through it.
[15]
[PDF] Differences in Spinopelvic Kinematics in Sweep and Scull ...
In sculling, the rower uses 2 oars to propel the shell (1 each side of the rower), whereas in sweep rowing the rower uses only 1 oar that can be placed on.Missing: ergonomic | Show results with:ergonomic
[16]
MAAS Double - Adirondack Rowing
Despite the MAAS double's narrow (14.75″) waterline beam, excellent stability is achieved through a slightly flattened hull section shape and a low center of ...
[17]
Empacher Racing Double
The outer layer of the shell and deck is made of carbon fiber and the inner layer of Kevlar fiber or alternatively with fine carbon fiber fabric. The sandwich ...Missing: materials | Show results with:materials
[18]
FISA Guidelines - Stämpfli Racing Boats
Double Scull (2x), 27kg (59.52 lbs) ; Pair Without Coxswain (2-), 27kg (59.52 lbs) ; Pair With Coxswain (2+), 32kg (68.34 lbs) ; Four Without Coxswain (4-), 50kg ( ...
[19]
What Gives With Rowing Shells? - MaxRigging
Is it sculling since “twice the oars, so twice the rower.” Or is it sweep since “half the oars, twice the rower”? It's a turf battle I won't venture into, but I ...Missing: inherent | Show results with:inherent
[20]
Seat Tracks | Durham Boat Company
Black anodized seat tracks from Martinoli. Available in two lengths: standard (33′′) and long (36′′). The tracks are supplied complete with 4 holding bolts and ...
[21]
https://www.empacher.com/en/products/racing-boats/empacher-racing-double
[22]
[PDF] 1 Basic Rigging - World Rowing
Sculling events require each athlete to use two oars, which are pulled simultaneously and range from the single sculls to the quadruple sculls. Sweep rowing ...
[23]
https://maxrigging.com/what-gives-with-rowing-shells/
[24]
Adjustment and Maintenance - Durham Boat Company
We use two types of sleeves: Martinoli and SRS. The Martinoli sleeves are black sleeves and are used on the fixed length sculls with red and green collars. The ...
[25]
Oarlock height - Rowing coach
Measured in centimeters: 13cm–18cm. In sculling, the starboard side oarlock is placed up to 2 cm higher then the port side oarlock to create more space for the ...
[26]
https://worldrowing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Level2%25EA%259E%2589Chapter1%25EA%259E%2589BasicRigging_English.pdf
[27]
An Introduction to Rigging: Spread and span - Ready all, row
Feb 5, 2013 · Spread is the distance from the boat's middle to the oarlock pin. Span is the distance from the starboard pin to the port pin, usually ...
[28]
Dreher Carbon Foot Stretchers | Durham Boat Company
Dreher Adjustable Carbon Foot Stretchers are designed to custom fit almost any sculling or sweep boat from a single to an eight.Missing: backrests monitors
[29]
[PDF] Adaptive Rowing Guide
Generic rigging considerations: • Ensure that the oarlock height measurement in relation to the seated height of the rower is correct, especially if they ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[30]
Rowing Rate Meters – Active Tools Stroke Rate & Timer | Eurow.eu
Accurate rowing rate meters from Active Tools for training and racing. Measure stroke rate and time with reliable mounts and practical accessories.Missing: backrests | Show results with:backrests<|control11|><|separator|>
[31]
Oar Maintenance: Now Is The Perfect Time - MaxRigging
Sleeves and collars hardly ever get love. Now move on to the sleeve and collar. These are sneaky areas because they get the most wear-and-tear of all rowing ...
[32]
https://www.durhamboat.com/carbon-parts/dreher-carbon-foot-stretchers/
[33]
General Maintenance for Oars
Dirt, sand and grime can wear the sleeves. If dirt and sand are on sleeve, increased wear will result. If possible keep sleeves off the ground to prevent dirt ...Missing: collars | Show results with:collars
[34]
[PDF] Chapter 1 History
Professional rowing The first English professional sculling champion- ship race was held in London in 1831 between two watermen, C. Campbell and J. Williams.
