CREWING SURFBOATS
CREW DYNAMICS
CREW SELECTION
Competitive surfboat rowers require strength, fitness, rowing skill, surf skill and operate well in a team environment. Successful crews accept the challenges of the surf and sea. It helps if the crew has passion, persistence and a strong will. Surfboat rowers need to be able to perform physically and mentally, adapting to extremes as well as the unexpected.
Crews are best based on friendship with each members having respect and confidence in each other. Some clubs have had success with the formal allocation of rowers to crews, by a group of selectors. Rowers who accept this process may have a sporting background where they accept being part of a squad, rather than a crew. It is important for selections to foster a harmonious and supportive environment. Few selection programs identify intangible factors, such as ‘spirit’ and ‘comradeship’ or the ability to perform through the ‘hurt’ barrier. Surfboat rowing often requires good old fashioned ‘guts’.
Surfboat rowers need to accept the challenges presented by the sea. Surf can occasionally create uncertainty due to its ever changing nature. Some rowers display a natural ability in surf conditions whereas others may struggle regardless of their stillwater achievements.
It is obvious that a Sweep must be skillful; understand the sea; be able to manage people; be a strategist; and most of all be enthusiastic. The importance of a rower relating to the surf may not be as obvious – but it can be a significant advantage. It is the skill of rowing in the surf that defines a surfboat crew.
Competitive surfboat rowers require strength, fitness, rowing skill, surf skill and operate well in a team environment. Successful crews accept the challenges of the surf and sea. It helps if the crew has passion, persistence and a strong will. Surfboat rowers need to be able to perform physically and mentally, adapting to extremes as well as the unexpected.
Crews are best based on friendship with each members having respect and confidence in each other. Some clubs have had success with the formal allocation of rowers to crews, by a group of selectors. Rowers who accept this process may have a sporting background where they accept being part of a squad, rather than a crew. It is important for selections to foster a harmonious and supportive environment. Few selection programs identify intangible factors, such as ‘spirit’ and ‘comradeship’ or the ability to perform through the ‘hurt’ barrier. Surfboat rowing often requires good old fashioned ‘guts’.
Surfboat rowers need to accept the challenges presented by the sea. Surf can occasionally create uncertainty due to its ever changing nature. Some rowers display a natural ability in surf conditions whereas others may struggle regardless of their stillwater achievements.
It is obvious that a Sweep must be skillful; understand the sea; be able to manage people; be a strategist; and most of all be enthusiastic. The importance of a rower relating to the surf may not be as obvious – but it can be a significant advantage. It is the skill of rowing in the surf that defines a surfboat crew.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SURFBOAT ROWER?
A surfboat rower needs to be able to perform both physically and mentally. They must be able to adapt to extremes and the unexpected.
Physical requirements..
A surfboat rower needs to be able to perform both physically and mentally. They must be able to adapt to extremes and the unexpected.
Physical requirements..
- agility and balance
- coordination and timing
- explosive power
- sustained strength
- fitness
- ability to work well within a team
- confidence in themselves and the team
- character
- perseverance
- ability to cope with discomfort
- loyalty
Ability
Some rowers may simply be better than others at surf skills, and synchronizing the application of power on their blade with the other rowers. Outrigger coaches refer to:
ability = strength + power + speed + endurance + timing + technique
Strength
There are different types of strength, of varying relevance, to rowers. We need to consider maximum strength, explosive strength, reactive strength, and sustained strength.
- Maximum strength is the largest amount of force that an individual can produce within a given movement where time is not an issue.
- Explosive strength is the amount of force that an individual can produce in a short period of time. Explosive strength is relevant to the start of a boat race, and rowing onto ‘runs’.
- Reactive strength is the body’s ability to absorb heavy impacts in the context of muscles extending before being contracted. Rowers ‘extend’ as they reach forward to take the catch, and then ‘contract’ as they pull through the stroke.
- Sustained strength is when force is maintained over repeated contractions, or a single contraction over a long period of time. It is more relevant to endurance events than the typical surfboat race.
