G'day, I certainly cannot disagree with the sentiments of that rhythm. However in the context of rhythm in rowing I wish to report that the word Rhythm is rapidly disappearing from the lexicon of vocabulary used by an increasing number of coaches in the antipodes, (AKA the land down under) Observing other crews in action is a definite aid in the search for more boat speed. However attempting to mimic aspects of Elite crews is fraught with danger if a full understanding of why these crews execute the stroke is not available. If we refer to literature of our sport from the past you may remember a poem written by Steve Fairbairn that contains the words "the willowy sway of the hands away" these few words even have a touch of rhythm about them. The lines make reference to the hands which are obviously the key ingredient between the oar and the water, i.e. the catch and release of the blade. The path the handle takes through the drive and recovery is often compared to a bike chain, it is in perpetual motion, if you slow the push on the pedals, momentum disappears and you are in danger of going A over T, delaying your arrival at your destinations. In rowing the handle never stops, it moves in sympathy with the speed of the boat. This speed is controlled by the knees, if you want more speed the knees go down faster, if you wish to decrease speed the knees rise slower. The handle does not stop. Any deliberate slowing of the hands will reduce boat speed.If this happens at the point of the release, the weight of the body sits in the bow of the boat and fails to take advantage of the "money for jam" boat speed that Newton's laws of motion provide...... ..."The elastic spring and the steely fling that drives the flying craft."
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04/02/2021 3:19:36 AM