What is the difference between scull and sweep oars?

Answer 1

Sculling = One oar in each hand and a sliding seat. Usually 1,2, or 4 rowers written as 1x,2x,4x. Steering can be done by varying the amount of pull on each side. Sweep rowing = Two hands on one oar. Each rower takes one side (port/starboard) so there needs to be an even number of rowers. Sliding seat. 2,4, or 8 rowers. Often (and always with 8 rowers) has a coxswain to steer and coordinate. Rudders is used. Usually written as 2+,4+, 8+ (rowers w/coxswain) or 2-,4- (w/o coxswain)

Answer 2

Sculling refers exclusively to rowing where the rower has 2 separate oars, whereas crew rowing typically refers to sweep rowing where each rower has just one oar.

The distinction being that a sculler can be (but doesn't have to be) a single rower, while a sweep rower must be part of a 'crew', i.e. more than one rower in a boat.

Answer 3

Size. Sculling oars are similar in shape and design to Sweep oars but Sweeps are longer, bigger (blades and shaft), and beefier with a wider-longer grip (to accomodate two hands).