In developing the rowing program, the club will build on its history with small craft. Rowing facilities will include modified docks designed for launching shells and storage areas. Close to both Hamburg Cove and Selden Creek, Pettipaug has long stretches of relatively protected river both up- and downstream that makes it an ideal setting for this sport. Traditional competition shells are long and narrow for speed. They are suited only to flat water.
New rowers start in wider boats for stability until they learn to use the oars to balance the boat.
Managing the feathering of the blades while moving the oars forward for the next stroke is easy once you understand that the flowing water helps flip the blades flat, making this process semiautomatic. Once the basics are mastered, the way the boat glides through the water becomes an extremely satisfying sensation. At speeds of 5-7 mph, these boats can cover surprising distances. And, like bicycling, sculling lets the rower savor the passing scenery. Registration for clinic Preregistration for the two-hour clinics is required because boat space is limited.