When the Weather Fails You: Using the Rowing Machine to Train for On-Water Racing

Gail Helfer and Terry Smythe row their double at the FISA World Masters 2010 rowing competition.  (Photo credit: Chuck Helfer)

Updated June 12, 2018

Summers in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula are nothing if not variable.  So when UCanRow2’s Terry Smythe was training to race at the 2010 FISA World Masters Rowing competition she knew she’d need a backup training plan for inclement days.

As it turned out there were many days that forced her to go to Plan B, the Concept2 rowing machine that she has in her basement.

“Rowing on a Concept2 machine is a critical tool for on-water rowers at every skill level,” Smythe says.   “What I can do on the rowing machine is also what I can put on the oar in the water.”  Indeed, the training worked.  Smythe won three gold medals and finished second in two races at the masters event.

When bad weather hits, you should transfer your on-water workout for the day to the rowing machine, Smythe says.  Just be sure to warm up well before beginning any hard work.

Elite and experienced rowers can duplicate the effort of their on-water workouts, she says, which can make the difference between a good on-water race and a great one.  She is particularly excited about Concept 2’s Dynamic Erg, which she expects will be a huge hit with competitive rowers because it’s more like rowing on the water.

For less experienced rowers the rowing machine is instrumental for building confidence in their ability to perform in race conditions on the water.  “On the erg you get the sensation of what it feels like in a race,” Terry says.  “You can practice your starts and get the sensation of what it feels like when your muscles are screaming and your lungs are burning.”

So don’t let the weather get you down, just turn to the erg!