Slides

[JohnW]

Hello all,

I'm more or less a novice rower, and completely new to this world of land rowing, having just ordered my first erg, and have a question regarding slides - do they add any benefit to workouts or are they mostly for the "feel" of the water?

How many experienced rowers use them?

Thanks in advance.

John

[Nosmo]

They result in a bit less stress on the back and enable higher stroke ratings for short distances.
This has been discussed many times do a search here and on the UK forum (www.concept2.co.uk) and you will see a variety of opinions.

[Ducatista]

Hey JohnW,

I've got a pair of slides. And while I'm not a particularly experienced rower (only one season OTW and about 5 million meters under my belt), I offer up my take, as posted on the UK forum:

Anybody here have a pair of C2 slides? If you do, I'll bet you love them. Everybody seems to.

Except me, that is. I've got a set... propped up against the wall of my garage. I'm going to try unloading them on the boathouse down the block for their erg room.

I gave them a legit try, I really did. 500K, give or take, with an open mind and a desire to make the relationship work. And while I'm grateful for the improvements the slides forced in my technique, I've finally had to admit it: I like a grounded erg better.

There's a discussion over on the US board about how dangerous a grounded erg is, how likely to cause injury. Really? Compared to what? If, say, compared to a bed pillow, or an erg on slides, then sure. I'll buy that. Compared to running shoes? No way. My Model C is MUCH less of an injury risk than those death traps.

For me, it comes down to sensual preference. Sounds vaguely sexy, doesn't it? It isn't. I just prefer the sensation of moving back and forth on the rail to the feel I get when the erg moves under me. Given my strong preference, there's a much greater chance that I won't erg—and will therefore end up fat, sluggish, and cardiovascularly inadequate—with the slides than without.

So who's risky now, hmmm? I'm looking at you, slides.

You'll get lots of opinions counter to mine, I reckon, but I wanted to throw mine into the mix.

[JohnW]

Thanks for your replies. I should have done a search before posting this question.

It seems many folks feel that slides may reduce stress on the lower back. That alone may push me into the purchase - I'll try the grounded ERG a few days though just to get the feel.

Again - thanks for the feedback.

John