A high level of effort needs to be maintained for a given period of time. Rowers, regardless of their strength, may need to keep the effort on for the entire race.
Timing & Technique
Timing and technique (relevant to synchronisation) are important selection criteria. They are more important than strength and conditioning. Timing and technique can be taught and enhanced, but some rowers may be more naturally coordinated. A good coach will identify the potential in a rower to learn skills and technique.
Each crew or club will have its preferred technique which needs to be shared by all the rowers. In established elite crews, it may be relevant to select a replacement rower on their ability to adapt and match the crew’s technique, rather than on ‘reputation’.
Attitude
The way people think or behave is subjective, and can be difficult to analyse. A rower’s approach to the sport may depend on the interaction between the individual crew members and the combination of personalities. When selecting a crew you may need to trust your instincts.
Positive attitudes and self esteem are usually boosted in appropriate team environments.
*Steve West writing about outrigger crews identified many of the above factors that are relevant to surfboat.
SURFBOAT CREW POSITIONS
Each rowing position or ‘seat’ has particular requirements.
Stroke:
The Stroke needs to have a feel for the water and set a good flowing rhythm. They need to be able to adjust stroke type and rate. The Stroke needs to be self confident and strong willed. The Stroke’s hands should be easy to follow, especially through the finish.
Second Stroke:
The Second Stroke needs to be powerful with a good sense of timing. They must be able to assist the Stroke with rate adjustments.
Second Bow:
The Second Bow needs to be powerful, and synchronise with the Stroke rower.
Bow:
The Bow requires agility and balance with an ability to adjust to conditions especially the varying distance from their rowlock to the water surface. The Bow needs to be able to cope with the unexpected and react quickly. It helps if they enjoy being engulfed by the occasional wave.
Each rowing position or ‘seat’ has particular requirements.
Stroke:
The Stroke needs to have a feel for the water and set a good flowing rhythm. They need to be able to adjust stroke type and rate. The Stroke needs to be self confident and strong willed. The Stroke’s hands should be easy to follow, especially through the finish.
Second Stroke:
The Second Stroke needs to be powerful with a good sense of timing. They must be able to assist the Stroke with rate adjustments.
Second Bow:
The Second Bow needs to be powerful, and synchronise with the Stroke rower.
Bow:
The Bow requires agility and balance with an ability to adjust to conditions especially the varying distance from their rowlock to the water surface. The Bow needs to be able to cope with the unexpected and react quickly. It helps if they enjoy being engulfed by the occasional wave.
TEAM ASPECTS OF A SURFBOAT CREW
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Successful crews need to work well as a team. It is not simply the Sweep’s responsibility for the crew to combine as a ‘team’. Unlike many other sports and areas of life, the whole crew may take on that responsibility and share leadership roles.
The essentials to being a team are enjoyment, belief and loyalty. We need to enjoy what we are doing and believe in the team as a whole as well as in each individual team member. We do not just row to win. The surf will soon provide a reality check. Surfboat rowing is definitely a sport which provides rewards that extend beyond simply achieving results. Being in the surf can be a reward in itself. |
SUSTAINING THE TEAM
Surfboat crews need to be self protective to sustain themselves. As a team they must be capable of surviving potential negatives. Potential negatives can be very real including
Surfboat crews need to be self protective to sustain themselves. As a team they must be capable of surviving potential negatives. Potential negatives can be very real including
- crew selection process
- perceived abilities
- mistaken benchmarks – for example ergo scores (ergos do not float nor do they need a waterman skill of harmonizing with the surf and ocean)
- shared effort of boat towing
- training time reliability
- level of socialising and alcohol usage
- keeping thoughts and words within the team
- different commitment levels
- too much pressure on ‘winning’
- outside influences, such as different relationship and family obligations (These obligations must be recognised and respected)
- mistaken belief that ability as a stillwater rower will translate into ability as a surfboat rower
- misconception that surfboat rowers will be better if they have rowed stillwater
MANAGING THE TEAM
The team needs a management structure to operate smoothly. Firstly, consider whether a team can be formed! Meet before the season commences, and decide which events the crew will attend. Also, decide training days and times available for all crew members. If this cannot be resolved, do not commit to becoming a team. Crew members working shift hours or living/working long distances from training venues will present particular difficulties. Many successful crews have overcome such challenges with a great deal of commitment!
