We were also able to buy a replacement sculling blade for our current best set which broke soon after they were purchased when the stroke man of a coxless quad caught a huge crab and the scull went under the boat (blue handle on the right in the photo above). The looms are made of carbon fibre and are designed to be stressed and bend in certain directions only! The spoon (end of the sculling blade) is made of composite materials is called a 'big-blade' or 'hatchet' due to it's shape. This is the most common shape of blade used today and is designed to stay fixed in the water throughout the stroke without slipping, making it easier for the sculler to control it and put the power on.
All rowing equipment is expensive and our budget does not extend to purchase much in the way of new rowing equipment such as these blades. It has only been possible to buy these sculling blades from the following sources: the insurance payment for "George" (the old wooden quad scull that was damaged beyond repair), as well as the generous, Gift Aided, donations of several OLs and a parent. Raising funds for new rowing equipment is an on-going and never ending effort. The equipment gets a lot of use and wears out. We try and protect the equipment as best we can but it is for the use by the boys. The popularity of rowing in the UK, post the London Olympics, and at LRGS is increasing. We have certainly seen an increase in the numbers of boys wanting to take up the sport recently. Success breeds success and we are on the upward curve of developing rowing at LRGS again. If OLs or parents would like to make contributions for new equipment, we would all be very grateful. Donations can be Gift Aided to maximise it.
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