Rigging for the less than average person

[mwright]

I recently learned to scull, and got a beautiful lightweight Kaschper Raven single, which I am loving (although the weather has been poorly cooperative). Obviously I just need to get lots of time on the water, which will improve my rowing the most, (and I might try some of the head races next fall), but here's a mostly theoretical question. In lieu of rowing in bad weather, I've been reading about rigging (and erging). There are recommendations for rigging numbers based on skill, but how do you translate those generic categories (youth, junior, collegiate, masters) to reality, and account for body height? I'm 52 (and pretty new to sweeps also, but not as new as sculling), female, and SHORT! I'm 5'1", which was another reason for me to get my own scull, rather than try to deal with the club singles. How would you adjust rigging numbers for an older novice, and for a short older novice? I don't expect given my size and lack of strength I'll be any kind of competitive dynamo, but it's fun (based on running I did before my knee gave out) to compete anyway.

[Byron Drachman]

Congratulations on the new Kaschper. They are beautiful boats. There is some discussion here:

http://www.sporttaco.com/rec.sport.rowi ... _3891.html

There is a good discussion on rigging for shorter people in the booklet Basic Rigging Principles by Terry O'Neill

From that reference:

Smaller people need shorter oars and less inboard. A rule of thumb is that the hands
should not actually cross but sit one above the other when the oars are at right angles to
the boat.

According to a table in that reference, your span would be between 152 and 154 cm.