Priorities need to be established for the season. Decide performance expectations, as well as events to attend. Performance expectations will include rowing and surf skill development, and competition goals. Match ‘peaking’ and ‘tapering’ with result expectations.
A training program needs to be established which will reflect these aims. Determine training times and venues to suit individuals.
SKILL BUILDING
Crews which have developed together will probably evolve common skills. Teams formed from a combination of new rowers; experienced rowers from other crews; or stillwater rowers, need to consolidate a common style for their skill base. The skills to be considered are rowing skills; surf skills; sweeping skills; racing skills; and fitness.
Rowing skills to be addressed are the style of the stroke (body action, catch, finish and blade work), rhythm, adjustment to different conditions, and synchronisation of power through the stroke.
Sweeping skills to be coordinated with the crew include starting, buoy turns and wave catching. The Sweep’s priorities in a race should be focusing on own job and strategies. The Sweep should provide positive feedback to the crew and communicate what is happening.
Racing skills need to be addressed. There is no point being a great rowing crew if you cannot race well. Crews need to address the various stages of a race, as well as their attitude to racing.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Preparation will only be worthwhile if the team ‘has a go’. The crew needs to be wholeheartedly enthusiastic. There should be a common aim to be competent, competitive, and to earn the right to be among the best. Respect your peers and expect to be respected. The crew needs to be persistent, and to confidently use the surf to make their own luck.
The team needs a management structure to operate smoothly. Firstly, consider whether a team can be formed! Meet before the season commences, and decide which events the crew will attend. Also, decide training days and times available for all crew members. If this cannot be resolved, do not commit to becoming a team. Crew members working shift hours or living/working long distances from training venues will present particular difficulties. Many successful crews have overcome such challenges with a great deal of commitment!
Priorities need to be established for the season. Decide performance expectations, as well as events to attend. Performance expectations will include rowing and surf skill development, and competition goals. Match ‘peaking’ and ‘tapering’ with result expectations.
A training program needs to be established which will reflect these aims. Determine training times and venues to suit individuals.
SKILL BUILDING
Crews which have developed together will probably evolve common skills. Teams formed from a combination of new rowers; experienced rowers from other crews; or stillwater rowers, need to consolidate a common style for their skill base. The skills to be considered are rowing skills; surf skills; sweeping skills; racing skills; and fitness.
Rowing skills to be addressed are the style of the stroke (body action, catch, finish and blade work), rhythm, adjustment to different conditions, and synchronisation of power through the stroke.
Sweeping skills to be coordinated with the crew include starting, buoy turns and wave catching. The Sweep’s priorities in a race should be focusing on own job and strategies. The Sweep should provide positive feedback to the crew and communicate what is happening.
Racing skills need to be addressed. There is no point being a great rowing crew if you cannot race well. Crews need to address the various stages of a race, as well as their attitude to racing.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Preparation will only be worthwhile if the team ‘has a go’. The crew needs to be wholeheartedly enthusiastic. There should be a common aim to be competent, competitive, and to earn the right to be among the best. Respect your peers and expect to be respected. The crew needs to be persistent, and to confidently use the surf to make their own luck.
SURFBOAT CREW SELECTION BASED ON TESTING
Crew selection is sometimes based on specific tests. This is usually misleading as the tests are seldom relevant to surfboat performance. Most tests, including ergometer performance, are more applicable to selecting stillwater crews. The tests have limitations in the selection of surfboat crews. For instance a tall person is advantaged on an ergo. Height has less significance in a surfboat compared to skill, strength, endurance, feel, attitude and courage.
Fitness testing is sometimes used including criteria such as oxygen uptake as well as blood pressure and heart rate related tests under load on a treadmill or ergo. Fitness performance tests are more helpful in assessing the effectiveness of an established crew’s training program than in the selection of the crew.
