How to make it easier?

[jamesg]

I seem to do better when I slow down a bit

Rowing is a sport that consists of pulling effective strokes, without rush. We let the stroke train us.

By adjusting the rating we control how we use and develop strength: too high and we lose rest time, too low and as you say, the rhythm goes to pot (= momentum wanes).

10 meters per stroke was once a basic guideline. It could help avoid the high rate low work situation that some beginners found themselves in after setting the drag as high as possible.

If you want to race or do TTs you'll certainly increase rating, at least for the shorter distances. While the aerobic range is usually considered 18 to 23-24, the rhythm can be satisfactory at around 28 and 35 too.

[Wilpert]

“10 meters per stroke was once a basic guideline“

That sounds like a pretty good rule of thumb to follow.
I feel that even I could manage that work rate in training and although I’d find it tough to increase the distance per stroke, if I can increase the rate then I’ll be getting more distance that way.

My short arms and legs may be restricting me but then I’m only comparing
Me against myself and those are the tools I was given.