Handle Height (Erg)

Handle Height (Erg): Handle height refers to the vertical position of the chain and handle during the rowing stroke, which should travel in a straight horizontal path from catch to finish.

What is Handle Height (Erg)?

On the Concept2 erg, the handle should travel in a roughly horizontal path throughout the stroke. At the catch, the handle is at navel height with arms extended. During the drive, it stays at roughly the same height as the legs push and back swings. At the finish, the handle draws to the lower ribs (just below the chest). Common handle height errors include pulling too high (to the chin or chest), pulling too low (below the navel at the finish), or allowing the handle to rise and fall in an arc. A consistent handle height indicates smooth, efficient technique. The chain connection to the flywheel housing sets the neutral height — the handle should always stay close to this line.

How Watta Uses Handle Height (Erg)

Handle path affects the force curve displayed on the PM5. A consistent handle height produces the smooth, bell-shaped force curve that correlates with efficient rowing and higher Economy scores in Watta.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

The DriveThe drive is the power phase of the rowing stroke where the rower pushes with the legs, swings the back, and pulls with the arms to accelerate the flywheel.Force CurveThe force curve is a graph displayed on the PM5 monitor showing the force applied to the erg handle throughout each stroke, used to analyse rowing technique.The CatchThe catch is the starting position of the rowing stroke where the blade enters the water (or on the erg, where the chain becomes taut), with shins vertical and body compressed forward.Erg Technique GuideFor Beginners
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