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Rowing Metric Definitions

Glossary of Key Terms

Drive

The phase of the stroke where the oars are in the water, moving towards the bow. Oar angle increases during the drive, becoming more positive.

Recovery

The phase of the stroke where the oars are out of the water, moving towards the stern. Oar angle decreases during the recovery, becoming more negative.

Stroke Rate

Average number of strokes taken per minute; measured by strokes per minute (SPM).

Catch Angle

The angle of the oarlock when the motion of the oar changes from Recovery to Drive; measured in degrees.

Release Angle

The angle of the oarlock when the motion of the oar changes from Drive to Recovery; measured in degrees.

Length

The angle the oarlock rotates between the Catch and Release.

Slip

The angle the oarlock rotates between the Catch Angle and the Slip Threshold. Used to quantify the angle required to connect the oar with the water.

Wash

The angle the oarlock rotates between the Wash Threshold and the Release Angle. Used to quantify the angle required to release the oar from the water.

Effective Length

The angle the oarlock rotates while the oar is connected to the water (i.e., Length less Slip and Wash). Used to quantify the angle where the oar is propelling the boat most effectively.

Work

Amount of energy exerted each stroke; measured in Joules (J).

Work is proportional to Force and Length, and can be improved by taking longer, more forceful strokes.

Power

Rate of energy production; measured in watts (1 watt = 1 joule per second).

Power can be improved by increasing Work per stroke or increasing the Stroke Rate.

Peak Force

The largest force applied during the drive (i.e., the peak of the curve); measured in Newtons (N).

Peak Angle

The angle in the stroke where the Peak Force occurs (i.e., the peak of the curve).

Slip / Wash Threshold

The threshold defining the Slip and Wash angle. Default values are 100N for Sculling and 200N for Sweep. To adjust: Settings > Data > Slip & Wash Threshold.

Drive Time

Amount of Time between the Catch Angle and Release Angle; measured in seconds.

Recovery Time

Amount of Time between the Release Angle and Catch Angle; measured in seconds.

Check

Amount of Time while approaching the catch during which the boat speed is decreasing; measured in milliseconds.

Interval

A segment of a session during which rowing metrics are accumulated and averaged. XBoat automatically detects intervals or allows you to define a workout progression (i.e. 5x500m = 5 intervals).

Distance

Total distance rowed during an interval; measured in meters (m).

Time

Total time elapsed during an interval; measured in minutes and seconds.

Split

The Time required to travel 500m at the current speed.

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