How To Rig For A Different Size Partner (sculling)

When one is big, and the other is small, what should you do?

I just recently received the following email from Patrick, about rigging for different size rowers.

Hi Mike,

I’m wondering, I’m trying to rig a double up for my partner and myself to race in. I’m 5’11” and he’s somewhere around 6’4”. We’re rowing in a Wintech double so the adjustments have been pretty easy so far.
I raised my seat to its highest potential and moved my stretchers about 1/2 in up, but our angles are still off, people have been telling me to move my pins in and his pins out but I am not sure how much is too much or how much is enough.
Was wondering if you could give me some insight on this. Hope to hear from you soon.

Patrick brings up one of the most frequently asked questions I get from rowers who really want to get the most from their equipment: “What if I am a different size from my partner, what can I/we do?” This is not an easy one to answer. However there are some steps he can take to find a solution that may work for you.

Understand Why This Is Important
Humans come in a great variety of sizes, and when different size folks work/play together it can be an issue. In  sculling it not as much of an issue as many think (I would posit that it is more of an issue in sweep than sculling). The place where it does makes a difference in sculling is the angle of the oars at the catch and/or finish.

The theory is that a shorter sculler would have less reach and therefore reduced catch- and finish- angle than a taller rower. In realty that may not be the case, it depends on the technique and flexibility of the rowers.

But let’s assume, Patrick, that in fact you and your partner do have different reaches. What should you folks do?

Step 1: Get Your Numbers and Adjustments Correct
Your first action is to get the numbers and adjustments right for YOU. Picture yourself in a single, what would you row for span, oar length and overlap? Do you know your numbers there? Make sure that you use the measurement of catch length. I would suggest getting in a single and really pinning down those adjustments. If that option is not available, then estimate your single numbers as best as possible. If you need help you can try  my rigging number suggestions, or my Special Report Absolutely Maximize Your Rigging Numbers: Getting The Most From The Numbers You Use For Rigging Your Rowing Equipment.

Have your partner do the same.

Now both of you take your numbers from the above step, reduce your span by 1cm total and adjust your overlap so it stays the same as in the single.  Take your time and get it right.

Step 2: Determine There Still Is a Real Problem
Go row the double and have someone video tape you (don’t trust eyesight, it can be notoriously unhelpful). Go over the video. Now determine if in fact there is an issue. Look for:

1. someone finishing early
2. someone catching early
3. angle of the oars at the catch being significantly different (I stress the catch, others may stress the finish. Either is okay)

Step 3: Try Technique
Scullers tend to point directly to the rigging when there is a problem and often overlook the one area where they can make immediate and often really beneficial improvements—the technique. If either (or both) of you can slightly adjust your technique, and that solves the issue—great. If not, then it is time to do some rigging work.

Step 4: Rerig
The main effort here should be to get the angle of the oars similar at the catch (Again my preference, others prefer the finish. Again, both work). This can be done by one or a combination of all of the following:

• seat pad under the shorter rower
• adjusting the foot stretchers
• bring the shorter rower’s pins in, shorten the oar, inboard remains the same.

The last step is the one your refer to in your note. If you are adjusting the span I would suggest not going more than 1 cm away from your numbers in Step 1. By reducing the span you are in theory making a smaller arc for you, and that may help you and your partner’s angles of the oars. But realize that by doing this you are also increasing the load of YOUR leverage, so you should then reduce the length of your oar to make the leverage similar to where it was before you reduced your span.

Confusing?

Probably. Just keep this in mind . . . less span means great load (more leverage), shorter oar means less load (less leverage). So when you reduce the span you should also shorten the oar to keep things about the same.

Step 5: Test
Go row. How does it feel?

• Catches together?
• Finish and motion out of bow with partner smooth?
• Tracking okay?

If so, great. If not, then . . .

Step 6: Keep Re-rigging
In small increments make the adjustments in Step 4 until you get it right. “Right” can either be subjective—how you two feel it is rowing. Or it can be objective—using a tool such as a SpeedCoach. I prefer the later.

Do you have any suggestions for Patrick?

photo by basketflat