Cant keep seat under me

[Tim K.]

I think this is mostly a geometry issue but thought Id ask anyway. Im built like a hobbit. Im 5'6, shorter legs, longer torso and 150-155 lbs. When I start working hard I end up with the seat under my knees. I have tried adjusting foot position, Lower makes it worse so I stick with position 1. I made a seat cushion that lifts me up about 19mm and that makes it worse as well. Im half seriously thinking about Velcro. Any help or suggestions much appreciated, I dont know what else to try.

[Alissa]

Could you describe what's happening a little more? When you say that you "end up with the seat under my knees," do you mean that the seat is under your knees and you're sitting on the rail? Or something else? And at what point in the stroke does whatever-this-is happen? Perhaps a picture/video would help us help you...

Thanks,

Alissa

[Tim K.]

Cant do a picture or video for a couple of days but you are correct, I end up sitting on the rail with the seat under my knees. Not positive but pretty sure I lift off the seat ~half way through the leg extension portion of the drive. (sorry not too sure of the terminology )

[Carl Watts]

Sounds stupid I know but check the seat is on the correct way around.

I have seen them for sale and in the picture the seat is on wrong.

The recess in the seat is towards the BACK and the peak in the seat is towards the FRONT.

If the seat is correct its your technique that is wrong.

[bisqeet]

Bathmat on the seat, the non slip style. Glue that asks to the seat....

[Carl Watts]

Bathmat on the seat, the non slip style. Glue that asks to the seat....

Yeah get a tube of ass glue !

Also it may be what your wearing, I don't recommend anything silky !

[G-dub]

I find this to be a very interesting post to say the least. I think we have all pushed so hard at the start that we end up toward the back of the seat and lifting off a bit. On my first race I did just that and had to scoot back onto the seat. But in a normal stroke, I can't see how that happens! I am not much taller than you and there are plenty of folks (men and women) our height or even smaller that erg without busting off the seat. I have the foot boards set up so that my ankle bones on the side (mid point) line up with the top of the rail. It was with two open holes showing at the top and now I have it with one open hole showing. This gives me a push that is along the rail but I can also get a nice reach at the catch. I would strongly recommend a video posting! Have you tried rowing without the straps fastened? This might show you how to center more on the seat.

[jackarabit]

I concur with Dr. Walters' observations. Wondering if high drag factor on a clean machine combined with a good leg push and a premature arm pull might produce lift off for someone with short body levers? I am of the shrimpish persuasion myself and have lifted off first stroke on a couple occasions but never overshot the seat completely. How about a short tether between waist band of shorts and back of seat? Or curb your enthusiasm for "going hard." I cannot visualize how you produce butt liftoff once the inertial component (dead wheel) of the first stroke is overcome.

[Bob S.]

I cannot visualize how you produce butt liftoff once the inertial component (dead wheel) of the first stroke is overcome.

That brings up a point that perhaps the OP can clarify. Does it always happen on the first stroke or has it happened after the wheel is up to speed?

[G-dub]

Let's see, a max drag combined with low power and hanging on the handle might lift your butt!? But I would presume you are stronger than that. And I still can't imagine it after the first pull or two. I can't wait to hear more!

[Tim K.]

I will work up the courage to do it again (it hurts) and I will get a video up on Sunday, swamped at work till then. First time it happened was doing intervals so the fan was moving. Off the start I dont think it has ever happened where I actually landed on the rail, have to re position back on the seat but never right off. I have the damper set at 10 (200) when I set it at 6 (140) it is much harder to fall off the back but I cant pull fast enough (feels like running down hill) to get the same work out as I do at 10 (200).

Seat on the right way, Check.

I had never considered clothing choice. I wear the same thing every time and it may be a little slippery, will try something else.

Im probably pulling too soon with my arms like said above or something else dumb. You guys can pick me apart and make fun of me in a couple of days

[Bob S.]

A damper setting of 10 is awfully high. C2 recommends a setting of 3-4. But that is not necessarily the cause of the problem. Some folks take the cage off and go as high as the equivalent of around 15, I would guess. I haven't seen any reports of those who do that having the problem of losing the seat.

A video would certainly help.

[Tim K.]

Managed to find a little time. Being totally honest, Im not trying hard in the video and at that level of effort I can prevent lifting off the seat pretty easily by keeping the handle lower. Im only putting out 400ish Watts, at 650ish im not thinking about anything other than pulling and it really hurts when your bony butt lands at a free fall on the rail. Anyway, thank you for any input.

https://youtu.be/v0pvlfe8WWQ

[hjs]

Managed to find a little time. Being totally honest, Im not trying hard in the video and at that level of effort I can prevent lifting off the seat pretty easily by keeping the handle lower. Im only putting out 400ish Watts, at 650ish im not thinking about anything other than pulling and it really hurts when your bony butt lands at a free fall on the rail. Anyway, thank you for any input.

https://youtu.be/v0pvlfe8WWQ

Looks a bit funny, at higher paces its not that unusual thought.

You should lower your feet, and try to keep the pressure on the hips, you now pull with the shoulders while not taking the hips along in the movement.

Looked a second time, the force have is not horizonal along the rail, you push up a bit and lift yourself of the seat.
Your back should at the time you now fall of the seat be aimed backwards more, that would aim your motion more horizontal, you now are almost at an angle of 90 degrees.

And boy that wall looks dangerous, most people would not be able to erg with so little space behind.

[G-dub]

Ouch! That has to hurt, Tim. I hope someone can help you sort that out. My inexperienced eye sees that you aren't really hinged forward from the hips going into the catch nor holding that angle coming out of it.