Rowing Science

Master the swing with advice from a class of rowing’s elite. Rowing Science offers serious rowers and coaches the in-depth, evidence-based information needed to optimize rowing skills and elevate performance.

Dr. Volker Nolte, a world-renowned rowing expert and coach, is joined by the world’s top sport scientists as they explain the latest research and apply it across all aspects of the sport. The depth and scope of content are unmatched, as the text provides long-needed insights on topics like these:

• The role of biological attributes, physiology, and metabolism in rowing success
• The biomechanics of stroke efficiency
• Critical components of rowing training programs
• Nutrition and injury prevention
• Mental toughness
• The importance of team culture

Throughout, you’ll find facts and key points that show the science behind rowing success. Additionally, you’ll discover information or modifications for special groups such as open water rowers, para rowers, and master rowers.

The perfect blend of science and application, Rowing Science takes you inside the sport, into the training room and research lab, and onto the water. It’s a remarkable work and is a must-own for any rower who’s serious about performance.

Audience

Serious rowers, rowing coaches, strength and conditioning specialists, and rowing scientists who work with rowers.

Introduction. The Study and Knowledge of Rowing
Volker Nolte

Part I. The Role of Biological Attributes vs Practice in Rowing Success
Chapter 1. The Genetics of Performance
Paula Jardine

Chapter 2. Biological Maturation
Paula Jardine

Chapter 3. Neurobiology of Rowing
Paula Jardine

Chapter 4. Mileage Makes Champions
Paula Jardine

Part II. Rowing Mechanics for Efficiency and Effective Technique
Chapter 5. Biomechanical Principles for Stroke Efficiency
Volker Nolte

Chapter 6. Optimal Rowing Technique
Volker Nolte

Chapter 7. Biomechanical Principles to Optimize Rowing Performance
Volker Nolte

Chapter 8. Shell Design
Glen Burston and Dan Bechard

Chapter 9. Equipment and Rigging to Individual Anthropometry
Volker Nolte

Part III. Physiology of Rowing
Chapter 10. Overview of Rowing Physiology
Gunnar Treff and Brett Smith

Chapter 11. Rowing Metabolism
Gunnar Treff

Chapter 12. Physiology of Rowing Strength, Speed, and Power
Ed McNeely

Chapter 13. Environmental Stress
Stephen Cheung

Part IV. Practical Issues and Components of Rowing Training
Chapter 14. Principles of Exercise
Brett Smith

Chapter 15. Aerobic and Anaerobic Rowing Conditioning
Brett Smith

Chapter 16. Resistance Training
Ed McNeely

Chapter 17. Cross Training
Ed McNeely

Chapter 18. Distance-Specific Training
Volker Nolte

Part V. Practical Application
Chapter 19. Designing Training Programs
Brett Smith

Chapter 20. Monitoring Training
Brett Smith

Chapter 21. Environmental Countermeasures
Stephen Cheung

Chapter 22. Recovery
Ed McNeely

Chapter 23. Tapering
Ed McNeely

Part VI. Sports Medicine for Rowers
Chapter 24. Principles of Rowing Injuries
Jane Thornton

Chapter 25. Mechanisms and Management of Rowing Injuries
Jane Thornton

Chapter 26. Medical Aspects of Rowing and Special Populations
Jane Thornton

Part VII. Rowing Nutrition
Chapter 27. Fueling Strategies
Susan Boegman

Chapter 28. Optimizing Energy
Susan Boegman

Chapter 29. Supplements
Susan Boegman

Part VIII. Psychology of Rowing
Chapter 30. Motivation and Psychological Skills for Optimal Performance
Penny Werthner

Chapter 31. Building an Effective Team Culture in Rowing
Penny Werthner

Epilogue. The Future of Rowing
Volker Nolte

Volker Nolte, PhD, is a professor emeritus from University of Western Ontario. He was an assistant professor in biomechanics and coaching (1993-2019) and the head coach of the Western Mustang rowing program (1993-2017). Under his leadership, the Mustangs won 19 Ontario and 10 Canadian university rowing championships.

Nolte was Canada's lightweight men's rowing coach from 1992 to 2000 and a national team coach with the women's team from 2012 to 2016. His crews have won several international medals. When he joined the Canadian National Team (2012-2013), he coached Carling Zeeman to bronze and silver at the U23 World Championships as well as a gold medal at the 2015 Pan Am Games in the women's single. She also qualified for the Olympic Games, won gold at the 2016 World Cup in Italy, and finished in 10th place at the Olympic Games.

Nolte is involved in many of the innovative coach education initiatives of Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA), using his expertise to develop course materials, mentor numerous coaches, and present the newest scientific findings at conferences. He publishes scientific papers in various peer-reviewed journals and rowing magazines and has edited several rowing books, including Rowing Faster, which has become the most recognized piece of literature about the sport.

He is also a world-renowned expert in rowing biomechanics, and his work on rigging and rowing technique is well-documented. He received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 for all his work in rowing education. In 2014, he was named Ontario Coach of the Year.