Starting in June 2018, rowing shells will no longer be permitted to use rudders and skegs. FISA, the international governing body of rowing, after short deliberation, has banned them. “In attempt to make rowing more exciting, steering aids will no longer be allowed on boats. We expect this will be major step in our sport […]
Uncategorized
Over-Compression and Using Catch Length To Correct It
I notice more and more rowers enduring over-compression at the catch. Might be caused by longer tracks, or muscle weakness, or a bunch of other things. Regardless, there is an optimal angle that should occur between the upper and lower leg at the catch. That angle is typical somewhere between 48-52 degrees. That depends on […]
Rowing and Lightning
Friend Chris Partridge just posted a thoughtful post about rowing, thunderstorms, and lightning on his blog. It is short, but thoughtful, and worthy of 3 minutes to read. Since this is the season for fireworks (at least in the States) I thought it appropriate to share.
17 Warning Signs That Your Rigging Stinks
If you’ve been at this sport long enough odds are good that you have a handle on your rigging. You’re good with the equipment; you treat it well; and the equipment is there for you when you need it. But how do you really know your rigging is good? You’ll never really know for sure, […]
A new weapon for your coaching and rigging arsenal—Plan B.
Okay, riddle me this . . . what do you do when you have a plan to get something done—and that plan doesn’t work? For instance, you’re driving your trailer full of shells to an important race. The race site is only 1 hour away, you’ve got plenty of time . . . and then your […]
Secret Rowing Weapon #2: Your bow number
I know, I know . . . bow numbers as secret weapons? Get a grip, right?? I’m serious. A bow numbers can be a secret weapon, if you know how to make the most of them. They (bow numbers) are one of the most forgotten and abused pieces of rowing equipment. That is, after a shell […]
Secret Rowing Weapon #3: Is your hull trimmed?
(This post is cowritten with Casey Baker, from Resolute Racing Shells.) The trim of a shell is an interesting measurement. Interesting mainly because few rowers pay attention to it. Really interesting because it is a place where you can pick up some quick speed with very little effort. The trim is how level the boat […]
Secret Rowing Weapon #4: How to trim your shell’s hull
The last post focused on determining if you might have a problem with the trim of your shell’s hull. Here are a few solutions to try if you do have a problem. A hull that is not properly trimmed is neither as effective nor as efficient as it could be. In essence, energy is being […]
You know what? You’ve got a problem. And I’m glad . . .
Yeah, I’m talking to you. I’m hoping you have a problem, and here’s why . . . I’m in the midst of my editorial planning for the upcoming year. Trying to figure out what to post. What videos and articles would be good to put up. You read this blog. You’ve got problems. (Come on, […]
Product Review: SpeedCoach™ XL3
This week I had the opportunity to demo a SpeedCoach™ XL3, from Nielsen-Kellerman. Although not a new product (the SpeedCoach™ having been around for several years) this was my first time to really get an XL into my hands and do some testing. The XL is basically a SpeedCoach™ on steroids that allows you to […]
