1K Ergo

Question
I have a 14y 8m 76kg 6'2" son who just did his first ergo as part of the start of a school rowing program.  He has a strong swimming background so is familiar with intensive sport training.  He did a 3:14, fell off twice and had the flu when he took the test.  

Couple of questions. This seems like a pretty credible time from what little information I have been able to find on 1K times.  Is it reasonable given his age and size?  It seems that swimming and rowing are pretty complementary?  Is there a period when it might start to be counter productive?

Thanks and any advice on training would be appreciated as well.  

Answer
Hi Peter: That's a sensational time based on everything you tell me.  He's already in the Top-10% for heavyweight rowers his age.  I would have him try a 2K piece, since that is the "gold standard" that rowers are measured on.

I was told early on that swimmers make great rowers.  My 14-year old daughter is anchoring her girls' high school swim team and I know she would be an elite rower (except she wants no part of the sport).

I don't see any problem with swimming and rowing for your son.  However, at some point, if he commits to rowing, he is going to need to decrease the swim hours and increase the on-water hours in a racing shell.  The other incompatibility I see is that he should add 10-20 pounds of muscle through weights and diet to really be a force in an elite boat -- which is probably not recommended for swimmers.

Regards/AP