Listen "Rowing in Circles"
Episode Synopsis
Slowing down makes you faster in the future. What is rowing circles good for?
Timestamps
00.30 Rowing in Circles
I know I could make a lot of progress if I could just practice my stroke over and over.
Yes, this is the purpose of rowing in circles. Get the intense, focused practice in a stable environment.
01:30 One person rows at a time in sweep; in sculling you row one side at a time.
Often done in small boats so that the effect is all about what you're doing - the boat movement isn't muffled by what others are doing. It gives direct feedback and a strong learning outcome.
02:15 What is rowing circles good for?
Level bladework - are your oars going into the water at the correct depth in the power phase and are they staying at the correct height above the water in the recovery phase.
If you row "over the barrel" this is good.
Catch placement - how to time lifting the handle so your blade goes into the water when your seat is just arriving at the change of direction at full compression? Get the oar under the water before the seat stops moving.
Recovery height of blade above the water - Sweep align which hand does the height and squaring/feathering. Single hand or wide grip rowing can be practiced in circles.
How to row square blades - see exactly what is needed to get the oar out of the water square.
05:00 Increase the challenge
Learn the basic skill at light pressure, then make it harder by moving to firm pressure rowing. Try not watching your blade while rowing to keep the same technique.
Remember when you are learning something new - there is a ladder of learning. Step up to make it more challenging but if this isn't working well, step down to re-establish the pattern of technique movement before trying to make it harder again.
06:15 Do it 3 times
It takes time to acquire a new skill - repetitions help you to learn. Rest and reflect while your partner tries the rowing in circles. Many people learn in an interesting way - your brain processes the movement between practices. It may be better at the next practice.
08:13 Coaching rowing circles
Watch this video to see Marlene Royle coaching a single sculler on Rowing Circles.
https://youtu.be/1Jaqv1eiN5Y?si=c6KaXwnAE1pFo4by&t=133
To see the video of this podcast (if you're listening audio only) head over to https://youtube.com/live/_RfJ7Ku3Qe8
Want easy live streams like this? Instant broadcasts to Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn. Faster Masters uses StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5694205242376192
Timestamps
00.30 Rowing in Circles
I know I could make a lot of progress if I could just practice my stroke over and over.
Yes, this is the purpose of rowing in circles. Get the intense, focused practice in a stable environment.
01:30 One person rows at a time in sweep; in sculling you row one side at a time.
Often done in small boats so that the effect is all about what you're doing - the boat movement isn't muffled by what others are doing. It gives direct feedback and a strong learning outcome.
02:15 What is rowing circles good for?
Level bladework - are your oars going into the water at the correct depth in the power phase and are they staying at the correct height above the water in the recovery phase.
If you row "over the barrel" this is good.
Catch placement - how to time lifting the handle so your blade goes into the water when your seat is just arriving at the change of direction at full compression? Get the oar under the water before the seat stops moving.
Recovery height of blade above the water - Sweep align which hand does the height and squaring/feathering. Single hand or wide grip rowing can be practiced in circles.
How to row square blades - see exactly what is needed to get the oar out of the water square.
05:00 Increase the challenge
Learn the basic skill at light pressure, then make it harder by moving to firm pressure rowing. Try not watching your blade while rowing to keep the same technique.
Remember when you are learning something new - there is a ladder of learning. Step up to make it more challenging but if this isn't working well, step down to re-establish the pattern of technique movement before trying to make it harder again.
06:15 Do it 3 times
It takes time to acquire a new skill - repetitions help you to learn. Rest and reflect while your partner tries the rowing in circles. Many people learn in an interesting way - your brain processes the movement between practices. It may be better at the next practice.
08:13 Coaching rowing circles
Watch this video to see Marlene Royle coaching a single sculler on Rowing Circles.
https://youtu.be/1Jaqv1eiN5Y?si=c6KaXwnAE1pFo4by&t=133
To see the video of this podcast (if you're listening audio only) head over to https://youtube.com/live/_RfJ7Ku3Qe8
Want easy live streams like this? Instant broadcasts to Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn. Faster Masters uses StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5694205242376192
More episodes of the podcast RowingChat
How wide is a boat lane?
25/09/2025
Why delaying back swing is hard
09/09/2025
Backing down
31/08/2025
Rowing with knee osteoarthritis
24/08/2025
Why finishes are key for big boats
17/08/2025
Weather forecast apps for rowing
11/08/2025
Journey to a perfect stroke
03/08/2025
Why rowers sky at the catch
27/07/2025
Ways to activate your glutes for rowing
21/07/2025
London Rowing Club Masters
14/07/2025