Amateur Rowing Association - The Home of British RowingFrequently Asked Questions - Adaptive Rowing
- I have a visual impairment will I be able to single scull?
- How do I keep in time in a crew boat if I have a visual impairment?
- I have a visual impairment how do I know where my blade is in relation to the water?
- I have a visual impairment will I be able to row with others when I can't see what everyone else is doing?
- How will I communicate with my coach if I have a hearing impairment?
- I have a hearing impairment is it safe for me to go out sculling?
- Will I be provided with realistic targets?
- I am an athlete with limited hand function?
- I have a spinal cord injury is it safe for me to row?
- I use a wheel chair how can I get into a rowing boat?
There is no reason why you should not be able to single scull. Every coach will risk assess the planned activity as part of good practice and would need to do the same in this instance particularly thinking about: What other river users are there and what is the level of supervision?
You will be able to scull with navigational direction from the coach or a fellow sculler alongside./p>
If the crew is coxed the coxwains role is essential in ensuring that the rhythm of the boat is transferred from stroke to bow and that timing is immaculate to aid its efficiency. When you are rowing within the crew, the cox simply needs to ensure that they pay particular attention to timing, rhythm and coaching calls that will help the all the athletes concentrate and enhance the kinesthetic feel and feedback that you receive from the boat itself.
There are many exercises that coaches use with crews that are relevant to individuals with visual impairments - simple placement drills and 'slapping' the water before the catch will all help you (whether you have full or limited sight) become more aware of where your blade is in relation to the water at the catch. Additional aids would be to have straws in the boat at the catch indicating where you need to raise your hands to - providing a physical stimulus as well as kinesthetic feel.
Rowing is a sport that relies very much on feel and once you have been taught the basic rowing technique on a rowing machine and in a sculling boat on a one-to-one basis with your coach you will soon pick up crew rowing.
You will be able to feel how the boat is moving and indeed how others are moving within the boat. You will be able to keep in time with the others in the crew by listening out to other clues such as one sound at the placement of the blade in the water - as you all do it together and one at the finish.. In addition you may have a cox in the boat that can give specific commends to help you follow the crew rhythm and timing.
Remember to tell your coach first as you know your own limitations best.
Some athletes are be able to lip read and some may chose to use decaton. Additionally you could devise a series of symbols and signs that are agreed between yourself and your coach.
A responsible coach will always need to assess the risk before agreeing on any activity. As long as they ensure you know the rules of the river and are aware of other water users the environment and conditions you and they should find that this is not of concern. If you are in any doubt, always ensure that you are supervised by a coach on the bank or in a launch that can warn of danger or by a fellow athlete in a boat alongside you.
Hearing loops are available and are set up so that a coach can relay information to you in the boat.
The seating systems that are recommended by the ARA have been fully evaluated and biomechanicaly tested and have support systems to aid you with reduced seating balance. They are used in conjunction with training boats providing a safe and stable platform.
In addition 'Scullies' outriggers can be used to add additional support and stability.
If you just wants to take part in dry rowing then a seating system (as discussed above) can be attached to the concept II rowing machine.
Remember first and foremost that you know your limitations - tell your coach what you need. Hoists are available to aid transfer from land into a boat, although in most cases wheelchair users already have established transfer techniques which has proved effective. In addition your coach would need to ensure that access to the boat is via a pontoon that has wheelchair access and is non-slip to aid traction.
You may find a postural support system preferable to provide low lumbar or full lumbar support. Again tell you coach what they require - additional sore prevention systems are available.