Peter A Derow Briefly Discusses the Use of Telemetry to Improve Efficiency and Performance in Rowing

For competitive rowing today, a lot more than physical strength and endurance is needed in order to achieve peak performance. Advances in technology and the emergence of innovative tools like telemetry are steadily revolutionizing the manner in which athletes train, as well as how coaches monitor and improve their crews. As Peter A Derow highlights, telemetry systems have the ability to measure a plethora of data points during rowing sessions, and hence can offer actionable insights that were previously inaccessible. With the use of this technology, rowing crews can level-up their training programs and maximize efficiency to ultimately improve race outcome.

Peter A Derow talks about the use of telemetry to improve efficiency and performance in rowing

Telemetry implies to the use of certain instruments in order to measure and transmit data from the boat to a logging device, while capturing hundreds of data points per stroke. Such instruments are ideally attached to the boat and include components like loggers, junction boxes and strain gauges on gates. Strain gauges help in measuring the force exerted on the oar. On the other hand, a logger includes a GPS and accelerometer that can capture information about the movement of the boat, including its acceleration and deceleration. The collected data provides valuable insights into multiple aspects of the rowing stroke, starting from force curves and boat speed to power output, and catch and finish angles. This information makes it easier for athletes and coaches to identify areas of improvement, and accordingly adjust training regimens.

Establishing a baseline and monitoring consistency are among the fundamental uses of telemetry. Athletes can make sure that they are maintaining consistent technique, as well as training at the optimal intensity, by measuring important parameters like power output and boat acceleration over time. Such baseline data facilitates objective comparisons and informed adjustments. Telemetry allows rowers to refine their techniques by offering real-time feedback on multiple aspects of their stroke. Catch angles and finish angles, for instance, can be optimized for maximum efficiency. Synchronization between the members of the crew also becomes easier to monitor and achieve, thereby ensuring that everyone is rowing in harmony.

As Peter A Derow mentions, measurements from telemetry systems can be highly useful in making precise equipment adjustments. For instance, the stroke efficiency of a rower can be improved by altering the rigging setup based on feedback. Coaches may experiment with multiple configurations, as well as use telemetry data for quantifying the impact of those changes. Coaches get the benefit of making data-backed decisions instead of just depending on their intuition.  Data points like acceleration, power output and force curves offer objective information that can be used for tailoring training regimes, making crew selections, as well as monitoring progress.

When coaches use real-time feedback from telemetry systems, they are able to provide rowers with direct, measurable feedback on their performance. This makes it easier for the athletes to both understand and internalize coaching advice. Rather than coaches shouting the same instructions repeatedly, having data-backed feedback helps make sure that athletes are clear on what needs to be improved.