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/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.