Erg max HR vs Boat max HR

[Rockin Roland]

As I always wear a heart rate monitor on the erg and in the boat I'm interested in other rowers comparisons of heart rates between the two.

Now I understand that heart rate is influenced by health, heat and stress and varies between different sports however it's still interesting making comparisons.

On the erg in a room at 20 C / 68 F during a 2K time trial at even 1:34 pace for all four 500m splits my end heart rate after each 500m was i) 164 ii) 173 iii) 176 & iv) 178. Average SPM 35. Time taken was 6:16.

This morning on the water in my scull I did a 2K time trial on the river in flat conditions with no wind at 6.30 am. The temperature was 8 C / 46 F with the current influenced by a slow incomming tide. Ideal rowing conditions. I rowed at even pace average SPM 33 (gearing 160 span/199 outboard). My heart rate after each 500m was i) 158 ii) 161 iii) 167 & iv) 173. Time taken was 7:56.

Interestingly, back in the years when I was first learning to scull I struggled to get my heart rate to 150 during intervals. Obviously it was limited by poor technique. Over the years as my technique improved my max heart rate during intervals increased. This is despite better technique allowing me to row more efficiently and getting better boat run.

So the gap is closing between my erg 178 max heart rate and boat 173 max heart rate. Maybe one day when my sculling technique is flawless ( I wish) both max heart rates will be about equal. However, for now I'm pleased that my sculling technique allows me to get pretty much the same physical workout as that on the erg (which has been a benchmark).