2008 Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race

After an epic battle over the first half of the course, with Cambridge stealing a brief lead after Hammersmith, Oxford regained the initiative and moved steadily away to their third boat race victory in five years. They crossed the line to win the 154th Boat Race by six lengths in 20 mins 53 secs, the slowest time since 1947.

Start


Middle


Finish

2007 World Rowing Championships

This video contains some excellent technical rowing and very british commentators.



Courtesy of YouTube

Endurance, Strength, and Confidence

Rowers:

The 2000 meter erg piece is a combination of three things: endurance, strength, and confidence.

Endurance is hard work over an extended period of time. In rowing, if you have two athletes of similar body and muscle mass, the athlete who has more endurance is the one who can hold a certain split for longer. Example: Tom and Jerry are both 6'0 and weight 165lbs. If Tom holds a 1:50 split for 2000 meters and Jerry holds a 1:50 split for 2400 meters, then Jerry would have more endurance. Endurance is trainable.

Strength is simply the size and use of difference muscle groups. This category includes rowing with proper technique. Rowing with improper technique (such as over compressing at the catch, slouching during the recovery, opening your back early in the drive, etc.) prevents muscles from working with maximum efficiency. The stroke is carefully constructed to make the most of every muscle group. Therefore, muscle size and muscle use go hand-in-hand.

Finally, confidence is how aware you are of yourself. What are your limitations. How do you overcome them? What is your potential? How do you get there? The 2000 meter erg piece is a psychological test just as much as it is a physical test. To overcome the stress and anxiety of a 2000 meter piece, learn as much as you can about your stroke and fitness. The goal of any rower is to know exactly how he will perform before the race even starts. At this point, you are able to set reasonable goals.

Niskayuna Freshman Rowing Video

Rowers and Parents:



Courtesy of Flying Dutchman Productions and the Wiegman's