Concept2 Forum

Has anyone used the CorePerform (CP-1) to improve balance for sculling. Did it help? How long did it take to show improvement? Did it improve your erging times?

I just got one last week, so these are only my initial impressions. So far, I like it. It does feel a lot more like rowing on the water than normal erging does. The main thing I've noticed so far is that the feedback is immediate. I only scull in doubles and quads, and I can never really tell if it's my actions or those of others in the boat that are causing issues. With the CP-1, if I don't prep my body early enough in the recovery, or if I don't relax my upper body, it throws the "set" off. If I correct what I'm doing, the balance returns immediately.

It remains to be seen how this translates to sculling on the water though.

The next thing I want to start doing with the CP-1 is practice turning my head as though I'm looking where I'm going in a boat, to see what that does to the set.

I didn't know that the CP was available a couple of years ago and I made a homemade seat that works in a similar fashion. I think it does strengthen the core and helps with balance OTW.

Bru wrote:

The next thing I want to start doing with the CP-1 is practice turning my head as though I'm looking where I'm going in a boat, to see what that does to the set.

Hi Bru,

I spend most of my time sculling and just about never turn my head more than a very slight move. I use a mirror or else sunglasses that have mirrored surfaces on the inside. Once you get used to sculling with a mirror, it will drive you nuts if you forget and have to go out without one. You can use a large cycling mirror such as Take-a-Look, or else rowing hats with large mirrors attached such as

http://www.chesapeakerowing.com/hat.htm

It's also safer to have a constant view of where you are headed including a view of the water in front of the bow.

Byron

I recently purchased and installed the CP-1 adaptor. I'm using it with a Model D on slides. I'm very happy with it. Switching back and forth between the stable and unstable positions is very easy (and necessary, by the way...) The combination of the slides and the CP-1 adaptor gives you a very realistic rowing feel.

So now, a few months later, are the people who bought the seat still happy with it and using it routinely?

After a couple of months I use my cp-1 seat exclusively, almost always on the unstable setting. I use the stability seat together with slides, in an effort to approach the feel of on-the-water rowing. (Nothing can compare to a boat gliding underneath you, but this is much closer than a stationary erg.)

The seat does appear to be helping my core strength - an issue with me since I've developed lower back issues over the past few years. I use the stable setting during my cool-down, when I want to row one leg at a time.

So my recommendation is buy... You might find the seat challenges your balance at first - but that's a good thing!

use it and like it.