We got this question from a reader
I am trying to figure out how to set up a rowperfect for testing. I would like the splits to read like Concept 2 splits, so I have an idea of what I should be pulling.
Firstly, there is no direct “C2 setting” comparison. Firstly because C2 does not have a linear relationship between rate and watts power. Secondly the RP is set up to align to on-water times.
World best rowing times on land and water
Having said that, if you compare the world’s best on-water times from the World Championships with the world’s best 2k times on the C2 you will see that the men’s 4- are pretty similar (Rob Waddell 5:36.6 and GBR 4- 5:37.86). Most of these athletes weight 90-95kgs.
For women, Sophie Balmary’s 6.28 C2 record compares with the Australian W4- world best time (in a tailwind) of 6:25.
Therefore I am told that is the best setting to get something which could be considered comparable.
You are a heavyweight so your body weight is probably similar to those athletes.
Rowperfect times align with water speeds in the boat
Doing a 2k on the Rowperfect will give you a result which is achievable on the water given perfect weather conditions and good bladework in the boat to within 1-2 seconds. Read this article by the Rowperfect inventor, Cas Rekers, in which he verifies the software calculation for on-water times.
P.S. It’s interesting that two of the world’s best C2 times were set by athletes who trained regularly on Rowperfects at the time that they set these records – Rob Waddell and Ursula Grobler.
