I have displayed 15 Power curves recorded on testing done with the Rowperfect3. What you can see is that they are all different. Yes the Power curve of a rower is like his fingerprint. There is no 2 exact same power curves in the world. It is impossible. The length of the stroke, the body dimensions, strengths, coordination, flexibility, fitness, rowing style and consistency are some of the values that define your power curve. There is some information available about power curves but not too much. It is a very complex and secret world. We know that the East Germans were already recording power curves on the 70′s.
5 Key things to understand about a power curve:
1) The power curve needs to always go out so there is always constant pressure in front of the blade, concave all the time.
2) The Length of the stroke that is the base of the graphic ( x axis) and the Force that is the vertical (y axis) are key to build a powerful power curve. The longer and higher the better as long as we can follow the rowing principles.
3) The Joules x stroke that is the work x stroke is the area inside of the curve. The more area, the more Joules and the more work x stroke.
4) A disconnected rower cannot build a powerful curve. Convex portion of the stroke mean lack of pressure in those parts in front of the blade. This is because lack of strength or lack of a good coordinated drive.
5) The top rower might have a very good engine and fitness but not the best power curve. Don’t make the mistake of having your best rower as example of best power curve. To win races you need to be able to repeat a power curve 200 times. If you are fitter or more talented physiologically than somebody with a better power curve you will win but that doesn’t mean your power curve is better.
6) A smooth Power curve is good. A shaky curve means not god constant pressure in front of the blade. Is a consequence of lack of coordination or constant pressure. The more intensity, higher the rate and lighter the drag the harder is to have a smoother power curve.
The first 3 Power Curves are good examples of good power curves from very top Elite rowers.
After looking at these 3 Power curves I want you to look at the rest and find out what is wrong and this is what I want to look at:
1) Length of the stroke, are they rowing long or short.
2) Peak force position. Are they peaking high? Are they peaking too early or too late on the curve?
3) Do you see any convex parts? Are they because of lack of coordination, What is wrong? How are they rowing?
4) Is the curve tall and lean or thick and short. Why? Is that good for a 1x or for an 8+? How do the power curve from a 1x should change from the one of an 8+ rower. Are sweep rowers curves different than the ones from scullers?
5) Is the area good or small. Are they producing good Joules x stroke?
6) Is the curve smooth or shaky?