Rigging for Masters Rowers

What is rigging for?

• Rigging is simply a tool we can use to maximise our technique

• Why are we concerned with technique

• Efficiency

• Injury free

• Comfort

• Effectiveness

• Speed

• Enjoyment

Technique (& Rigging)

Nolte, V. 2011

FoundationsTechnique

• Balance

• Posture (grip)

• Rowing movements

Rigging

• Large arc (catch angle)

• Maximal force application (repeated)

• Long time force application

Rigging has 2 “levels”

1. Introductory

2. Individualised

Starting point

• What is available to you

• Know your equipment

• Goals (effort/time)

• Self assessment

What/Why?Load

• maximise

• maintain

Relevance to masters

• Strength

• Flexibility

• Injury

How?• Experiment

• With everything!

• One thing at a time

• Measure/change/test/compare

“If you are not assessing you are guessing”

Load Factors• Stroke length

• Arc placement

• Leverage

• Rhythm

• Ratio (drive time)

• Blade slip

Stroke Length

• Simply the distance (at the tip of the blade) from catch to release

• Time blade spends in water relative to load

• All crew to have same stroke length

Length Difference

Arc Placement adjust span

Monday, 7 October, 13

Arc Placement adjust inboard

Monday, 7 October, 13

Arc Placement adjust span and inboard equally

Monday, 7 October, 13

Leverage(outboard)12)/(Span/2)1

Oar$length$ Inboard$ Outboard$ Span$ Load$Ratio$ $289$ 88$ 201$ 160$ 2.3625$ $287$ 88$ 199$ 160$ 2.3375$ $285$ 88$ 197$ 160$ 2.3125$ $289$ 87$ 202$ 159$ 2.3899$ $287$ 87$ 200$ 159$ 2.3648$ $285$ 87$ 198$ 159$ 2.3396$ $289$ 88$ 201$ 159$ 2.3774$ $287$ 88$ 199$ 159$ 2.3522$ $285$ 88$ 197$ 159$ 2.3270$ $289$ 87$ 202$ 160$ 2.3750$ $287$ 87$ 200$ 160$ 2.3500$ $285$ 87$ 198$ 160$ 2.3250$ $!

Rhythm & RatioRhythm

• Pattern of drive and recovery body movements in drive and recovery

• Looking for a synchronized flow with gives athlete feeling of swing and sets up ability to apply effort

Ratio

• Recovery time to drive time…can be highly individual

• Gives insight into desired rhythm

Blade Slip• Distance at tip of blade from entry to release

• Can be positive or negative

• Positive slip increases distance boat moves during drive

• Seen when blade moves in same direction as boat during drive

Blade Slip

Blade SlipNeg slip

1. Short stroke arc

2. Smaller catch angle

3. Lighter rigging load

Pos slip

1. Longer stroke arc

2. Larger catch angle and arc placement

3. Matching load with athlete’s power ability

Individual Shorter

• Decrease inboard

• Increase oar length

• Increase catch angle

• Decrease spread

Taller

• Increase inboard

• Decrease oar length

• Decrease catch angle

• Decrease outboard

• Increase spread

Happy Rigging!

Supported by ViaSport

Sources

‘Notes on Rowing’ - Mike Purcer

‘Rowing Faster 1st Edition’ -Volker Nolte

‘Sculling’ - Paul Thompson

Row Perfect - Rigging angle changes due to adjusting span etc’