Strength to weight ratios may be fundamental to boat speed as it factors in the wetted surface of a craft and hence the resistance that must be overcome by the rowers. Big, heavily muscled crews may be extremely strong but much of their benefit can be lost by a boat hull sitting low in the water pushing water. The key to boat speed is encouraging the boat to continue running between strokes – something that can lighten the load at the start of the next stroke. Maintaining continuous momentum of the hull through the water is very efficient. Rowing styles or heavy crews that cause the boat to drag or slow at the finish of the stroke can be a negative regardless of the power exerted.
Synchronised power applied harmoniously by the four blades encourages a boat to continue running through the water minimizing the energy that needs to be applied by the rowers. The ability of the crew to synchronise their power curves through the stroke at various stages of a race and in various surf conditions is a fundamental key to success and boat performance.
The best rower in the world will not necessarily make a good surfboat rower. Champions on an ergo or in a stillwater shell may not be able to adjust their oar blade to the sea’s uneven surface or the influence of wind and swell. Surfboat rowers must have an ability to continually adjust their hand and body position to place the blade cleanly into the water as the boat rises and falls relative to the sea.
There are too many selection criteria to be able to base surfboat crew selection on defined tests. Selection criteria include individual attributes; the synchronization of the combined crew in the boat; and all the factors that contribute to success in a team environment. Other criteria seldom adequately considered include a rower’s ability to:-
In my experience, the secret to success in surfboats is ‘persistence’. Competition is held in a natural environment where there can be many variables and factors that may be out of the crew’s control. Crews may need to persist and persist until they achieve the results that their potential deserves. Being a champion rower does not mean one will be ‘entitled’ to achieve results. The surf often decides who is ‘entitled’ – a surfboat rower musto understand and accept this aspect of our sport.
Fitness testing is sometimes used including criteria such as oxygen uptake as well as blood pressure and heart rate related tests under load on a treadmill or ergo. Fitness performance tests are more helpful in assessing the effectiveness of an established crew’s training program than in the selection of the crew.
Strength to weight ratios may be fundamental to boat speed as it factors in the wetted surface of a craft and hence the resistance that must be overcome by the rowers. Big, heavily muscled crews may be extremely strong but much of their benefit can be lost by a boat hull sitting low in the water pushing water. The key to boat speed is encouraging the boat to continue running between strokes – something that can lighten the load at the start of the next stroke. Maintaining continuous momentum of the hull through the water is very efficient. Rowing styles or heavy crews that cause the boat to drag or slow at the finish of the stroke can be a negative regardless of the power exerted.
Synchronised power applied harmoniously by the four blades encourages a boat to continue running through the water minimizing the energy that needs to be applied by the rowers. The ability of the crew to synchronise their power curves through the stroke at various stages of a race and in various surf conditions is a fundamental key to success and boat performance.
The best rower in the world will not necessarily make a good surfboat rower. Champions on an ergo or in a stillwater shell may not be able to adjust their oar blade to the sea’s uneven surface or the influence of wind and swell. Surfboat rowers must have an ability to continually adjust their hand and body position to place the blade cleanly into the water as the boat rises and falls relative to the sea.
There are too many selection criteria to be able to base surfboat crew selection on defined tests. Selection criteria include individual attributes; the synchronization of the combined crew in the boat; and all the factors that contribute to success in a team environment. Other criteria seldom adequately considered include a rower’s ability to:-
- synchronise their power output with the other rowers
- row through the surf when the surface of the water differs with each stroke
- cope with perceived danger or to quickly deal with the unexpected
- courageously row in challenging conditions
In my experience, the secret to success in surfboats is ‘persistence’. Competition is held in a natural environment where there can be many variables and factors that may be out of the crew’s control. Crews may need to persist and persist until they achieve the results that their potential deserves. Being a champion rower does not mean one will be ‘entitled’ to achieve results. The surf often decides who is ‘entitled’ – a surfboat rower musto understand and accept this aspect of our sport.