[35]
The development of the racing shell: Tyne Innovations Part 1
Feb 22, 2018 · For his sculling match with Coombes on the Tyne in December 1844 he built a skiff (single scull) with a smooth hull, which had only one strake ...Missing: double | Show results with:double
[36]
North East Rowing On-line - History Timeline
Boyd of Newcastle beat T.Green & E.Morrois of London in a double sculls match on the Tyne. Lumsden & Boyd beat Winship & Bagnall in a pairs match; ( ...
[37]
James Renforth - Northern Rowing History
James Renforth (1842 - 1871) was born in the Manors area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1842, and was the third of the great oarsmen that the Tyne produced in ...
[38]
A Snapshot of Rowing in the 1890s | Hear The Boat Sing
Aug 9, 2017 · The archives of Brasenose College, Oxford have recently yielded an extraordinary snapshot of rowing technique in the 1890s, which has not previously been seen.
[39]
125 years of FISA: Advances in technology - World Rowing
Oct 5, 2017 · Standardisation within the sport took centre stage. Rowing's place as a founding sport within the modern Olympic movement gave additional cause ...Missing: 1922 | Show results with:1922
[40]
The Vespoli Difference » Innovation, Craftmanship, and Service »
By the end of the year, Vespoli had manufactured 12 of the first carbon fiber racing shells in America. Eight years later, we have initiated groundbreaking, ...
[41]
St. Louis 1904 Double Sculls Men Results - Olympic rowing
Find out who took home gold, silver and bronze in 1904. Official results of the rowing Double Sculls Men event at the St. Louis Summer Olympics.Missing: debut demonstration
[42]
History - World Rowing
The origin of the sport of rowing as we know it today comes from England, where the world-renowned Oxford versus Cambridge University Boat Race was first held ...
[43]
https://worldrowing.com/2017/10/05/125-years-fisa-advances-technology/
[44]
Full article: In Defense of Lightweight Rowing - Taylor & Francis Online
Nov 23, 2022 · The Value of Inclusivity in Lightweight Categories. When the first World Lightweight Rowing Championships were introduced in 1974, they were ...
[45]
Our Story - Rowing Australia
Rowing is a part of Australia's national sporting and cultural heritage, with international success dating back to 1867 when Edward “Ned” Trickett won ...
[46]
https://worldrowing.com/about/history/
[47]
Rowing and Para Rowing - World Rowing
Para Rowing is rowing or sculling open to both men and women rowers with ... PR2 : mixed double sculls, men's single sculls, women's single sculls. PR1 ...
[48]
Paralympic Games - World Rowing
There are five boat classes: PR1 men's single sculls, PR1 women's single sculls, PR2 mixed double sculls, PR3 mixed double sculls and PR3 mixed coxed four.
[49]
British Rowing Technique
The Drive 1, This is the start of the drive phase of the stroke, when the blades are placed in the water (called the 'catch') and the boat is driven forwards ...Missing: mechanics | Show results with:mechanics
[50]
[PDF] A Comparative Analysis of the GDR and Adam Styles - World Rowing
however, that the essential difference between rowing and sculling is that the upper body is used a little earlier during the propulsive phase [in sculling].
[51]
[PDF] Introduction to the Biomechanics of Rowing
The movement of the CG horizontally and vertically during the stroke cycle is important for the forces exerted by the rower (see figure. 3). With somewhat more ...
[52]
Length, power and rate | British Rowing Plus
May 10, 2022 · Typical lean back angles at the end of the stroke will be around 25-30 degrees from vertical – see picture above. This again has some caveats.
[53]
An Introduction to Rigging: Pitch - Ready all, row
Feb 19, 2013 · 4 degrees is the standard angle, but it can range anywhere from 3-7. Too much pitch (7+ degrees) will cause the blade to wash out at the finish, ...
[54]
The recovery, part 1 | British Rowing Plus
Dec 1, 2021 · Coach consultant Robin Williams explores the recovery phase of the rowing stroke in the first of two articles.
[55]
Technique: to rate high or not to rate high? | British Rowing Plus
May 20, 2021 · High rate may allow more strokes and less power per stroke, but can lead to shorter stroke length, less strength, and more energy for direction ...
[56]
All together now: The importance of synchronisation
Mar 1, 2011 · Olympic coach Robin Williams explains why synchronisation is the key to making a great rowing crew.
