Essential Sculling: An Introduction to Basic Strokes, Equipment, Boat Handling, Technique, and Power

The author, having taught thousands of recreational rowers at Harvard, is well versed in what beginning rowers don't know, and thereby need to know, about rowing. This small, easily read book is a good introduction to many facets of rowing and also would be valuable to those who are not absolute beginners. The author is concerned only with sculling, that is, one man, two oars.The book begins by covering the basics of equipment, boat handling, and rowing technique. At each step rowing and equipment terminology is addressed. Later, refinements to basic rowing that permit one to become a true practitioner of the sport are added, including the possibilities of racing. An obscure part of dealing with boats is the setup of the rigging, that is, the apparatus that hold the oars. The author attempts to give some insight, but one suspects that the help of an experienced boat rigger is necessary. Mention of equipment that the rower should bring like what type of clothing for various conditions is not mentioned. Nor are costs associated with rowing detailed. Some mention of injuries would have been good, like what to do about blisters.Unlike some rowing books, this one is not geared towards coaches with obscure chapters on the physics of rowing, details of physiology, and the like. This book is concerned with the practicalities of rowing and its possibilities as an enjoyable activity for almost anyone with such an inclination.

A must read for novice and intermediate rowers.

I have discovered that I will have to learn rowing in steps with sculling or single boats being the last of the learning curve. I found the book to be well illustrated and well written and I look forward to completing my training so that I can apply the information in this book and row by myself.

Well worth reading if you want to know more about what it takes to become a better sculler. It discusses the techniques involved and for me personally the section regarding rigging was very useful while designing and building my own recreational wooden scull.

Shows the basics for a beginner and helps you understand what is necessary for the sport. Good basic book for all to read

Great introductory text.

The book is inspiring and would make anybody buy a scull.But since I already got myself an intermediate half a year ago I was hoping for a more up to date book more like a manual.

I have read & sold other books, but not this one, because it bears reading several times, like having a coach. It reads well in a font size that I (at age 47) found easy to read. Boyne does a good job addressing equipment, rigging, rowing technique, boathandling skills, training and troubleshooting tips.I refer to this book between sessions on the water. The book does not substitute for time in the sliding seat--in the beginning, I committed errors that threw me into the water or that made release & catch of the oar blades messy. The book, and time spent with an accomplished fellow rower, helped clean up these errors.

Das Büchlein ist sehr anschaulich und unterhaltsam geschrieben, es ist kein trockenes "Lehrbuch" wie z.B. Altenburg et al. Wie der Titel schon sagt, ist das Zielpublikum eher Anfänger und Fortgeschritten, aber auch später kann man sich den einen oder anderen Tipp abholen. Es werden viele Bereiche des Ruderns abgedeckt: sowohl Rudertechnik als auch die "Hardware". Für mich eine rundum gelungene Einführung zum Thema Rudern - vorausgesetzt man scheut sich nicht, mit englischen Fachbegriffen konfrontiert zu werden

Extremely easy to read, not so detailed but great book to have. I liked the way it is written and constructed with learning curve implemented in it. Would recommend it to everyone as a part of rowing books collection, not so much as standalone book.

Like a friendly wise old coach, this text accompanies my weekly sculling drills.I was teached rowing six years ago only. My self-teaching has come to a new and very detailed level since I read this text (I am continously reading it) Some of the advices are repeated like mantras in my mind. Exactly like a rowing cycle. Excellent text! I love it.

Excellent book.

I do not know of any book on sports that treats its matter which such seriousness without ever becoming grave. In a prose where every word tells, Boyne writes elegantly and full of humour. Clearly, his book is the synthesis of half a life of teaching sculling. It provides beginners with everything they need to take their first steps while advanced scullers will find useful and at times wise advice to get better. Essential reading for every sculler or anyone who wants to find his way into this fascinating activity.