Rowing Faster on Water than on Erg?

[alison2ks]

I’m aware that, most of the time, rowers pull faster times on the erg than on the water. Something I’ve noticed recently is that a couple of girls on my team do incredible on water seat races (in which two boats race, switch two girls, then race again to see which girl moves the boat faster). These girls sometimes outperform others who have 2ks over a minute faster than their own.

Does anyone have an explanation for why some rowers are exceptionally faster on the water than on the erg? Or do you think it comes down to technique and conditions?

I know body weight may play a factor, but generally the fast erg girls and fast water girls weigh about the same.




For more information on our seat race format, in case this could affect something: we do 8x1000m sprints between two coxed 4s (sweep). Since whoever is up next to seat race is unknown, everyone is expected to pull their best every sprint.

[c2jonw]

This not an unusual occurrence. Erg scores are just one piece of the puzzle that results in a boat moving well.

[JaapvanE]

Could be that the faster girls on the erg have some habits that work well on the erg but that don't translate well to OTW. For example a too agressive recovery, a high pull on the handle to the chin or a too explosive catch. Stuff like that makes fast on the erg, but slow in a real boat.

[jamesg]

everyone is expected to pull their best every sprint.

Doing a 1k eight times in a day, in 4+, and maybe back to the stage for every swap, as sprints?

If by experience, tactics, strength, style or whatever we get ahead, job done.

Maybe the two better blades know who they want in their boat; who's in the stroke seat can make a large difference.

[Yankeerunner]

Technique certainly has something to do with it. It's frustrating to me that several of the rowers who can't come close to me on the erg totally outclass me in a boat. I'm still working on squaring up my blade and dropping it in before driving with the legs, pulling all the way through before tapping down, etc. Several little mistakes that I make in a boat slow it down in a way that doesn't matter on an erg.

Another thing is stroke rate. One of the ways I can beat my crewmates on the erg is that I can maintain a higher stroke rate. I got used to doing my 2Ks starting out at 36-38 spm and kicking in the last 300 m or so well over 40. I could maintain 28 spm for a full marathon. When I'm limited to the stroke rate that the rest of the crew is doing while in a boat my lack of raw power is exposed. I'm working on that too now, trying to do most of my erg training at 10 meters per stroke or more. I'm getting better, but still have a long way to go. I'd gladly trade my erg scores for a better ability to move a boat.

[c2jonw]

Technique certainly has something to do with it.

Boy there's an understatement.....

Erg scores alone do not translate to being able to move a boat. Balance, bladework, compatibility with team mates and so much more can all humble someone who is a star on the erg.....

[Yankeerunner]

Erg scores alone do not translate to being able to move a boat. Balance, bladework, compatibility with team mates and so much more can all humble someone who is a star on the erg.....

Hey! I resemble that remark!

[Cyclist2]

Erg scores alone do not translate to being able to move a boat. Balance, bladework, compatibility with team mates and so much more can all humble someone who is a star on the erg.....

Boy, I'm right there with Rick! My boat speeds are well below my erg speeds, and it is indeed technique, especially if it gets choppy or wake-y. I row alone, so can't get out there in the winter as much (too cold, even though we don't have ice and the water is flat), so I am anxious to start working on that technique thing again soon.

[jamesg]

Erg times are supposed to equate to 4- times. 1x is a lot slower; 2k is a very stiff test for a single.