shin angle at the catch

[jackarabit]

No problem. So long as neither of us cites studies/experts supporting our opinions, I think we can remain friends. I have redone my marking and measuring but added a small torpedo plumb level to my surveying equipage to get the tibia to true (as opposed to impressionistic) vertical @ catch. My rail ligature is now 30 cm fwd of a mark denoting vertical erected from shoe counter/sole intersection to rail surface.

The 50cm trial made me think of the 9 lb hammer—“just a little too heavy, for my size, boys, for my size.”—Merle Travis

[Tsnor]

.. So long as neither of us cites studies/experts supporting our opinions, I think we can remain friends....

too funny

[Ante]

Hello everyone,

it's been 6 years since I started rowing, and I know that at the catch my shins should be at 90º with the boat. But I would like to know why. Biomechanically speaking, why is that so important? What happens to muscle contraction or recruitment if we don't reach that angle?
It would be great if someone knew the answer and/or know some studies that explain why.

Thank you

Hi Alex,

How is the rowing comng along?

In reaction to your post: in a boat it’s harder to keep the balance if you drive forward as far as you can. It will bring all your weight upwards and ruin the equilibium. You’ll risk a swim, unless you’re an experienced rower.
This obviously never happens on the erg. But an overlong drive will be (too) heavy on the knee joints. Better not risk any injuries, as most of us are no Olympians. And as James already pointed out, it is a weak stance.
So therefore the 90-angle as the grail, so to speak.

Regards,
Ante

[jackarabit]

Hello everyone,

it's been 6 years since I started rowing, and I know that at the catch my shins should be at 90º with the boat. But I would like to know why. Biomechanically speaking, why is that so important? What happens to muscle contraction or recruitment if we don't reach that angle?
It would be great if someone knew the answer and/or know some studies that explain why.

Thank you

Closing the included angle between shin and thigh creates high forces in the connective tissue at knees. Think deep squat vs. thighs parallel to floor. The vertical shin is an eyeball reference for satisfying a positional condition rather than an end in itself. The included angle between shins and thighs (=/>90°) is the objective. A mirror on either beam makes eval of the vertical shin @ catch relatively easy for the rower without a trainer or observer.