Tools for rowing performance

Measurement Tools

1. WATCH

1. Watch is a basic but very useful tool for rowing team training. It has a wide range of applications in rowing workouts, allowing us to measure:

• work-rest intervals,

• heart rate or pulse,

• stroke rate - TEMPO - the number of strokes per minute.

And much more.

It also plays a significant role in competitions and race preparation:

• controlling training timing before the race,

• measuring the coxswain's weight,

• warm-up timing,

• oar release timing on the dock,

• time to get on the water,

• time to arrive at the start.

The application of the rowing computer is very broad, and it is desirable for each team to possess one.

2. STOPWATCH

A stopwatch and a pace clock are crucial tools for rowers and rowing coaches.

Its main function is to measure the elapsed time of boats during workouts, races, and tests.

With this tool, it is possible to control and memorize all split times for further coaching analysis.

Its secondary but no less important function is measuring the stroke rate's pace.

It can measure both the time and stroke rate simultaneously. Additionally, it can measure and memorize work series between different teams and boats. The most common stopwatch is NK (Nielsen-Kellerman). Here are the links to NK's website: NK Sports

This stopwatch has wide applications in other sports such as athletics, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, etc.

3. Stroke-Coach , The stroke / cadence counter

The stroke counter, which is primarily intended for rowers, works very simply. Like a bicycle computer, it is fixed in the boat in a place that is visible to one of the rowers.

The number of strokes is measured by an accelerometer integrated in the housing or by a sensor located between the rails and activated by a magnet under the seat. This measuring device displays

* training time and stroke rate immediately

* General number of strokes performed

Some models can record the number of strokes over ten minutes and sessions.

4. Speed Coach / The speedometer and distance In the same form as the cadence counter, the speed and distance counter also allows, thaks to a propeller fixed under the boat/shell , to know precisely the speed and distance traveld. The display allows you to read either the instantaneous speed in meters per second, or the expected time to cover 500 meters. The Feedback on the speed of the boat thus allows the rower to seek to improve his actions or to modulate his physical investment.

The data is recordable. The coach can look back on the progress of a race and have more information that complements his observations.

TIPS FOR USE!

The position of the propeller on the shell is important. The manufacturer of this equipment specifies the recommended distance from the front tip of the boat. However, it is possible to place this propeller in a different location. by recalibrating the device.

It is recommended to use this tool for measurements in calm waters without water flow! The propeller and its support increase the braking force, so it is best to remove them during competitions. Also, for a skif race over 2,000 meters, the loss was estimated at a boat length!

New tools and devices used in competitive rowing and training undergo regular evolution and improvement. In addition to tracking time, stroke rate, boat speed, and distance covered, a "SpeedCoach" can also measure heart rate, blade:cach angles, and much more.