Alden Ocean Scull Questions

still33 · Post by **still33** » July 21st, 2008, 11:53 am

Hello all!
Hope someone can help me... I am a novice rower, started this spring sweep rowing, lately more sculling as less people show up at the club. Still have only sculled the club "tub" a few times, so very much still learning. A friend offered me use of an old Alden ocean scull- 16 ft. with 7'6" wooden sculls. Oars are short so that there is no overlap of handles. This seems to make my stroke less effective and the blades tend to dive (one handle is taped with red, I assume this the starboard tho both look very similar). I seem to be using upper body/arms more than I would like but have to control blade depth. Also, the blades seem too far back and "in" at the catch. Is this normal for an ocean shell or do I need different sculls or an altogether different boat?
If a different scull is in order, any suggestions? I would row at club but it is 40 minutes away. I have a decent river locally as well as Lk. Michigan, when calm enough. Also, are there any places in Wisconsin where I could try out boats for sale?
Thanks!

tdekoekkoek · Post by **tdekoekkoek** » July 21st, 2008, 12:47 pm

I would start with different sculls. You should be able to get a decent row in an ocean shell with regular sculling blades. You could try to pick up some used ones online but beware that oftentimes the pitch on used sculls gets skewed over time so you might want to invest in some new ones.

Secondly if you really want to enjoy the sport, once you've had some practice in the ocean shell, I'd recommend getting a standard shell. If you are rowing on still water, it will be more enjoyable. Again, you can pick up a decent used one online.

Regards,

Trevor

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » July 21st, 2008, 2:57 pm

The oars you have are nearly 2 feet shorter than what one might expect, and while there does not need to be a lot of overlap, generally there is a bit.

Oh, the Red taped oar is likely the Port blade (held by your right hand when rowing).

The recommendation to try for a more normally sized set of oars is a good one and of course they will be transferable to any other boat that you might row in the future.

Kinley · Post by **Kinley** » July 21st, 2008, 3:14 pm

Way back when, Alden made Oarmasters that were designed to be used with 7'6" sculls. I believe the lack of overlap was supposed to appeal to novices.

If you can find an Oarmaster (drop-in unit) made in the last 30 years or so it will have standard geometry. You can use it in the hull you have.