An ideal body type for an elite rower is one who is tall, with long limbs and has a tall seated height (torso). According to Mukulic [1], in a study of elite heavyweight males, Croatian National Champion rowers who were competing at a World Championship and at an Olympic level, the average height of the athletes was approximately 194cm, the average weight was approximately 97kg, an average arm span of approximately 200cm and an average length of approximately 86cm was recorded. In other words, the taller the athlete, the more potential there is for greater stroke length. A greater stoke length, combined with stroke frequency ultimately leads to greater efficiency and speed along the surface the water.
There is a weight class between both male and female rowers. Heavyweight men can be any weight. Lightweight men must be below 72,5kg or of a 70kg crew average. For women lightweights must be below 59kg or an average crew weight of 57kg. Body fat percentage for rowers is ideal at 8,7% for males and 15,4% for females.
Rowing could be considered as one of the most physically demanding endurance sports in the world. Elite rowers have to display outstanding aerobic and anaerobic strength and cardiovascular endurance qualities. Several different components of fitness are required, namely, muscular strength, strength endurance and power. These components, combined, make for an efficient elite rower. When it comes to testing strength, we utilise the back squat, bench pull and deadlift exercises to determine an athlete's 1 repetition maximum (1RM). When it comes to anaerobic power, the modified Wingate Test performed on a Concept 2 is performed to determine the athlete’s peak power (in watts) and their average power (in watts).
The Sports Science Institute exists to translate, simplify and embed science in sporting and health practice. SSISA has developed the Rowing Performance Society with the aim of providing best practice insights that positively impact athletes, coaches, teams and organisations. To bring you the most appropriate sports science, SSISA works with the UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS), whose aim is to optimize human performance and promote health and well-being through physical activity, sports participation, healthy eating and sleep hygiene. The Rowing Performance Society is committed to sharing the highest standard of digestible research through regular Performance Insights.
Should you be looking for more information on this please get in touch with Cleo Pokpas at cpokpas@ssisa.com
Yours in Sports Science,
The SSISA Performance Society
References:
- Mikulić, P. (2008). Anthropometric and physiological profiles of rowers of varying ages and ranks. Kinesiology, 40(1.), 80-88.
- McNeely, E., Sandler, D., & Bamel, S. (2005). Strength and power goals for competitive rowers. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 27(3), 10.