We also often encounter rowers with very long or short bodies where the normal rig height set for the crew does not suit them. Whilst raising or lowering the height washers can take care of this to some degree, we are then moving away from our norm and a simple removal or addition of a seat packer has a far better effect on the uniform movement of the crew.

Once we have the individuals set up comfortably and in an efficient position we can then look to position the rowers to have the crew moving through the same arc or “in phase” to maximise the peak power impulse at the same point of the stroke. Firstly we look to see if poor technique is the reason for different stroke lengths as much bigger changes can generally be made to the rower than with changes to the rigging.

Small changes can be made with an alteration to the inboard of the oar and larger changes made with a combination of span and inboard and overall oar length.  With the introduction of adjustable length oars the job of achieving uniform arcs and loading for your crews is much easier than in the past.  Trial and error and use of a video camera, particularly from an overhead position will soon show the changes you have made.

Getting your crews rowing well together obviously has a positive effect on boat speed but not to be underestimated is the pride and positive mental effect crews pick up from video replay and comments from peers and supporters, especially at this early stage of their rowing careers.  As coaches you will all have your own views on how adjustments and crews should look but we should not lose sight of the fact that what the blades are doing is more important than a pretty looking crew. At a more senior level where rowers and more particularly scullers, often come together to form composite National crews, we see almost perfect blade work if that’s what you focus on but also often unusual individual positioning or movements if you focus only on the movements of the body. Obviously the coach has worked on positive and effective blade work and not been preoccupied with individual styles of the rowers.

This article was first presented by Stuart Wilson (General Manager) at a VIS Coaching Seminar held in early September 2005.