Scullingweeks, Ratzeburg 2010 (G)

These international sculling weeks are open for all scullers who want to improve their level of sculling. The week, which in the beginning was held once a year, is offered more times a year now, because of the many positive feed-back and the amount of interest. The recent years all the weeks were fully booked and the many participants reacted very enthusiastic. Also the courses of 2010 brought all scullers to a higher level and a better understanding of the stroke and the balance.

These weeks are meant for those who are member of a rowing club and find no-one to really help them to improve their techniques. The sculling week offers participants the opportunity to learn how to scull, or to improve their level of sculling. In the program the individual needs of each participant will be given priority.

All of this can be achieved, because of the individual approach throughout the entire week. The goal of the program is, to develop a (new) technical base for each participant, as a help to continue in any direction of the rowing sport. And one of the most important ideas is, in fact, each rower can be his own instructor.

During the week each participant will be assigned to a single scull (skiff), which will be adjusted in a proper way. There will be 10 sculling sessions during the week (depending on weather conditions). Almost every day the scullers will be filmed and all the recordings will be analyzed. Throughout the week private instruction in the single scull will be given on the level of each sculler. Besides sculling in the single scull, there will be other opportunities to row together or do other things like walking through the lovely woods or riding a bike along the beautiful lakes.

To achieve those goals, a nice environment has been chosen. The sculling center of Ratzeburg (60km east from, Hamburg, Germany) is situated at a beautiful lake surrounded by hills, forest, fields and small villages. The 4 lakes around give the scullers always a good chance to find some nice rowing water; other then that recreational motorboats are not allowed on the lakes, which makes them even more perfect to row. The center offers excellent facilities. The double rooms have each their own shower and toilet, have comfortable (long!) beds and colour-TV. Healthy meals, a nice boathouse and a fleet which is kept in good shape provide optimal conditions for a nice week.

The week is open for a total of 12 rowers. Participants from all countries are welcome. Spoken languages will be German, English, Dutch and some French. The minimum age is 18 and participants can be beginners (at least one season experience in the single scull) as well as advanced scullers and are able to keep a straight course. The camp is not open for people without any rowing experience.

The weeks will be lead by the Dutch instructor Carla Beekman, who organizes this type of week for over 10 years now. She works together with other very experienced and enthusiastic coaches.

This sculling week is not meant as a training week for competition rowers. The week is focused on improvement of technique, by sculling a lot, watching each other and by sharing experiences.

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