Splits and Times

Question
I'm just shy of 5'3" and weight 132lbs and am very much a novice on a Big Ten rowing team. My coach is more than happy to have me on the team even though I'm at least three inches shorter than the next smallest girl. My question is about times to pull, every 6k I do I beat my last time however I don't really have any context since the rest of my team is bigger and therefore faster. I went an average of 2:10 last time, where does that put me in the bigger picture? If I wanted to try to be a lightweight rower what times should I be looking for?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Cait: You're doing fine.  For lightweight women, ages 18-20, the average 500 split for a 6K is 2:17.5.  For all weights, you're 2:10 split is smack dab on the average.

It's a known fact that a heavier rower will outerg a lighter rower if equally conditioned and experienced.

Shoot for 2:06 split for your 6K.  That would put you in the 75th percentile for females of your weight and age.

Go to the Concept II website.  You can see all the online rankings there.

Good Luck/AP