For several years we have been compiling Force Measurement Data on single and double scullers of various skill levels including some of the top elite scullers in the country and the world to understand how best to improve synergy of power application.

A Force Measurement System can speed up the mastering of efficient rowing technique and synergism. This Force system consists of a portable electronic data logger with force transducers attached to the oarlock pins and the keel of the boat. The data logger is downloaded after each on the water session using software that converts the data into force, speed and acceleration curves for each rower, plus oarlock angle, power, stroke, and stopwatch data. The curves are reviewed by the athletes and coach immediately after the outing along with synchronized video data that has been taken from a coach boat.

Using the generated data, with the assistance of basic physics and biomechanics principles the force, velocity, acceleration and gate angle curves are compared to published curves from the best medal wining boats. Basic physics confirm why these shapes are good models for an efficient stroke that a coach and athlete can understand.

For the slides and supporting paper presented at the "2009 Jim Joy's, Joy of Sculling Conference" on Force Measurement, by Jim Dreher and Coleen Fuerst, see below:

• Force Measurement Presentation (Slides)
• Force Measurement Paper

More recently we have taken the data used in on the water session and helped improve the load characteristics and achievable stroke rating so that they are quite similar to what is seen on the water. We have a modified the Force Measurement System that was adapted for use in our indoor rowing tank. We have been using it since last winter with our Club Members, then with people taking lessons this past spring and summer have been testing of some top rowers and scullers with the system. The data allows coaches and athletes to view their force curve, stroke length, slip on each end of the stroke, watts of power produced per side (sculling) or per station (sweep), the system power (if rower with others), strokes per minute, handle speed and more. Because the data in the tank can be viewed in "real-time" changes can be made quickly to improve. The tank data can be used to blend technique, select athletes that row of a similar style so as to predict success of a particular line-up and help the athlete reinforce good technique and root out bad technique. It goes way beyond even what the best rowing simulators offer as it also focuses on those issues that occur from less then optimum blade work,handle height throughout the stroke, positioning at the hands at the cross points (i.e., sculling) and on optimization of handle speed.

For more information, please contact us.

Last Updated: January 13, 2012