On Water On Land
On Ice? Water vs Ice Comparison
On Water …
Competitive rowing is a
well-established sport … dating back a couple millenniums J.
Recreational rowing came
into its own with the introduction of more durable and seaworthy shells in the
1970s. As used with a sliding seat or foot
stretcher, most find the rowing motions a particularly satisfying and enjoyable
activity.
Traditional rowing includes
a powerful “Stroke” during which force is applied from legs, arms and
back simultaneously, a “Glide” during which the vehicle coasts, and a “Recovery”
during which the user prepares to repeat the rowing stroke. The rowing stroke itself is typically in use
for 20-40% of the time.
Consider the popularity of
rowing …
·
Rowing
has been an Olympic sport since 1896.
·
The
annual Head of The Charles
Regatta attracts over 5,400 competitors and 300,000 spectators!
·
There
are over 500 rowing clubs listed on the Internet. [start at Rowing Service
or Row2K ]
· At the peak of the boating boom in the 1980s, there were at least 59 manufacturers offering 162 different models of recreational boats with sliding seats.
On Land …
Wheel driven rowed bikes,
trikes and quads have been around for some time and appear to be slowly
gaining popularity. Recent examples
include:
·
Rowbike, (alt site)
by Scott Olson. Excellent for
outdoor exercising , but NOT very efficient.
·
In
1994, a brilliantly designed rowed
bicycle (Dutch origin – Derk Thijs) won a major European bicycle
race. The commercially available version (Thys Rowing
Bike) is undoubtedly the most efficient rowed vehicle yet produced.
·
Sam
Bennett’s Landrower … a lean-steered trike with sliding seat.
·
An
innovative French sliding seat bike … the Aviroute.
[Many patents and additional web sites are included on the ( Links ) page.]
On Ice …
Rowing on ice? Not yet
… to my knowledge! J
Water vs Ice Comparison …
|
|
Rowing Shell (water) |
Ice Rowing (concept) |
|
Speed: |
~8 MPH |
30+ MPH |
|
Maneuverability: |
Poor |
Excellent |
|
Stability: |
Poor-fair |
Excellent |
|
View: |
Where you’ve been. |
Where you’re going. |
|
Skill required: |
Moderate |
Low |
|
Ease of
storage/transport: |
Poor-fair |
Fair-good |
|
Cost: |
- - Comparable - - |
|
|
Suitable
locations: |
Most sheltered water bodies. |
Northern fresh water only. |
|
Season: |
6 months |
3 months |
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *