Last week’s tip talked about the effect of checking (slowing your forward momentum) the boat due to either not initiating the catch as soon as your body is compressed into the stern, or rushing to the catch and not being ready to set it as soon as you get there.  Think about it - your “forward” momentum is toward the bow, but you oppose this inertia when you slide the seat toward the stern to get into the catch position.  If you rush it, rather than letting the boat run underneath you by recovering smoothly and slowly, then you just checked the momentum you provided during the drive.  

The transition from the finish to being ready for the catch should be a smooth one, not rushed.  Nothing is served by hurrying the transition out of the bow and into the catch position - quite the opposite.   You want to get your weight out of the bow as quickly as possible, but not at the expense of a smooth run of the boat.  At the finish you should feather your oars and smoothly transition your weight out of the bow - led by the hands, but let the boat run underneath you.  You should be able to bring yourself out of the bow without depending too heavily on the straps on your feet - if you do then you’re probably throwing your back too far into the bow.  A whole ‘nother issue we’ll address in the next tip. 

If you’re curious as to your rowing technique and its effect on the boat try this tip - trail a 4 or 5 foot piece of string behind you next time you row.  Pull out the rubber stopper in the stern and insert enough string inside to hold it in place.  PUT THE STOPPER BACK IN!  Start your row and watch the string - if you start seeing an “S” pattern forming at either end of your drive/finish you are checking the boat.  Strive to keep the string flowing straight behind the boat.  Checking is inevitable on either end of the drive cycle - just strive to mitigate the disruption of the run of the boat.

Let’s row!