Could an average, me, Masters swimmer beat an average person in a rowboat? You know this started as a bet and I think I might be able to do it. The race would be around 400 meters in open water with a turn around. I'm going to ask for a start from the dock as well.
I'm pretty much an average swimmer, for Masters anyway. I can do 1:25-1:30 100 meters and 6-6:15 for a 400 meters in practice. He would be in an older metal, flat bottom, triangular rowboat.
I've tried to see how fast a rowboat goes, but I've seen way too much variation, usually between 1-5 knots, with the average being 2-3.
Do you think it's possible I can beat him? I think I can take him, especially with the start and turn around. Has anyone else attempted such a race, and did you win?
I'm just guessing, but I think the rowboat will be faster once it gets moving. You need to build up a lead at the start and on the turn. The turn, especially, is going to slow the boat down.
I'm just guessing, but I think the rowboat will be faster once it gets moving. You need to build up a lead at the start and on the turn. The turn, especially, is going to slow the boat down.
In high school, our coach used to bring his remote control speedboat to the pool to do races against us. It was a head to head 50, completed in the width of a lane with lanelines. The turn was definitely the toughest part for the coach with the boat. The straightaways, that boat would haul butt, but he'd have to time the turn just right to graze the wall with the side of the boat, but also not peg the laneline! Only a few of us were ever able to beat "DAS BOAT". I wasn't lucky enough. :( Most who beat the boat where because of laneline crashes on the turn.
Get ahead on the start. If the boat passes and is going too fast, jump into its draft. At the turn, do a flip using the back of the boat as a wall. This will push it further away and might give you a chance.
200M would be better.
If the person in the rowboat knows what they are doing they should win.If they are sloppy you might get enough lead on the start and turn to hold them off.
The race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong,but that's the way the smart money bets.
By making this known on the forums you are aware, I'm sure, that we will be expecting video documentation...
Edward might be on to something new here - instead just taking on runners and cyclists in triathlons, let's go after the rowers too. :banana:
Former Member
Some would also depend on if they have ever rowed before. Someone that has never rowed before may work to your advantage.
Former Member
Could an average, me, Masters swimmer beat an average person in a rowboat? You know this started as a bet and I think I might be able to do it.
By making this known on the forums you are aware, I'm sure, that we will be expecting video documentation...
Any other ideas on how to gain an advantage?
Good Wetsuit might give you a bit of an advantage too. I like the idea of pushing off the wall of the boat as well - sneaky & underhanded!! :bump:
