how to improve erg scores

Question
Hi, I'm a sophomore in high school and started rowing last fall.  Currently, my 2K
500 m splits are about a 1:46, and my 5K splits are at a 1:53.  I was wondering
what you suggest to lower erg times, because I want to be in the varsity boat
next year and erg scores are a big part of that.  By the way, I'm also 6-1 and
about 165 lbs.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Sam: First off, your erg scores are great.  Keep up the good work.  However, a common misconception among young rowers is that they correlate erg times with boat placement.  This is not always the case.  Would you want someone in your boat who could pull a 1:28 split but had poor bladework on the water and had a tendency to catch boat-stopping crabs.

If you want to make the varsity, the key is to be the best on-water rower you can be.  This is done by:

1) Supplement rowing workouts with weight training and running
2) learning how to row both sides (port/starboard)
3) Rowing in small boats like fours and pairs
4) Learning how to scull and row in one-man singles
5) Joining a summer program.

If you do all of these things, not only will your rowing improve, but so will your erg times.

Regards/AP