Get a horizontal drive
Going deep is a common technique issue, as is “corrugating” through the drive where the blade goes deeper and shallower. In this podcast Marlene and Rebecca discuss how to get a horizontal drive in the rowing and sculling stroke.
Timestamps
What is a horizontal drive?
02:00 Why it matters? Stroke length is important for rowing and sculling. How long the blade stays in the water at one depth. If your depth varies you have a shorter stroke.
05:30 Coming over your knees the blade can go deep. Also on the placement if can go deep if you shoulder lift to place the oar.
07:30 Tape on the shaft at the correct depth is a useful visual marker.
09:00 check your rig FIRST.
Oarlock height is key. In 1x at the finish check the handle height while stationary – your forearms should be parallel to the water.
3 Drills to stay horizontal
13:00 Drills to stay horizontal.
1) One finger rowing drill – what it feels like to stay level on the drive. Draw through with only your middle finger on the handle. The water supports the blade to stay level – if you allow it.
2) Aim for where your knees were. Drive your knees away from your chest and keep your body leaning forward at the catch angle.
3) Row with blades flat on the water to see where the handle is at the catch against a visual marker. Your handle stays the same height through power phase and recovery during this drill. You can do this on erg – use tape to mark the chain / handle height
20:00 Benefits of staying horizontal. Get a longer drive. Look at your blade to check as you re-pattern your movements.
