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Technology Review: Wetronome
OK, this is where you can either do it the hard way (counting strokes), or the easy way through the use of a really neat toy.
I came across this device when it was featured on ‘The New Inventors’ some years ago, and I’m pleased to see that the products are not only still being made, however they have been improved.
The device is called the Wetronome, and is essentially a beeper that can been at a set rate. So if you want to paddle at exactly 62 strokes per minute, then you set up the wetronome to 62 bpm & stick it close to your ear (under your cap).
I tend to use these sorts of toys early in the season when I'm trying to remember rhythm, or when starting out with a new K2 partner.
The real value in these devices is in teaching yourself not to rush your stroke, allowing yourself to get full benefit of the drive phase.
Try a session where you time yourself over a set (short) course at exactly the same rating. If you can do it faster at the same rating, then you're making your boat run better. How good is that!
When we do our RBP open day I’ll bring one down for a test.
More information can be found at;
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s1165689.htm
http://www.wetronome.com/ipaddle.htm
Cheers, WP.
Wetronome
I bought one of the prototypes of the Wetronome when they first started out, many years ago. I just bought it to do my bit for their start up sales, but it turned out to be very good. I got it for swimming at the time. The prototype was a little hard to program, but I sorted it out in 15 minutes. Good for swimming, paddling or anything repetitive.
The clever guys that developed it have probably taken it a long way since.
If in doubt, I suggest you buy one if only to support a good bunch of WA guys with a great idea, making it happen. I don't think you will be dissappointed.
PS: No I don't have shares in the company, but wish I did :-)
Boat speed
Rapid ascent did a boat comparison test a few years back which we have all seen
and I've always wondered how you could remove some of the human error from the test. If anyone out there is planning to do a comparison of speed, you could simply paddle the same course at the same stroke rate (as measured by the wetronome) look down at your GPS and hey presto you've got your answers.......or you could just paddle like buggery and see how fast you go.