Rowing is among the most traditional sports in the planet, whose origins date back to ancient Egypt. It is also known as one of the oldest Olympic sports, with competitive rowing races on the River Thames as early as the 10th century. As Peter A Derow points out, over time rowing has evolved into a modern competitive sport with a rich history of technique, teamwork, and endurance. Like many other competitive sports, today technology is extensively used in rowing to improve athlete safety and performance.
Peter A Derow provides an insight into a few technologies that enhance the rowing experience and training
A significant technological evolution has been witnessed in diverse types of competitive sports, including rowing, over time. New-age technologies have transformed how rowers train, recover from workouts, analyse their performance, and even experience the sport in general. ERG machines have become a quintessential training for rowers. Today it is possible to find ERG models that are able to simulate the dynamics of water rowing with extreme accuracy. Such rowing machines often come with sophisticated feedback systems, and can provide real-time data on every aspect of a stroke, right from stroke rate to power output. Many ERG machines also have interactive features. They provide connectivity with discerning apps and online platforms through which rowers may access tailored training programs and even join virtual races. Such features make ERG machines an extremely engaging and effective component of competitive rowing training.
Leveraging data has become important in competitive rowing in order to help athletes achieve peak performance. The integration of advanced analytics into rowing provides coaches and athletes with a comprehensive view of performance metrics. Today it is possible to dissect every rowing session into actionable insights, track progress over time and identify areas for improvement. Such granular analysis typically extends beyond the ERG to on-water training. Devices that can capture detailed metrics from actual rowing sessions are commonly used for competitive rowing training. Gaining a better understanding of the nuances of the techniques used, as well as the impact of different conditions on performance, helps rowers and their coaches to make precise adjustments to their training. These strategic adjustments can lead to improvements in efficiency, endurance and speed.
As Peter A Derow mentions, virtual reality or VR technology has managed to add a whole new dimension to rowing training by developing immersive environments that effectively replicate the sensation of being on the water. VR technology enables the rowers to visualize themselves in diverse settings, including high-stake races, which helps enhance mental preparation and motivation. In addition to providing such visual experiences, VR rowing setups may also integrate with physical ERG machines and offer a synchronized, full-body workout that mirrors the conditions and resistance of water rowing. Such a blend of virtual and physical training can go a long way in enabling rowers to maintain their focus and stay engaged, especially during long indoor training sessions. With the use of such innovations, competitive rowers can prepare more effectively for real-world competitions.
