How does one get into competitions?

[AndyWicks]

Sounds like a stupid question, but how would I go about getting involved in competitions?

Are there many erg competitions for the general public or is there just things like the national championships?

I am relatively new to the erg (well, doing it properly) I like the idea of having something to train for and while I’m training for a 5k Pb, I know I could probably push few extra seconds if it was in race environment and not just in my garage.

Would joining a club help? I messaged a couple of clubs near me a few months ago and none got back. I like the idea of training on the water as well (or at least giving it a go) but nearest club is about 20 miles away.

Any thoughts/help would be really appreciated.

Thanks

[ArmandoChavezUNC]

If you're talking about erg competitions, in non-covid times there are plenty of races, both local and national. You can find local races on the Concept2 website as well as RegattaCentral and USRowing.

Just keep in mind right now there are only virtual competitions because of covid so don't expect to find any real erg races until next fall/winter.

[hjs]

Depends on country. Now in covid times its nothing, only online stuff which has little to do with real racing imo.

Most races are often open to everybody. From juniors up untill age groupers. Most races, 90% are over 2k.
Maybe next winter, erging is a winter sport, but given the major shitstorm around covid I first have to see.

[AndyWicks]

Thanks, should’ve mentioned in UK which is in 2 shitstorms with COVID and BREXIT, did try and have a little look, but seemed like there was F all and most of what is out there is in US any way

[Dangerscouse]

There are usually a few good 2k competitions in normal times.

BRIC- British Champs. Early Dec in London Velodrome
EIRC- English Champs. Usually in early Feb in Manchester Velodrome
Scottish Champs- usually in November, not sure on location.
Welsh Champs- also usually in November (i think)
Devon Open- i think this is in Feb or March, and they do a 5k, and possibly a 2k as well.

All of the indoor rowing comps are done in winter, but they are usually tough as the air is dry and hot, especially at the Velodromes as they are still open and working in their main purpose.

There are a lot of online competitions atm, eg Row Mania, Row Battles, The Row Series and there is the World 1k Challenge atm, which is online.

[MPx]

You may have already come across the indoorrowinginfo site, but if not, it could worth a look. https://indoorrowinginfo.com/live-race-calendar/ I think its collated by John from Fitness Matters but apologies if wrongly attributed.

As we all know everything was cancelled over the last year and the few things that did run converted to Virtual. If live racing is your thing then it may be worth keeping an eye out through there - ie explore the links provided - so that you get to hear when entries are invited. At the very least its a fairly full list of the better know annual meets and a rough timetable of when they usually take place.

[AndyWicks]

Thanks all

[KeithT]

Thanks all

Didn't realize how "lucky" we are in the states as there quite a few even at the local level during normal times. The state I live in alone usually has like 5 or 6.

[aranquinn]

I'm running a SkiErg online comp for any of you erg fans that fancy a challenge

https://www.erg.zone/signup/erg-clash-ski-season

[hjs]

I'm running a SkiErg online comp for any of you erg fans that fancy a challenge

https://www.erg.zone/signup/erg-clash-ski-season

Sounds nice. Might give it a go.