ABSTRACT
During on-water rowing, power developed by the rower may be delivered to the oars through the hands and to the foot stretcher through the feet. The proficiency of the rower will be partly determined by the effectiveness with which this power is coupled to boat propulsion. Sanderson and Martindale (1986) proposed that there were three components important to maximizing boat velocity: extraction the maximum amount of power from the rower's body; use of as much of this power to propel the boat; and use of this propulsive power in an efficient manner to move the boat at the greatest possible mean speed. Velocity cost, the ratio between the external power developed by the rower and the average velocity of the boat (the number of watts required to propel the boat for each ms-I) is one effectiveness measure. Propulsion is defined as any action that directly affects the forward progression of the boat. For example, the transverse component of the handle force is a necessary accompaniment to the longitudinal component of the total handle force but has no effect on propulsion. The purpose of this paper was to develop the concept of velocity cost, measure it on-water with pair-oared boats and search for cause and effect links which explain the variability expected among rowers. Once these connections are found, they will comprise a useful tool for rowers and coaches in the improvement of rowing performance.
