Knowledge Base

Here is our information on our FAQ page:

Force curves were made available in early rowing analysis systems because they are the most basic representation of the actual analog data from the force sensor, with no analysis applied. As a result, they're familiar, but that doesn’t mean they're ideal. Even after years of looking at and coaching with force curves, there is not much agreement in the sport about what makes a "good" force curve. (Lots of opinions, but not much agreement!) Also, it is challenging for athletes to use force curves as a target for changing their rowing, particularly without a clear target also represented on screen. We have chosen to present primarily numerical data that breaks the stroke down into clearly understood elements because we have demonstrated to ourselves, and many other coaches and athletes, that simple numbers are much easier to focus on when attempting to make changes or assess progress.

Because the EmPower Oarlock logs five key elements each and every stroke (catch angle, slip, peak force, peak force location, wash and finish angle), we are also able to present a clear "picture" of the stroke very similar to a force curve which we call a "Stroke Profile".

When charted using a simple Excel template, the Stroke Profile illustrates these key characteristics of one or more rower. In the example below, four scullers were evaluated during 20' session. We can see that Rower #2 is probably rigged too far into the bow (see their shallow catch angle and deep finish angle). We can also see that Rower #2 has their peak force occurring later in the drive than the other three. The coach can now provide Rower #2 with a target Peak Force Angle of -10 to -20° in order to better match the other rowers in the boat. Rower #2 can monitor himself as he rows future sessions.

To create your own Stroke Profiles, please see Excel Templates and instructions on how to use them below: https://nksports.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/262/

Essentially you would plot your information in the Excel template. You will see your slip, wash, catch angle, finish angle and peak force angle. There isn't any black and white guidance for this as some people have a peak max angle before 0 degrees and some after, depending on your technique. The best way to use this is to make adjustments and see how it affects your profile, what makes it better vs worse.

Another resource is the website rowsandall.com. You can upload the data into this site and plot and graph all the oarlock information.