Erging Powqer

Question
QUESTION: If erging and one person does 24 strokes/min and another does 28 strokes/min and they complete 6k in the same time, which is better erger?

ANSWER: Hi Robert: I would say the rower at 24 strokes per minute is a more efficient erger. But if they finish with the same time, who's to say one is better than the other.   

It's the same argument as if there were two crews racing each other on the water -- with one rowing a nice long and low cadence while the other is scambling at 35 strokes a minute.  But if they cross the finish line at the same time, the end result is that they are equal.

In your hypothetical question, the better erger would be the lighter of the two rowers.  Because a heavier person should out-erg a lighter person of equal skill and conditioning.

Regards/AP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I agree that the 24 stroke/min is more effioifnt/ stronger. I also agreee that arriving at same time equals same result. If both are on same boat and pulling at same rate which would think was best for boat assuming technique was equal?

Answer
Hi Again: From a physics standpoint, Mr. 24 SPM is generating more wattage (i.e., power) with each stroke than Mr. 28 SPM.  I guess if they are in the same eight and are rowing, let's say 30 strokes per minute, Mr. 28 SPM should be capable of generating even more wattage and would be the better asset in the boat.

Now from a psychological and physiological standpoint, who's to say Mr. 24 SPM is rowing a very low cadence because he is not as conditioned as well as Mr. 28 SPM.  There is some likelihood that at 30 SPM (or even 28 SPM), he might "crash and burn" with a 4-6 stroke higher rating.

Two ways of looking at it, but the physics standpoint is probably the answer you are looking for.

Regards/AP