Newbie Rower 2k Erg 7:00

[bgutterow]

Hey everyone,

I am 30 yo male weighing 175 lbs. I got into the erg recently. I rowed a 7:00 2k on a Concept 2 with the damper set to 4. This was with 2 weeks of rowing 20-30 minutes a few times a week. I know OTW is completely different, but would this time make me competitive for me age? I am looking for something to do I have really enjoyed rowing on the erg so far.

Thanks for any advice or thoughts!

[Citroen]

It depends how tall you are. If you're under 6ft (186cm) then forget being competitive in a boat.

[aussie nick]

Hey everyone,
ug
I am 30 yo male weighing 175 lbs. I got into the erg recently. I rowed a 7:00 2k on a Concept 2 with the damper set to 4. This was with 2 weeks of rowing 20-30 minutes a few times a week. I know OTW is completely different, but would this time make me competitive for me age? I am looking for something to do I have really enjoyed rowing on the erg so far.

Thanks for any advice or thoughts!

https://log.concept2.com/rankings

if you look through the rankings page on the attached link you'll be able to see where 7mins ranks in your weight and age group and country etc. not all of the top on the water rowers would post their times, but it'll give you a finger in the air understanding. I'm sure there's more to come, given you are new to it and you'll get quicker if you commit yourself to a good, regular training plan

[Sakly]

I started erging last year in January, nearly same weight, but few years older
Height is a very important factor in rowing and I immediately knew that I am way to short to compete with the top level athletes as I only measure 177cm. But as I am very competitive I like to climb up the levels in the rankings for the different ranking pieces and this motivates me much. So if you like the erg - why not stick to it and enjoy the process of getting fitter and faster only on the erg?
For me otw rowing was never a goal as I wanted to use the rower for gaining more basic endurance, aerobic capacity besides my gym sessions 3 times a week. But after I found out about the rankings (didn't knew when buying) this triggered my competition center in the brain .

[jamesg]

30 yo male 175 lbs. I rowed a 7:00 2k on a Concept 2

A 300W 2k on two weeks work is not bad; you'd be in the middle the of 28-32 LWM 2k C2 logbook rankings. No doubt you are fit already.

What rating? Did you have any coaching?

Rowing differs, you have to be there with the rest of the crew, so time and place can be a problem.

[Tsnor]

Hey everyone,

I am 30 yo male weighing 175 lbs. I got into the erg recently. I rowed a 7:00 2k on a Concept 2 with the damper set to 4. This was with 2 weeks of rowing 20-30 minutes a few times a week. I know OTW is completely different, but would this time make me competitive for me age? I am looking for something to do I have really enjoyed rowing on the erg so far.

Thanks for any advice or thoughts!

If you want OTW then search for local clubs and look for their "learn to row" programs. All OTW clubs have them, and they are targeted for people who have never rowed. Clubs are sometimes hard to find, rowers don't tend to be web gurus so clubs end up unintentionally hidden. If you can't find one and you are near row-able water then look for colleges that have a team and ask the coach for nearby masters rowing clubs. If you post a city to the OTW thread someone may have a recommendation.

At my club, looking at the people who stick with it to take the novice sweep rowing class after they complete learn to row your 2K time is already top 20%, so yes even with your age penalty you are competitive. It takes about 2 years (minimum) to get your rowing stroke in sync to really help a competitive boat. Problem is not learning a good stroke, it's learning how to change your stroke to match what the other rowers are doing that day so the boat is set. While learning, rowing in the less competitive boats is lots of fun, and everyone went through the same learning process so everyone tends to be helpful and positive. Good Luck.

EDIT: for safety reasons, learn to row is generally taught in late spring/summer when the water is warmer. Some clubs go mostly dormant off season. So plan on erging for now, learning a good stroke and starting up OTW in spring/summer unless you are southern hemisphere.

[bgutterow]

Hey everyone!

Thanks so much for your replies and sorry for my late reply. I realize I forgot to mention my height but I’m 6’4”.

After reading everything I think y’all hit the nail on the head. I know OTW is a whole other game, but whether it’s erg or OTW I think I’ll just get involved for the fitness and fun of it. If things get competitive to add some fuel to the fire then so be it! No matter what I’ll have something to keep healthy as I get older. I’ll have to find a club near me and then maybe find a erg to buy to keep at home… the adventure just begins!

Side note: just have to say by far the nicest people I’ve seen on a forum like this. Definitely gives the sport a good first impression (in my book at least haha). Thanks y’all!