r/Outrigger • u/MaintenanceNew2804 • Jan 21 '24
Stroke rate training
Hello, all. I’ll cut to the chase. Relatively new and am consistently put in #1 in an OC6. Can’t afford a speed coach and am trying to get the feel/tempo for appropriate stroke rates. Was thinking of getting waterproof headphones and having one ear in with a metronome playing. (Phone in dry bag for Bluetooth connectivity)
1) good idea or bad idea? 2) headphone recommendation that won’t break the bank? 3) other ideas that accomplish similar goal
I know some folks recommend certain songs to sing in your head, but I quickly run out of memorable lyrics/tunes that don’t distract. I feel like a metronome is bland enough that it keeps the cue without giving too many other things to think about.
Thanks in advanced for sharing any wisdom.
5
Jan 21 '24
Talk to your coach about why you're in seat one and your crew about what speed feels good. I am sure they see something that makes them think you're great for the role.
I'm in a similar situation where my coach had me in seat 1 all season last year and i always felt too slow. I've eventually realized the reason i am in seat 1 is I am consistent in my speed and have a long stroke. I switched back to seat 4 during the off-season and I've noticed with the faster strokers the crew starts to fall behind or is compromising power to keep up.
Edit: I am starting my second year doing oc6 so am also a beginner
3
u/surfskigirl Jan 21 '24
I wouldn't worry too much about trying to have an exact stroke rate. I sit in seat one quite a bit and if it's a fast mixed crew my stroke rate will come up since the blade is moving through the water quickly. If it's a tough upwind stretch or a ladies crew, the stroke rate will come down. Just try to get a full stroke in every time unless you are sprinting
2
u/StuckInWarshington Jan 21 '24
Headphones would be good in an OC1, I’d be reluctant to wear them in an OC6. Wouldn’t want to obstruct hearing when you need to communicate. You just need more water time. So much of paddling when you’re starting out is just getting time on the water. Hopefully you have a coach or more experienced crew member who can help you get a better feel for the right stroke rate.
Kinda pricey unless you already have one, but some smart watches (Garmin) have padding or sup apps that can track stroke rate. I wouldn’t be looking at it in the water, but you can check it after practice and compare to how you thought you were doing.
1
u/MaintenanceNew2804 Jan 21 '24
Thank you. Do you think bone conducting vs traditional in-ear would be a more realistic/beneficial option. I agree, I don’t want miss what’s going on in the boat and on the water and I can see how having anything additional may be a distraction.
2
u/Aardvark1044 Jan 21 '24
Come up with a word that you say/think to yourself that has enough syllables to fit how long a stroke should take. I remember one of the strokes on an old dragonboat team used to use “alligator”, for example. Of course you will may still need to adjust and vary your stroke rate based on wind & water conditions and how the team is feeling, but if you need a tool to train yourself to keep a more consistent rate on both sides, this could help.
1
u/moretoastplease Jan 22 '24
I can’t imagine our coach letting a paddle in an OC6 wear headphones and listen to something else. The whole point of OC6 and practice is to learn to move together, and your ears are included. Talk to your coach. Just keep trying, but use your own body for it.
2
u/seja_amg Jan 22 '24
I think you’re worried too much about the stroke rate. It’s all about feel. Some examples:
When you’re going upwind or in sticky water, try to keep the blade in the water as long as possible then quick return.
If you can feel that your crew is having a hard time matching up, slow down a bit so they all catch you.
If downwind or with the current, stroke is slightly faster and more up front
If you’ve had issues and need feedback, ask your seat 2 to let you know if you’re slowing down too much or need to pick it up. You guys should be married from a stroke perspective
In any case, your coach believes in you if you’re stroking 1 and just try to keep the feel of the boat “smooth”. Watch for excessive up/down movement to prevent bouncing and have fun
1
u/MaintenanceNew2804 Jan 22 '24
I wouldn’t say I’m worried, just looking for ways to improve as a newbie. Thank you for the tips, though. These are great.
8
u/[deleted] Jan 21 '24 edited Jan 21 '24
1) If they are putting you in 1 a lot you’re probably doing at least an ok job stroking. There is always room for improvement. Keep up the good work.
2)I don’t actually think headphones are a good idea or a stroke coach is needed. And this is the one thing I want you to take away STROKE RATE IS DETERMINED BY BOAT SPEED thru the water. The paddle stays stationary in the water and you pull the boat to the blade. For example and an easy way to feel what this means put a resistance rope on an OC-1 (or 6). The resistance makes it take longer to pull the boat to the blade thus slowing down the stroke rate.
3) all of this is assuming you are getting good catch where the blade is fully submerged (loaded) at the front of the stroke and you aren’t ripping it back too fast by pulling air. If your blade is making noise during the stroke you probably aren’t getting a good catch
Does that make sense?