Biomechanics of Rowing

In rowing, races are often won in spite of, not because of, technique, and many misconceptions still preoccupy both rowers and coaches. This book explains the facts about rowing technique and will help you to find the right way to achieve your best performance. In this new edition, comprehensively updated to take account of the most recent developments in the sport The Biomechanics of Rowing offers a unique insight into the technical and tactical aspects of rowing, based on over twenty-five years experience of working with the best rowers and coaches all around the globe, a careful analysis of millions of data samples, and comprehensive biomechanical modelling with the aim of finding an optimal balance of variables. Topics covered include measurement; performance analysis; technique; ergometer rowing and, finally, rowing equipment and rigging.

Dr Valery Kleshnev spent ten years as a member of the USSR National Rowing team, where he won a gold medal at the junior World Championships in 1975, a silver Olympic medal in 1980 and a bronze at the World Championships in 1982. After graduating in physical education in 1984, Valery was awarded a PhD in rowing biomechanics from the Saint-Petersberg Sport Institute, Russia, in 1991. In 1998 he was employed by the Australian Institute of Sport and moved to Canberra, where he worked with the world's best rowing coaches and crews. In 2005 Valery took a position of National Biomechanics Lead at the English Institute of Sport and moved to Britain, and helped the British rowing team to win two gold and four other medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Since 2009, Valery has run his own company BioRow Ltd, carrying out research and development in rowing biomechanics. He now works with rowers and coaches from countries all over the world. His clients won four gold and seven other medals at the 2012 London Olympics.