Competencies
The list below shows the core competencies that single scullers are expected to attain before sculling outside of coached outings. It is always advisable to scull in a small group and/or with a bank-party for additional safety.
- Understand which boats they have permission to use and how to book them
- Be able to describe the safety considerations used to assess risk when deciding whether to boat
- Be able to describe what to do in case of capsize; ideally have completed a capsize drill
- Know where the equipment and spares are located
- Check the set-up of the boat: stretcher, gates, and runners
- Take boat off/on rack safely without damage and without help*
- Safety/damage check before and after outing – shoe screws, heel restraints, top nuts, hatch cover, bow ball, hull condition
- Adjust stretcher to ensure ~one hand’s-width at finish
- Fit blades into gates correctly
- In/out boat safely maintaining balance
- Pushing off/landing safely without damage
- Observing the rules of navigation – staying on the correct side & crossing over safely
- Observation and steering – spotting obstacles, giving warnings, steering around obstacles
- Being able to adjust footplate and take tops on/off out on the water
- Backing down in a straight line
- Backing down adjusting direction e.g. towards a fixed point
- 360 degree spin in both directions
- Emergency stop
- Knowing where to spin safely
- Be fit enough, with good enough technique, to get to Baits Bite and back without struggling
- Know how to report an Incident and Equipment Damage
In order to be passed to go out alone, scullers must be fully competent in all of the above.
*A sculler who passes on all points except 6 should always ensure they have a helper for these steps, but may take to the water alone (subject to the usual risk assessments, and other provisos above).
Assessment
An individual who wishes to scull outside of coached outings should first have their competency assessed. They should consult the Club Captain who will direct them to a coach who can carry out the assessment.