Wearable technology

[Ponte.red]

What if any, are you using to track your rowing? I’ve been looking at all the technology out there, and wonder if there is a watch, or platform that is really good for rowers? Erging and on the water if poss, but mainly on water.

[Allan Olesen]

I paddle a sea kayak. I use a Garmin Fenix 3 watch to track my route, speed, distance and heart rate. I also sometimes use it for navigation to a saved waypoint or to see my drift when paddling in side wind or current.

The watch has built in accelerometers so it can count paddle strokes when wearing it on the wrist. But I prefer to have the watch on the deck in front of me, so I don't use that option.

The watch has separate activities for paddling and rowing. There are some subtle differences: Kayaking uses speed, while rowing uses pace. I also think that strokes are counted differently in rowing and paddling.

I think that all vendors have both cheap and expensive watches which are able to do this stuff, no matter if you buy from Garmin, Suunto or Polar. The cheaper models may not have dedicated activities for paddling and rowing, and they may not be as waterproof - my watch is watertight to 10 bar and doesn't mind seeing some sea water when I do a Greenland roll.

[Edward4492]

Speed Coach GPS by NK is probably the best. Not cheap ($400), totally water proof. Does NOT float, so tie it off with the supplied lanyard. The new ones come with an attached float/ bouy. I'm not a technology geek, but there's lots of connectivity available, last race I was at they had the capability to stream real time data. This device gives you stroke rate with no sensors or wires; it measures the "surges" associated with rowing. Pretty neat. I use mine constantly, have had it for two years, over 2M meters recorded. Flawless performance. The absence of sensors etc. means you can take into any boat, strap it to the rigger, and you're good to go. Most coaches do not want anyone but the stroke seat having any devices (for good reason!). I strap mine upside down out of sight, turn it on and forget about it, and look at my work out at home.

You can also go the cell phone- app route. Much less expensive if you are comfortable with the apps and technology (I'm not). Also I do not want my cell phone anywhere near the water. You can take all the precautions ya want. Sooner or later you'll lose your phone.

[lindsayh]

sander's website may help
https://rowsandall.com/

and Greg Smith's
https://quantifiedrowing.wordpress.com/

[lwtguy]

Garmin Vivo Active watches are pretty good. Not too expensive and pretty durable. They come with both on the water and indoor rowing apps. I use it every day. The real-time data is not as accurate as a SpeedCoach (it tends to round up on pace and stroke rate), but it has the ability to sync data right to your phone after a workout with perfectly accurate data, and as an added bonus you can see your course on a map.

[Navegasteiz]

I'm using the App Boatcoach with a mobile phone Samsung S8 that is water proof and a heart rate monitor.
This app has two modes. One for a boat, and other for de Concept2 erg machine. There are additional parts to improve the app, like trainings, stroke analysis and many more. I'm happy with the App, and avoid another device.
Sorry about my English. I'm working on it.