[57]
Learn About Rowing - USRowing
In sweep rowing, athletes hold one oar with both hands. In sculling, the athletes have two oars, one in each hand, usually in smaller boats. The “grip” is the ...
[58]
How's your racing profile? - British Rowing Plus
Jan 22, 2021 · 1. Use the start. Don't waste your start speed: a lot of crews are good at going fast over the first 10 strokes, but lose the speed again soon ...Missing: conditions | Show results with:conditions
[59]
(PDF) Power in Rowing: In search of effective feedback variables
Dec 22, 2019 · International athletes were more likely to utilize an asymmetry strategy ... Fifteen crews of two rowers rowed in a double scull (ie, a two ...Missing: tactics | Show results with:tactics
[60]
Rocking the boat: does perfect rowing crew synchronization reduce ...
Nov 23, 2016 · Results indicated that crew synchronization became more consistent with stroke rate, while surge, heave, and pitch fluctuations increased.Missing: lag | Show results with:lag
[61]
Drills for the Double - Rowing News
Jun 24, 2017 · One of the keys to moving the double is blending styles with your partner and syncing up your timing, swing, and power application. Start by ...Missing: paired | Show results with:paired
[62]
A battle for the podium - The men's double - World Rowing
Mar 19, 2012 · ... Olympic standard double. The event first featured in the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis, United States of America. The host nation took all ...
[63]
2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships
Jul 27, 2025 · Italy's Tito Christoforakis and Giacomo Matteucci win the lightweight men's double sculls final, leading from lane 1 from the buzzer. ... official ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition<|control11|><|separator|>
[64]
World Rowing Coastal Championships
An endurance race, the event has buoy turns usually with a minimum distance of 4000m. Upcoming Events. 11 - 13 Oct 2026. 2026 World Rowing Coastal Championships ...Missing: FISA | Show results with:FISA
[65]
[PDF] WORLD ROWING FEDERATION (FISA) Rowing
Mar 8, 2021 · To be eligible to participate in the continental Olympic qualification regattas and the final Olympic qualification regatta, all athletes must ...
[66]
Premier Events - Henley Royal Regatta
The Double Sculls Challenge Cup and medals were instituted in 1946. The same rules apply as for The Grand Challenge Cup. Stonor Challenge Trophy. Premier ...
[67]
FISA Timeline - Rowing Story
A list of FISA rule changes, particularly those affecting women's rowing.
[68]
[PDF] World Rowing Rules of Racing - Cloudfront.net
1) Single sculls (1x). 2) Double sculls (2x). 3) Pair (2-). 4) Coxed Pair (2+). 5) Quadruple sculls (4x). 6) Coxed Quadruple sculls (4x+). 7) Four (4-). 8) ...
[69]
[PDF] FISA 2021 Anti-Doping Rules Page 2 of 67 - World Rowing
WADA's determination of the Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods that will be included on the Prohibited List, the classification of substances into ...
[70]
[PDF] Senior Best Times 2018 - World Rowing
M2X 2014 World Rowing Championships. 29 Aug 2014 CRO. 05:59.720. LM2X 2014 World Rowing Championships. 30 Aug 2014 RSA. 06:05.360. W4- 2014 World Rowing ...
[71]
Lightweight women lead the way at World Cup II: First medal and a ...
Jun 17, 2023 · A thrilling world best time of 06:40:47 was recorded by Emily Craig and Imogen Grant as they rowed to victory in the Lightweight women's double sculls (LW2x) ...
[72]
https://worldrowing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/AppendixR10former14-Anti-DopingBye-Lawsat160920_Neutral-2.pdf
[73]
https://worldrowing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SelectionBestTimes2018forSeniorandU23.pdf
[74]
2005 World Rowing Championships - Wikipedia
The 2005 World Rowing Championships were World Rowing Championships that were held from 29 August to 4 September 2005 at the Nagaragawa International Regatta ...
[75]
Rowing - Paralympic.org
HISTORY OF PARA ROWING ... Rowing made its Paralympic debut at Beijing 2008. Athletes race over 2,000m on flat water in boats that vary in length and crew size.Missing: introduction | Show results with:introduction