Lightweight 2k erg score.

Question
I've recently turned 17. still in our early season mode (low rate on 2k's) i've recently pulled a 6:59.2 on a 2k at a 25s/m with the damper on 8. I mainly held my split 1:45 and sprinted the last 250m. and i was wondering if i continue to aim lower splits as we progress through out the spring, will i peak early (meaning will i just get stuck at a specific erg time the whole season.) I'm 5'11 and weighing 148.7 with a t shirt and shorts on. i'm a junior in highschool and i'm also wondering if i can attend colleges with good lightweight programs at this level.

Answer
Hi Gerard: per the Concept II Website, here are lightweight times for 16 and 17 year-old lightweight men:

Average Time: 7:16.6

PERCENTILES
90th   75th   50th   25th
6:46.6 6:55.3 7:12.2 7:31.2

Your time is exceptionally good (Top-30%).  While the old saying goes, "Don't fix something that is working good," there's a few things you might want to consider for your next 2K time trial:

- Lower the damper to 4 or 5.  A setting of 8 is very stiff and heavy.  A lower setting gives you a better feeling of the resistance of a racing shell in the water.

- Try doing a 5-stroke racing start (half stroke-half-3/4 stroke-3/4-full stroke) and then 20 strokes at 32 s/m or higher, then settle at 25-27 s/m.  When racing on the erg, you want to get the wheel spinning early into the piece while you are relatively fresh and strong.

I wouldn't worry too much about peaking too early.  Your time is going to go down as the season progresses and the coach has you rowing at highter tempos.

As for college rowing, you seem to be on track for being an asset to a lightweight crew.  You need more than just erg scores.  You also have to demonstrate that you can help move a boat on the water during a race.

Good Luck/AP