Rowing Chat

I do love rowing faces.

See in the first pic, the GB 8. Some guys have their elbows out at the finish a lot more than others, its pretty inconsistant. Same in the 2nd picture with triggs-hodge and pete reed, the top GB pair. Again I dont think it will make too much difference either way and there are a lot more important technical issues that will make a huge difference to boat speed After all this isn't Dressage, boat speed is much more important than looking good

Sorry what?

In both pictures please remember that you're looking at sweep-oar rowing, so not both elbows will be doing the same. (Your outside elbow will be coming back further than your inside elbow)

Therefore in the first photo you should only be comparing S, 6, 4, and 2's elbows - their outside elbows. These are very consistent, in fact look practically identical.

The position of your elbow is not about "looking good". In fact very little in rowing is about looking good - except that usually if you look good (i.e. sitting up tall, straight back, good angles, good posture) then you can probably move the boat pretty well.

If you drop your outside elbow at the finish so that it's pointing down towards the water it will result in your wrists bending and you'll probably be feathering with your outside hand. Also it'll mean your outside shoulder will drop, causing your posture to loosen and you'll lose power around the finish. You should have a lean back, but with a straight back, and have relatively flat wrists so that you can tap down with your outside hand and feather with your inside hand.

Therefore boat speed will increase through the proper positioning of elbows around the finish.

Unfortunately (or fortunately maybe) boat speed will increase through the proper positioning of every single part of your body. Feet, legs, knees, bum, hips, core, chest, arms, neck, head. Yup, everything has a proper place and will increase stability in the boat

Lol, you're 100% right. I completely forgot about the fact that they're sweeping and will have different arm positions. Too much time sculling I guess. Does elbow sticking out or into the body still matter as long as its on a flat plain with the wrist?

As of tonight we have been told we can use the college ergo's whenever we want (and at least 2 or 3 times a week). .

Is this good or bad!?

Why would you enjoy being able to use ergs, at least you have an excuse otherwise

I am unfit as ****, I would like to be otherwise .

54:18 to do 12k with a 2min break at 6k yesterday .

Also, turns out the 1st nov 8 are competing in the london Head of the River Race I believe, sad times .

You only have one boat going? We send at least 4, 2 women and 2 men, but I'm pretty sure the 3rd VIIIs will go too if they can.

One from the novices, which presumably means some (maybe only 1) seniors as well. Remember this is just college level too, you may be sending 4 boats from manchester, this is from one college out of all the ones in Durham alongside actual DUBC boats .