Book excerpt: Whether you are about to go out in a sculling boat for the first time, simply enjoy recreational sculling, or have aspirations to be a member of the national team, this book contains information that will help you to improve your performance and maximize your potential. Sculling considers the principles that underlie training, technique and the correct adjustment of the boat's rigging and gearing. It also offers practical advice on how those principles can be applied. In addition, the book covers a wide range of other important subjects, including; technique and training; confidence building and mental skills; racing strategies; physiological requirements; healthy sculling, nutrition and injury prevention; effective learning and coaching; safety; and different types and designs of sculling boats, blades and equipment. Written by an internationally successful rowing and sculling coach, this comprehensive book will be invaluable to all scullers and their coaches.