Rowing Technique Tips for Tall Beginners.

[exaance71]

Hi everyone,
I'm a newbie to rowing and relatively tall (6'6"). I've been watching a lot of videos and reading up on proper technique, but I'm finding it a bit challenging to translate that information to my own body. I'm struggling with feeling cramped at the catch and a bit disconnected at the finish.
Are there any specific adjustments or things tall beginners should focus on when learning to row? Any advice on adapting technique for longer limbs and a longer reach? I'm currently using a Concept2 Model D. Any tips on setting it up optimally for someone my height?
Also, any recommendations for drills that might help me improve my technique and feel more comfortable in the boat? I'm aiming for a smooth and efficient stroke.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer! I'm really excited about getting into rowing and appreciate any guidance you can provide.

[Ombrax]

I'm struggling with feeling cramped at the catch

Welcome to the forum : )

I'm not particularly tall, but will mention a few things that apply to everyone at the catch:

1) You probably already know this, but the suggested leg position is "shins vertical at the catch." How flexible are you? That might influence things.

2) At what position do you have the FlexFoot thingies? In general they say that a good starting point (tweak as required is "ankle bone at approximately the same vertical position as the top of the rail." The lower the FlexFoot the easier it will be to move farther forward, but don't go too far - you want "shins vertical" to be what feels natural too you. If the FF is too low you may tend to have your shins (and the seat) too close to the flywheel, which sets you for all manner of bad things with the rest of your stroke.

Good Luck

[Dangerscouse]

I don't know of any specific advice that you need as being 6'6" isn't an issue. It sounds like you just need to perfect your technique, and as Ombrax says, try to not overreach at the catch.

[p_b82]

Hi and Welcome,

Without knowing what your position looks like at the catch - it sounds like you might be over compressing a touch as said above.

And/or potentially if you're carrying a little too much weight around the middle, that can also make the catch awkward as you hinge your hips forward - though that's not a height thing.

6'6 on the erg is not an issue in the slightest - C2 do a longer rail for the real monsters out there for the other end of the stroke - at the finish.

You can always pop a little bit of tape on the rail where the position stops feeling cramped to force yourself not to go too far forwards at the catch; you'll quite quickly learn how it feels and can remove the tape before too long a time has passed.

[Tsnor]

drills that might help me improve my technique and feel more comfortable in the boat?

ERG
6'6" is not a problem on the erg. The erg is built for bigger than 6'6". Here is a rowing channel with a tall (6'8") rower. https://www.youtube.com/@trainingtall Since you've watch videos, you likely have also looked at https://www.youtube.com/@DarkHorseRowing Your erg technique should be the same as someone 5'6" or 4'6".

BOAT
6'6" will be a challenge in a boat. The following is for sweeps rowing (4 or 8 rowers in the shell).

The other people in the shell do not have your reach. You MUST match your drive timing with theirs. You MUST catch and release at the same time as the other rowers. If you are waiting at the catch then you should slow your slide on the recovery. Since you are taller your slide will actually be moving faster than shorter rowers to catch and release at the same time, but no one EVER does their recovery slide too slow. IF in doubt slow your slide until you sync up with the other rowers. You must drop your oar in the water at the same time as the other rowers. Recovery slide too slow -- drop your oar when they drop even if you are not at the full catch position. Recovery slide too fast -- you come to a stop at the end of the slide, but can't drop yet. This checks the boat and messes up everyone's else's stroke. With experience you'll learn to time it right, takes a few years for most people.

Rowing shells come in various sizes. Some are for short, light kids. Some are for heavyweight adult men. Most boat clubs/schools have a few different sized shells and do their best to fit their rowers. In your boat position your foot stretchers so you are not be hitting the stops on the slide at the catch (with shins vertical) or the release. If you can do that you're fine. If you can't then the boat is too small for you, talk to the coach. Shoes are another possible problem, some seats may have larger shoes than others. Talk the coach if you can't cram your feet into the shoes, shoes can be swapped and some are widely adjustable. Some boats have wing riggers with a cross piece (wing) over your shoes. If you stop with your shins vertical you should not hit the rigger. If you do hit your shins on the rigging talk to coach, you can't row that way.

For drills, pick drills for warmup on every erg session until you are happy with your sequencing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iRbfsCPXVE It takes 2 mins. Pick drills are good to learn good sequencing (drive legs, hip swing, arms, then recover arms, hips, legs, drive again). On the water it's common to warm up every row with pick drills or reverse pick.