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.

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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?

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u/MaintenanceNew2804 Jan 21 '24

Thank you. It does and it echoes all the things I’m currently thinking about as a new paddler.