Rowing strapless

[Cyclist2]

Rowing strapless, for me, is a drill in the boat to improve technique (as discussed in this thread), and to ease the strain on my lower back on the erg. Simple as that.

[lidocaine]

It is possible to row strapless but it is dogmatic to believe that it is some magic cure for bad technique.

Like I said, no one's putting that forward. The gist of it is that it raises awareness of where it's possible to improve efficiency, but you have to have a brain to apply it.

The effect of rowing strapless depends on the person. It is not wrong per se to pull on the straps in order to initiate the recovery. Some will use the straps a lot others will use the straps less.

Higher rates make it increasingly difficult to not brace yourself with the straps at the finish, and a lot of us try and make up time on the recovery by pulling ourselves up with them; clearly that's not optimal, but in practice is probably impossible to completely remove (again, theory vs practice, knowing how to apply what you've learned, etc etc). That said, I have yet to find anyone who encourages actively pulling yourself up by the straps.

[Tinus]

and a lot of us try and make up time on the recovery by pulling ourselves up with them; clearly that's not optimal.

It could be less than optimal. But, not pulling up on the stretcher is also less than optimal. The question is not whether or not rowing strapless is a good exercise but whether or not it is always applied correctly.

Not applying force would require that the entire momentum of the body which is needed to arrive at the catch should be generated already before the drive ends. This would mean that a part of the body (probably the back) already needs to have a high momentum towards the stern while the hands still finish the drive. The result is a shorter stroke. It wouldn't be necessarily bad to apply a higher force on the stretcher/straps after the end of the drive to make up time... if it goes hand in hand with a longer drive.

So, now you have found someone who encourages to actively apply force on the straps during recovery phase.

By the way, people who encourage to actively use the abs for recovery are also indirectly promoting the rower to actively apply force on the straps. The abs pull the trunk and boat/erg towards each other. This force can only be transferred by means of a force on the foot board. Pulling on the straps is not necessarily done by an flexing the knees it can also be done by flexing the hips.

[oldfox]

Rowing strapless, for me, is a drill in the boat to improve technique (as discussed in this thread), and to ease the strain on my lower back on the erg. Simple as that.

I find not using the straps really helps my lower back. I don't know if that means I'm doing something wrong when I do use them - or it's because I only use the straps when I go below 1:45 pace, which is fast for me.

[Rockin Roland]

As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter what you do on a stationary erg, you'll still end up rowing like crap when you get into a boat. And it won't do your back any favours either.

I wouldn't recommend to anyone in spending a lot of time on a stationary erg. You should be either using Slides underneath it or a dynamic erg(if you can get your hands on one). Because the stationary erg feels absolutely nothing like rowing in a real boat, introducing strapless rowing is about as technical as you can get without using slides. It'll stop you from dumping your weight into the bow of the boat at the finish.

But if you have no intention of getting into a boat then ignore everything I have said above. You can row whatever way you like. The only thing you have to watch is your back.

[Carl Watts]

Rowing strapless promotes the use of the correct technique.

At higher stroke rates it becomes increasing difficult to row strapless, even with the correct technique as the straps can significantly improve the speed of the recovery.

You can row strapless the same way you don't need toe clips on a cycle, however everyone utilises them for good reason when racing.

[Tinus]

Rowing strapless promotes the use of the correct technique.

But do you also mean to say that 'rowing strapless is the correct technique'?

even with the correct technique as the straps can significantly improve the speed of the recovery.

...

You can row strapless the same way you don't need toe clips on a cycle, however everyone utilises them for good reason when racing.

Isn't it considered to be correct technique to use the toe clips on a cycle?
Also, if using straps can improve speed of recovery (and indirectly average boat speed) shouldn't it be considered as correct technique?

I personally don't like this elegant type of rowing if it does not make the performance improve.

[Rockin Roland]

Also, if using straps can improve speed of recovery (and indirectly average boat speed) shouldn't it be considered as correct technique?

I personally don't like this elegant type of rowing if it does not make the performance improve.

A very valid point. Pretty boys don't go fast.

As the stationary erg has little correlation to what actually occurs in a boat, there is no need to row on it like in a boat.

All you have to do is to crank the handle using upper body strength, push with the legs without locking the knees down, then dump the finish and race up the slide. Sure it may be horrible to look at, but your not rowing a boat, your just trying to keep that flywheel spinning.

[Tinus]

A very valid point. Pretty boys don't go fast.

As the stationary erg has little correlation to what actually occurs in a boat, there is no need to row on it like in a boat.

Always trying to take the opportunity to promote dynamic ergs.

I believe that rowing on water also requires force on the straps (or shoes) almost just like when rowing on the erg. Maybe it is required especially on the water. The loss of kinetic energy during recovery is higher on the water compared to on the erg. As the speed boat slows down you have to keep pulling in order to move the boat towards you.

[Bob S.]

I believe that rowing on water also requires force on the straps (or shoes) almost just like when rowing on the erg. Maybe it is required especially on the water. The loss of kinetic energy during recovery is higher on the water compared to on the erg. As the speed boat slows down you have to keep pulling in order to move the boat towards you.

Odd. I had always thought that the purpose of the straps was to suspend the drowned corpse from the capsized hull of the shell.

Bob S.

[bloomp]

I believe that rowing on water also requires force on the straps (or shoes) almost just like when rowing on the erg. Maybe it is required especially on the water. The loss of kinetic energy during recovery is higher on the water compared to on the erg. As the speed boat slows down you have to keep pulling in order to move the boat towards you.

Odd. I had always thought that the purpose of the straps was to suspend the drowned corpse from the capsized hull of the shell.

Bob S.

Well that explains this then:

I stopped wearing shoes on the erg a couple of years ago.

This last year, I got rid of the shoes in my 1x.

If you want to be fast in rowing...

Lost the blubber.

Then lose the rubber.

Shoes blunt your contact with the footplate.

ranger

Clearly his fear of the water has set him up with a boat that is impossible to row (well) in. Oh wait, it's a Peinart - not even a racing shell!

[NavigationHazard]

What makes you think Peinerts (x25 or 26) can't be raced?

[ArmandoChavezUNC]

So does the erg favor guys with a bigger upper body whereas in a boat that advantage is less or nonexistent?

I think I once read/heard that the erg is 50/50 legs/upper body but in the boat it's 60/40 legs/body. Is this true?

[bloomp]

What makes you think Peinerts (x25 or 26) can't be raced?

Nothing - but the ones I've seen don't quite look the part. There is definitely a difference between that and a Hudson/Empacher/Fillipi/Vespoli, especially with respect to the riggers.

The one I used (once) didn't have shoes built in, which was extremely frustrating. There *is* a certain need to being strapped in OTW. Edit: At some times drilling with feet out is great, especially in larger boats.

[Nosmo]

Clearly his fear of the water has set him up with a boat that is impossible to row (well) in. Oh wait, it's a Peinart - not even a racing shell!

Peinarts are actually racing shells. They are a bit heavy and are not very adjustable, and have very basic rigging (which can be a bit of a pain) but they are fast boats. For the price they are excellent.
That said I would much rather have a Sykes, Fluid Designs, Van Dusen , Fillipi, or many others instead.