Lightweight SPM

Question
Hi,
I am currently a lightweight rower at 164lbs and 6'2" at the high school level in the USA, and I am wondering about stroke rate on the water as well as on the erg. I have seen/heard of lightweights being at ludicrous rates on the erg (such as Henrik Stephansen), and the boat I row in at Community Rowing has previously rowed 2000m at around a 38. However, due to my height, I am much more powerful per stroke than many of my team mates and therefore on the erg have a lower stroke rate. Is there a rate I should aim for on the erg for 2000m tests so I will be better prepared for on-the-water races that are 6-8 beats higher than what I currently row at.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Riley: This is more of a strategy question.  The correct answer to what stroke you choose on the erg should solely be based on what stroke gives you your best 2K time.  There's no point in going up and down the slide on the erg as fast as you can if you are not moving the wheel as well. So always go with the stroke that works best for your 2K score.

Now if you want to do use the erg to prepare for racing cadence, I would choose to do 6-10 500 meter pieces or 3-5 1000 meter pieces in a pyramid where by the middle piece, you are at the stroke rate you expect to race at.

In all actuality, it's going to be the training on the water that's going to prepare you best for the on-water races.  

Good Luck/AP