Fixed seat erging

[redxl77]

Hi

I'm a member of a coastal rowing club - we row fixed seat, wood constructed, sweep oared boats.

I feel there are conflicting views on erg testing amongst fixed seat rowers, whenever a club uses ergs to aide the process of deciding who is fittest.

Some people think that the seat should be 'clamped' in place (or something set on top of the rail and fixed to it) in order to more closely mimic OTW fixed seat rowing, while others reckon it's best to use the erg as it was intended, sliding seat. I'd be in the latter camp and I reckon the best rowers would get the best times regardless.

Some shorter rowers may think they'd be disadvantaged on a sliding seat C2 compared to a fixed seat boat, so they may argue in favour of a fixed seat C2 for erg testing - even though taller rowers with longer levers have an advantage, fixed or not..

Thoughts please?

[Citroen]

I'm short at 172cm (5'7").

For ease of use leave the erg alone.
For accuracy of simulating a fixed seat then fix the seat on the erg.

The choice is yours. I don't think other folks can really tell you which way is best, but I would fix the seat to match fixed seat rowing for the best simulation.

[Dangerscouse]

For ease of use leave the erg alone.
For accuracy of simulating a fixed seat then fix the seat on the erg.

The choice is yours. I don't think other folks can really tell you which way is best, but I would fix the seat to match fixed seat rowing for the best simulation.

Agreed, and I think I'm inclined to opt for a fixed seat otherwise it's not strictly comparable

[dabatey]

If you are 'erg testing' to see who can pull best in a fixed seat boat then surely you've got to fix the seat.

Alternatively, if you are 'erg testing' for overall fitness bragging points then surely you've got to allow the legs to be used as these are the main fitness drivers for most folks.
If the lighties/shorties are moaning then possibly test using average watts over a timeframe/distance and divide by weight to get watts per kilo. Or I think c2 has a weight convertor somewhere to account for weight/boatspeed. I'm sure I saw something like that once but might be wrong.

[Annisotropic]

Most of my rowing has been coastal, and we would slide on the fixed seats. Only possible wearing thick neoprene shorts and Compeed blister plasters, and our boats are fibreglass so the seats are smooth and can be polished. Maybe not possible at all on wooden seats, but even a small slide makes a big difference.

It doesn't answer your question but might be something for you to experiment with - making the rowing more like erging, rather than the other way around.

[drluvguru]

Hi

I'm a member of a coastal rowing club - we row fixed seat, wood constructed, sweep oared boats.

I feel there are conflicting views on erg testing amongst fixed seat rowers, whenever a club uses ergs to aide the process of deciding who is fittest.

Some people think that the seat should be 'clamped' in place (or something set on top of the rail and fixed to it) in order to more closely mimic OTW fixed seat rowing, while others reckon it's best to use the erg as it was intended, sliding seat. I'd be in the latter camp and I reckon the best rowers would get the best times regardless.

Some shorter rowers may think they'd be disadvantaged on a sliding seat C2 compared to a fixed seat boat, so they may argue in favour of a fixed seat C2 for erg testing - even though taller rowers with longer levers have an advantage, fixed or not..

Thoughts please?

As a fixed seat rower, it's great that you're considering how to make erg testing more representative of OTW rowing. I can see both sides of the argument. Clamping the seat in place might mimic the fixed seat experience, but it could also affect the rower's natural movement and technique. On the other hand, using the erg as intended with a sliding seat could favor those who are more comfortable with that style.

[redxl77]

Thanks for the replies.