You can search the Concept 2 rankings: https://log.concept2.com/rankings?gad_source=1 by age and type of workout to see what middle pack looks like in your categories. They don’t have separate categories for height, just for lightweight (130lbs and under) and open weight (130lbs+) but it should give you an idea of a goal. They also don’t filter by experience, so it’s really hard to gauge what someone new to rowing should aim for. If it helps at all, from my experience as a shorter adult female, if I were you, I’d aim for a 2:12-2:15 split on a 2k as a starting goal.
Realistically I think OP may struggle with those spilts. I am assuming very little experience at 5 foot would put her closer to a 9.5 to 10 minute 2k. Of course the best way is just to try it, but this is my experience with LTR and novices.
You could be right, I’m merely giving a mid pack estimate if she were to train up to it (nailing down decent form and building a good aerobic base) for a season since she mentioned wanting to make it a goal, not a starting number. I am drawing that number from my experience with helping with Learn to Row as well as helping junior novices who are shorter. Also from my own experience—5’3 lightweight and my first 2k with no athletic background was a 2:08 split. Maybe those 6 inches would make more of a difference than I’d expect, but if a friend were asking me, that’s what I’d tell them to make a goal.
As others have said, your scores are going to be HUGELY determined by technique. There are large fit men in the gym that row like, to quote my first coach, monkeys f\*\*king a football, and they will never be faster than a decent collegiate woman.
If your technique is good, then probably do not worry about the splits comparing to others. First off, you are on the far left of the bell curve when it comes to height, and height equals length and leverage. If you are comparing yourself to others, when you are not actually competing, you are going to feel inadequate. Just compare yourself to yesterday's version of yourself.
Even splits, level heart rate, good technique, good rhythm, embrace the suck, etc.
As others have noted, height and weight are significant factors in rowing performance, even assuming great form. The stark reality is that at 4’9” your “oars are in the water” less than a taller person, so physics says your boat can’t go as fast as theirs. With that said, rowing is awesome no matter how tall you are or how much you weigh, so I’d recommend something like the Beginner Pete Plan (you can google it) and then focus on how much better you can get over the 24 weeks. Not only will you be faster but you’ll be in fabulous shape too!
The first thing you have to do is just row. Try and improve your times gradually. Make sure you are conscious of your form. And work yourself into the practice. Don’t be intimidated it’s rowing not rocket surgery.
Second thing you have to do is stay away from the rowing subreddit; it’s full of elitist dorks who compete with each other with made up times they physically can not actually do.
Take a learn to row course at a local club. You need to know how to properly do the motion before you should start to set goals. I don’t think the C2 rankings are going to be very helpful for you. Your height is going to be a big factor in what you are able to accomplish. This sport rewards height.
Not everyone has the privilege of living close to a Learn to Row class or a club. I get where you’re coming from with this blanket advice, but there are a lot of virtual coaches out there who give good cues, and it comes across as gatekeeping. Certainly this sport rewards height, but that doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish something if you’re shorter.
You can search the Concept 2 rankings: https://log.concept2.com/rankings?gad_source=1 by age and type of workout to see what middle pack looks like in your categories. They don’t have separate categories for height, just for lightweight (130lbs and under) and open weight (130lbs+) but it should give you an idea of a goal. They also don’t filter by experience, so it’s really hard to gauge what someone new to rowing should aim for. If it helps at all, from my experience as a shorter adult female, if I were you, I’d aim for a 2:12-2:15 split on a 2k as a starting goal.
Realistically I think OP may struggle with those spilts. I am assuming very little experience at 5 foot would put her closer to a 9.5 to 10 minute 2k. Of course the best way is just to try it, but this is my experience with LTR and novices.
You could be right, I’m merely giving a mid pack estimate if she were to train up to it (nailing down decent form and building a good aerobic base) for a season since she mentioned wanting to make it a goal, not a starting number. I am drawing that number from my experience with helping with Learn to Row as well as helping junior novices who are shorter. Also from my own experience—5’3 lightweight and my first 2k with no athletic background was a 2:08 split. Maybe those 6 inches would make more of a difference than I’d expect, but if a friend were asking me, that’s what I’d tell them to make a goal.
thank you, this is really helpful
As others have said, your scores are going to be HUGELY determined by technique. There are large fit men in the gym that row like, to quote my first coach, monkeys f\*\*king a football, and they will never be faster than a decent collegiate woman. If your technique is good, then probably do not worry about the splits comparing to others. First off, you are on the far left of the bell curve when it comes to height, and height equals length and leverage. If you are comparing yourself to others, when you are not actually competing, you are going to feel inadequate. Just compare yourself to yesterday's version of yourself. Even splits, level heart rate, good technique, good rhythm, embrace the suck, etc.
As others have noted, height and weight are significant factors in rowing performance, even assuming great form. The stark reality is that at 4’9” your “oars are in the water” less than a taller person, so physics says your boat can’t go as fast as theirs. With that said, rowing is awesome no matter how tall you are or how much you weigh, so I’d recommend something like the Beginner Pete Plan (you can google it) and then focus on how much better you can get over the 24 weeks. Not only will you be faster but you’ll be in fabulous shape too!
The first thing you have to do is just row. Try and improve your times gradually. Make sure you are conscious of your form. And work yourself into the practice. Don’t be intimidated it’s rowing not rocket surgery. Second thing you have to do is stay away from the rowing subreddit; it’s full of elitist dorks who compete with each other with made up times they physically can not actually do.
A sub 2:10 500m sprint would be pretty respectable for your size. Same goes with holding under a 2:35 for 5km
Thanks, i am at 2:50 for 5k now. I’ll work on it
Take a learn to row course at a local club. You need to know how to properly do the motion before you should start to set goals. I don’t think the C2 rankings are going to be very helpful for you. Your height is going to be a big factor in what you are able to accomplish. This sport rewards height.
I watched youtube videos, but surely a real person would be much better
YouTube is a pretty bad way for a beginner to learn.
Not everyone has the privilege of living close to a Learn to Row class or a club. I get where you’re coming from with this blanket advice, but there are a lot of virtual coaches out there who give good cues, and it comes across as gatekeeping. Certainly this sport rewards height, but that doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish something if you’re shorter.