learning "sliding seat' rowing

Discussion in 'All Things Boats & Boating' started by strangeideas2, Jun 14, 2019.

  1. strangeideas2
    Joined: Oct 2018
    Posts: 7
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Rock Falls, IL

    strangeideas2 Junior Member

    I have been looking at kits for building rowboats,recently.
    Two have caught my attention:
    1)LOA-18'; Beam -35"; 85 lbs
    2)LOA-23'; Beam-16"; 38 lbs.
    I am a beginner to rowing with a sliding seat, am 64 years, but in above average health and am determined to become a proficient rower.
    Which one of this boats should I start with?( I'm guessing no. 1 above)
    How close to the maximum cruising speed claimed by the designer can I get to with 2 full 6 month seasons(I live in the Midwest) of regular practice can I get?
    What books, DVD's are available to learn the fundamentals of "sliding seat" rowing?
    Thanks for your input.
     
    strangeideas2, Jun 14, 2019
    #1
  2. Blueknarr
    Joined: Aug 2017
    Posts: 1,453
    Likes: 414, Points: 83
    Location: Colorado

    Blueknarr Senior Member

    I like rowing. I would choose the first (wider) option. It is a recreational hull. The narrow one is purely competitive and has little stability.

    Rowing is simular to bicycling in that one quickly learns basic competency. Mastery will take significant time with great coaches.

    To be brutally honest, 64 is past most people"s ability to achieve the maximum potential of competitive rowing.

    Enjoy the sport. Even compeat in your age category.
     
    Blueknarr, Jun 14, 2019
    #2
  3. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
    Posts: 2,702
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    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    It depends on what you weigh and the waters you intend to ply.
    I wouldn't worry about mastering sliding rowing technique,
    just get out rowing every day.
    Even if you're doing it all wrong, at least you're on the water and exercising.
    Enjoy.
     
    BlueBell, Jun 14, 2019
    #3
  4. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,796
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    Bad rowing technique can injure your back. It not too hard to learn to row the right way. There may be rowing clubs in your area where people can help you; maybe one of the colleges.
     
    gonzo, Jun 14, 2019
    #4

  6. rwatson
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    Location: Tasmania,Australia

    rwatson Senior Member

    Dive right in. The wider one will be better as you will be on your own. Stability isn't so much of a problem as in a canoe, as the long oars keep you upright like an outrigger.

    Using a rowing seat is a doddle. You can always fasten it if you want to start simple, but if you have the riggers setup for a sliding seat, it will be a waste of time.
    It's not hard to row with no sliding as you maneuver around things - you just keep your knees fixed.

    As far as practice before you get on the water, just duck down to the local gym and get on a rowing exercise machine.
     
    rwatson, Jun 15, 2019
    #5
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