OTW versus Erg

[climber511]

I’ve been rowing on the Concept 2 for a fairly long time now – but only recently have I done it with the intention to actually row better times or to take the rowing seriously for rowings sake. Always before it was for general fitness and to do better in my climbing etc. So recently I started reading through all the forum posts and have learned quite a bit and my technique is of course better for it. One thing that seems to never be discussed in depth is the differences in techniques between on the water and erging as it pertains to technique. I find bits and pieces here and there in different places but something more comprehensive would be interesting if all in one place. I’ll never find myself actually in a boat I’m sure. While obviously the methods are close – I find talk of differences here and there in forum discussions. Is such a thing already out there and I haven’t found it yet?

[jamesg]

Here you can see a lot on rowing:

http://xenocoach.com/2013/01/training-i ... or-rowing/

http://xenocoach.com/2013/03/single-scu ... technique/

The options in erging (long stroke, hands away first, recovery sequence, weight on your feet, relax, take your time etc) are obligatory afloat.

[Bob S.]

Well, first of all, there are two OTW modes - 1 oar per person (sweep rowing) and 2 oars per person (sculling). Sweep rowing requires unsymmetrical movement of the torso and arms, whereas the movement on an erg is fully symmetrical. The erg and sculling are much closer in this respect, but the handle of the erg is pulled in a straight line and the handles of sculls have to move in arcs. Also, while sculling is close to symmetrical, there is a small element of asymmetry, in that the oar handles are so long that they cross over one another (or one in front of the other) twice each stroke. As a result your hands are not each doing the same thing. Another item is oar-feathering, twisting the handle(s) about 90°so that the blade(s) is/are horizontal on the recoveries. Some training exercises are done with "squared blades" (no feathering), but only for short pieces - never for high speed work. On the erg, the level of your hands is not critical as long as they don't interfere with the movement of your knees. UTW, the hand level is critical. It has to be high enough on the drive to have the blade(s) at the most efficient depth in the water and low enough on the recovery for the blade(s) to clear the water. The level on the recovery can vary, depending on how rough the water is. There is no steering on an erg. It is a major problem for single scullers and for at least one rower (usually bow) in an uncoxed team boat. There is also the movement of the boat through thew water and the momentum changes between drive and recovery. In addition, you have to contend with the rocking of the boat from side to side and the bobbing up and down of the bow and stern. Add to that (and others that I will probably think of after posting) there is the variety of weather - wind, rain, sleet, whatever.

Frankly, I think that there are more differences than there are similarities between rowing OTW and on an erg, especially a static erg. Training for rowing on an erg will build up the muscles needed and improve cardiovascular conditioning, but it will not train you to row well in a boat.

Bob S.