# Choose Your Dockside Skill

Part of the Rowing Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/rowing/guide/index.md)

> **5.** Do ONE of the following:

You must choose exactly **one** option here. Both options are about control next to a pier, where many rowing mistakes happen because the boat is close to hard surfaces, changing balance, and other people.

## Your Options

- **[Req 5a — Passenger Handling & Sculling](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/rowing/guide/req5a/)**: In a fixed-seat rowboat, bring the boat alongside a pier, help a passenger in and out, change positions, and demonstrate sculling over the stern or side. This option builds balance, communication, and low-speed boat control.
- **[Req 5b — Sliding-Seat Dock Exchange](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/rowing/guide/req5b/)**: In a sliding-seat rowboat, come alongside a pier and exchange positions with your buddy safely. This option focuses on careful movement in a lighter, more sensitive craft.

## How to Choose

**Choosing Your Option** — Think about the boat, the setting, and the skills you want to show

- [ ] **Boat type available:** Req 5a needs a fixed-seat rowboat. Req 5b needs a sliding-seat rowboat.
- [ ] **Balance challenge:** Req 5a adds passenger communication and sculling technique. Req 5b adds the precision of moving around a more delicate shell at the pier.
- [ ] **What you gain:** Req 5a teaches practical passenger handling and one of rowing's older propulsion skills. Req 5b teaches careful dock work in a racing-style setup.
- [ ] **Best fit:** Choose the option you can practice well with qualified supervision and the correct boat.

> **Tip**
>
> If your waterfront mainly uses camp rowboats, Req 5a is usually the natural option. If you train with a crew program and have access to sliding-seat boats, Req 5b may fit better.

The first option page shows the fixed-seat path in detail, including the special meaning of sculling used in this badge.

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- Previous: [Race Day as a Teammate](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/rowing/guide/req4b/index.md)
- Next: [Passenger Handling & Sculling](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/rowing/guide/req5a/index.md)