SWEEPING SKILLS
SWEEPING
The future of surfboats depends on the availability of capable Sweeps. The Sweep does many more things than steer the boat. Identifying potential sweeps and encouraging them to develop surfboat sweeping skills is the responsibility of every surf club’s boat section.
The age of some of our top sweeps is remarkably old for such a dynamic sport. Most experienced Sweeps are keen to assist novices from all clubs. Do not be backward in asking for help.
Instruction of novice Sweeps includes:-
The age of some of our top sweeps is remarkably old for such a dynamic sport. Most experienced Sweeps are keen to assist novices from all clubs. Do not be backward in asking for help.
Instruction of novice Sweeps includes:-
- Stance - Body position in the surfboat
- Method of holding sweep oar
- Steering
- Giving commands
- Starting method
- Going to sea
- Buoy turning method
- Running swells
- Wave catching
- Coming into the beach
- Controlling the surfboat in windy conditions
- Learning to balance at the back of the boat and steer can initially be done on calm water.
- Sweeping experience is gained ‘on the job’ through practise. It is easier to learn with an experienced crew than novice rowers.
- A Sweep should not take a crew to sea unless their own ability and the ability of the crew matches the sea conditions. The Sweep is responsible for the safety of the crew and other beach users.
STANCE & BODY POSITION
Feet are placed similar to riding a surfboard with front foot slightly towards the bow. Knees are slightly bent to absorb shocks. Shoulders point slightly towards the bow. The body should feel as if it is in a strong position.
Feet are placed similar to riding a surfboard with front foot slightly towards the bow. Knees are slightly bent to absorb shocks. Shoulders point slightly towards the bow. The body should feel as if it is in a strong position.
HOLDING THE SWEEP OAR
Hold handle away from the body to avoid being over balanced by it. The blade is kept in a floating position flat on the water unless a steering correction is necessary. Raise and lower the hands to maintain contact with the water.
Hold handle away from the body to avoid being over balanced by it. The blade is kept in a floating position flat on the water unless a steering correction is necessary. Raise and lower the hands to maintain contact with the water.
STEERING
The concept of how to steer a surfboat can be difficult to understand. It is the least understood aspect of surfboats. The sweep oar is not used like a rudder or tiller except at times when catching a wave. Generally a surfboat is steered by adjusting the angle of the blade on the water and applying varying degrees of pressure. Steering is generally done by rotating the sweep oar rather than large pushing or pulling actions.
The concept of how to steer a surfboat can be difficult to understand. It is the least understood aspect of surfboats. The sweep oar is not used like a rudder or tiller except at times when catching a wave. Generally a surfboat is steered by adjusting the angle of the blade on the water and applying varying degrees of pressure. Steering is generally done by rotating the sweep oar rather than large pushing or pulling actions.
GIVING COMMANDS
Inexperienced sweeps may find it difficult to give commands to the crew especially when catching waves. Consider which commands you will use and brief the crew beforehand.
Inexperienced sweeps may find it difficult to give commands to the crew especially when catching waves. Consider which commands you will use and brief the crew beforehand.
STARTING METHOD
There are several ways sweeps enter a boat at the start of a race. Older Sweeps sometimes have to adjust their starting method as their agility decreases.
There are several ways sweeps enter a boat at the start of a race. Older Sweeps sometimes have to adjust their starting method as their agility decreases.
GOING THROUGH THE BREAK
BUOY TURNS
There are three main methods used by Sweeps to turn buoys. Originally the most popular was the method where the Sweep did most of the turning by rotating around as they pushed the sweep oar over their head. With the introduction of shorter, deeper keels some Sweeps simply took their sweep oar blade out of the water relying on the rowers to turn the boat. Currently the method shown below where the Sweep takes the stroke oar to help spin the boat is gaining popularity.
There are three main methods used by Sweeps to turn buoys. Originally the most popular was the method where the Sweep did most of the turning by rotating around as they pushed the sweep oar over their head. With the introduction of shorter, deeper keels some Sweeps simply took their sweep oar blade out of the water relying on the rowers to turn the boat. Currently the method shown below where the Sweep takes the stroke oar to help spin the boat is gaining popularity.
WAVE CATCHING
Sweeps need to communicate with the crew.
Perhaps they already know what is about to happen!
Photo taken during 1980 “Feel Like a Tooheys” commercial.
Perhaps they already know what is about to happen!
Photo taken during 1980 “Feel Like a Tooheys” commercial.