Racing Starts

    Just as a sprinter coming out of the blocks can't get to full stride until the third or fourth step, a racing crew can't get to full compression until the boat speed has come up quite a bit. To accelerate from a dead stop requires a few short choppy strokes followed by a longer one until, on the fourth beat, the crew can reach full compression. We use this "half, half, three quarters, full" sequence when starting our races. The following videos show the technique. The first is a practice session from the UT women's eight. You'll notice after their version of the "half, half, three quarters, full"  sequence they move directly into a power ten, at 38 strokes a minute. On the 8th stroke of the ten, the coxswain calls for a "shift in two" to alert the crew that the rate will be dropping down quite a bit to 32 strokes a minute. You'll see the recovery markedly slower yet the drive is still just as fast and powerful. The crew then rows at a "paddle" (medium pressure only) and then does some balancing drills. At the 2:00 minute mark the crew rows all square as a testament to their focus even when tired. The end of the piece shows the crew "flying" the boat on the square until the cox calls to feather. An impressive feat for this elite crew.

This next video is that of the ST Bede's U-17 eight. Note the shorter strokes at the beginning, and then the lengthening at the 4th or 5th stroke. Once the crew is in their power 10 note the early roll up of the blades and the simultaneous dropping in at the catch. A nice start. 

The 3rd video is that of our MN4 taken on the 29th over spring break. Not a bad attempt but obviously we still need practice on timing.

The last video is that of our WV4 rowing in a qualifying heat at the state champs a couple of years ago. Early in the start sequence there was a missed stroke on the port side causing the boat to veer to port.  The cox got the boat back on line and the crew looked good for the first 300-400 meters. Then fatigue set in and the crew failed to make it out of the heat. Yes, technique is important but also strength and endurance!!!