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 think it might be pretty close. Doing some rough calculations I should be able to keep 1.6-1.8 knots. From what I've seen rowboats do 2-3 knots. I know I can't do more then 2.5-3 knots in my kayak, though I'm not that good with it.
I think I can take him, though I need to find ways to get the advantage, like make him touch the other side with an oar. My biggest problem is that I don't sight well. I don't think that will be too big of a problem at less then 200 yard each way.
Any other ideas on how to gain an advantage?Get ahead on the dive, wait for him to catch up and then hold on to the front of the rowboat. Push off at the finish line. No effort, sure win.
Here's my take on this:
Your time is pretty much known. It will take you roughly 360 seconds to complete the course. If you shave, taper, warm up and get an illegal full body suit, you might improve on that time a bit but 360 seconds is good to start with. 360s is 2.18 knots btw.
We don't know much about the rowboat but we can get a general idea of what it will take for the rowboat to beat you. The rowboat will lose some time (x) during the turn and during acceleration. That leaves it 360 - x seconds to complete 400 meters. Put another way, it will have to go 400/(360 - x) m/s. 1 knot = .5144 m/s so the required rowboat speed would be:
777.6/(360 - x) knots
x is a complete estimate but we can take a look at required speeds for different values of x:
x = 10s, boat speed = 2.22 knots
x = 20s, boat speed = 2.29 knots
x = 30s, boat speed = 2.36 knots
x = 40s, boat speed = 2.43 knots
So, if you think the rowboat can make 2.5 knots and you can't make 360s, I'd look at ways to cheat alternative paths to victory.
Edit: I agree with the above.... a video is required at this point.
So, if you think the rowboat can make 2.5 knots and you can't make 360s, I'd look at ways to cheat alternative paths to victory.
Maybe you could surreptitiously tie a small anchor to the rowboat. There must be eyelets on it for mooring purposes...
I agree about the video. We need to see this one...
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I think it might be pretty close. Doing some rough calculations I should be able to keep 1.6-1.8 knots. From what I've seen rowboats do 2-3 knots. I know I can't do more then 2.5-3 knots in my kayak, though I'm not that good with it.
I think I can take him, though I need to find ways to get the advantage, like make him touch the other side with an oar. My biggest problem is that I don't sight well. I don't think that will be too big of a problem at less then 200 yard each way.
Any other ideas on how to gain an advantage?
I think it might be pretty close. Doing some rough calculations I should be able to keep 1.6-1.8 knots. From what I've seen rowboats do 2-3 knots. I know I can't do more then 2.5-3 knots in my kayak, though I'm not that good with it.
I think I can take him, though I need to find ways to get the advantage, like make him touch the other side with an oar. My biggest problem is that I don't sight well. I don't think that will be too big of a problem at less then 200 yard each way.
Any other ideas on how to gain an advantage?
Fins and paddles :)
Or even better The dolphin jetpack that lets you swim like one - YouTube
It depends how high was the stake - if more than 4900 euro than buying the jetpack would be a reasonable investment :D
The things people do when they bet with their mates! I can't say I have raced against a boat before but having swam in lots of races and also rowed a few boats, I would say the boat has the upper hand.
Definitely have a wetsuit and make it over a shorter distance. If you can get the race into the breeze also this will help as the height of the boat will increase the amount of resistance. And maybe......find a way to cheat
If you swim 400m under 4:50 I think you have quite good chances esp. if to count advantage in the start and the turn.
Allen was right - it depends a lot on the one who is in the boat if he's professional boat racer you'd better step out :bolt:
