I’m presenting the Smart Rigging Roadmap workshop around the country. If you’d like to discuss scheduling a workshop, please contact me here
Have you felt frustrated with rowing equipment? Confused by how to make adjustments? Worried that the equipment is holding you back? Stressed by rigging that doesn’t seem to work? Fearful your competitor has an equipment advantage?
Those are common feelings for rowers and those who coach them.
Instead, there’s a different feeling you want when you row…
(photo AFP)A Smart Rigging Roadmap Can Help
Built on my years of experience, I’ve put together the Smart Rigging Roadmap (SRR). It will help you:
- reduce intimidation with the equipment
- compete with confidence
- focus on what’s important
- get the most from your investment
- rig the equipment to your body
The roadmap is simple and consists of 7 Actions:
Action #1: Select – rowing equipment that fits.
If you wear shoes too small, or clothes to big, you are uncomfortable. and uncomfortable can lead to poor performance. The same goes with rowing equipment. Three questions you need to answer are:
- What is your goal with your rowing (exercise, competition, etc.)?
- Do you have the equipment you need to get there?
- What other equipment do you need (or want)?
(If you’re in the market for new equipment, this workbook: Buy It Right, A Buying Guide for Rowing Equipment, will help.)
Action #2: Discover – the critical specifics of your equipment, the correct rigging numbers to use, and how rigging and your equipment fit into the overall picture of boat speed.
Information about what is being rowed can be helpful. Three questions you need to answer are:
- What are the critical numbers of the equipment?
- Which rigging numbers are right for you?
- How will rigging and the equipment fit into getting you where you want to go (from Action #1)
(A few suggestions for helpful information: How To Unlock The Secrets of Your Rowing Shell, Speed, and What Gives With Rowing Shells?)
Action #3: Adjust – the equipment correctly so it fits the rower effectively and comfortably.
Each rower is a unique individual. Tweaking the boat to your body is key to going fast. To find out if you are on the road to doing it correctly, here are three questions to consider:
- Do you know how to adjust the equipment properly for the person(s) rowing it?
- Which adjustments do you need to make, and which to ignore?
- When should you make your adjustments?
(My best selling book Nuts and Bolts Guide To Rigging, can help you get the job done.)
Action #4: Test – the equipment, your adjustments, and the rigging numbers to ensure you are on track to success.
The right equipment and rigging numbers are critical to boat speed and success. Three questions to consider to see if you are on track are:
- Which pieces of equipment and rigging numbers should you test?
- What test format will be helpful?
- How often should you test?
(A few suggestions for helpful information Getting Faster By Testing Your Rigging Numbers, The Secret of Blade Type and Gearing, and the video Testing the Rigging Numbers In A Rowing Shell.)
Action #5: Maintain – correctly to get you a better return on your significant investment.
Rowing equipment is not cheap. Simple steps can help you get the most from that investment. Three questions you need to answer are:
- How often do you clean your equipment?
- Is your equipment insured?
- If something is broken, what is the process on getting it repaired?
(This workbook Make It Last Forever: 13 Steps To Help Your Rowing Equipment Last Forever is written specific to keeping your equipment alive and well.)
Action #6: Transport – safely and don’t take transport of your equipment for granted.
Safe transport is no accident. Seriously! Three questions you need to consider are:
- How often do you transport your rowing equipment each year?
- When is the last time you replaced your straps?
- Have your racks and trailer been inspected; and do you meet all the rules and regulations per transporting equipment?
(If you transport your equipment these might help: Transport Rowing Equipment Cross Country, Planning Out A Rowing Trip, and Nuts and Bolts Guide To Rigging – which has a section just on transporting.)
Action #7: Store – wisely to reduce damage that often happens during storage.
Rowing equipment spends 90% of the time in storage. And most damage to equipment happens when it is stored. Three questions you need to reflect upon are:
- Do you store your equipment for an extend period of time (i.e, winter season)?
- How safely is your equipment stored?
- How do you prepare your equipment for storage?
(A few storage suggestions: 10 Tips For Better Winter Storage, 6 Steps To A Million Stroke Boat, and What Gives With Rowing Shells? )
Using the Smart Rigging Roadmap increases the odds you’ll feel confident on the starting line, that you and your equipment are working as one, and that your boat is rigged better than your competitor’s.
If you didn’t find anything helpful in the recommendations above, you can check out my YouTube channel, drop me an email, or sign up for a consult.
— Rowing should be simple and fun
Don’t let your equipment get in the way —