The Rowing Merit Badge class at the Hull Lifesaving Museum provides a comprehensive introduction to both traditional and modern rowing techniques.

This session is designed for Scouts to transition from nautical theory to advanced physical skills in the historic waters of Hull.

Core Skills & Requirements

The class combines traditional maritime instruction with hands-on application of these essential skills:

- Rowing Techniques: Scouts will master the rowing stroke, including the catch, pull, and feathering recovery for both fixed-seat and sliding-seat boats.

- Precision Maneuvering: Requirements include rowing a 100-yard straight line, pivoting, "backwatering" (rowing in reverse), and stopping safely.

- Safety & Rescue: Participants must demonstrate their ability to perform a swamped boat drill and execute a rowing rescue of a person in the water.

- Boat Handling: Instruction covers launching and landing from both piers and shorelines, as well as changing positions safely while on the water. - Nautical Knowledge: Scouts will learn to identify boat parts (bow, stern, gunwale, transom) and the specific components of an oar (handle, loom, throat, blade).

- Mooring Mastery: The curriculum includes tying essential knots such as the Wellman’s Knot and Mooring Hitch.

Event Logistics Date & Time: Saturday, June 27th; 9 to 1pm

Capacity: Limited to 12 Scouts to ensure personalized coaching from museum experts.

Prerequisite: All participants must have successfully completed the BSA Swimmer Test prior to the event, as they will be required to handle themselves in deep water if they capsize.

What to Bring: A change of clothes is recommended, as Scouts will get wet during the required swamped boat rescue drills.