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If You are Watching a Rowing Race The crew that's making it look easy is most likely the one doing the best job, working very hard and hurting the most! Here are a few things to look for while watching a rowing race: Continuous, fluid motion of the rowers: The rowing motion shouldn't have a discernible end or beginning. Synchronization: Rowers strive for perfect synchronization in the boat. Like any other sport, something less than standard technique may work now and then, but if you intend to be a World Champion pole vaulter -- or rower -- you'd better master the correct technique. How many strokes per minute the crew is taking: The stroke rate varies from boat to boat. An eight-man crew can achieve a higher stroke rate than a single; and an extremely tall person can take less strokes per minute than someone smaller and still move faster. At the start, the stroke rate will be higher, maybe 40-44 for an eight, 36-40 for a single. Then the boat will drop the rate to 32-36 (8+) or 28-32 (1) for the middle of the race. Coaching strategy determines when the boat will sprint, but finishing stroke rates of 40-42 for an eight are possible. Clean catches of the oarblade: If you see a lot of splash, the oarblades aren't entering the water correctly. Rowers speak of the race in terms of 500 meter sections: For example, the 1500-meter mark is three-quarters through a 2000 meter race, with 500 meters to go. Remember that everything already mentioned -- especially technique -- gets harder and harder as the race progresses. Assuming you're watching near the finish, you'll have an easier time separating the excellent crews from the mediocre just because rowers who look textbook at the start, may look anything but at the finish.
For additional information, email Jim Schmidt (WRA Secretary) at schmidthousefive@sbcglobal.net or 721-5886 or LaDonna Radermacher (WRA Treasurer) lraderma@sbcglobal.net at 683-0540
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