Skiffing

Skiffing refers to the sporting and leisure activity of rowing (or more correctly sculling) a Thames skiff.

The skiff is a traditional hand built clinker-built wooden craft of a design which has been seen on the River Thames and other waterways in England and other countries since the 19th century.

Thames skiffs were developed in the 19th century primarily for leisure use by private individuals sculling themselves.

The design was based on the Thames wherries and shallops that were operated by watermen as a water taxi service in London.

[3] In August 1815, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was taken on a skiffing expedition from Old Windsor to Lechlade by Charles Clairmont and Thomas Love Peacock.

[5] Skiffs have fixed rather than sliding seats, and the blades are held in thole pins at the side of the boat rather than outriggers.

The last extra distance provides considerable motive power to the boat, leading to the encouragement to "squeeze the finish".

Skiffs have the advantage of being able to carry loads and are stable enough to allow occupants to stand up and move about while on the water.

For more leisurely progress, a camping skiff has an easily erectable canvas cover and is used for outdoor recreational activity holidays.

[7] Skiffs regularly take part in traditional boat events, in particular the Great River Race in London.

Several Olympic rowers began their careers in skiffs, including James Cracknell, Elise Laverick and Sarah Winckless.