Dragon Boat West

what is the ERG/ how does it work?

What is its purpose?

What are the beneficiaries?

*to coaches:
How do you critique/correct?
What are you looking for?

What are the limitations?

*design process: How was it made/ key components of the first prototype?

How may it be improved?

What are the alternatives?

Your input is very much appreciated:

As a student attending SFU, Interactive Arts and technology one of my course requirements is to write a lengthy cognitive paper on “new technology”. My paper’s topic incorporates [almost] all technologies utilized for training in regards to dragon boating. The technologies I have been researching are performance enhancing systems such as anaerobic assessment systems (http://www.omegawavesport.com/whatitdoes/index.html) to gps systems to Puppy's speedometer watch. One component of my paper addresses the ERG. I would like to obtain as much perspectives/opinions/knowledge from coaches and paddlers...inventor(s).

Thank You,
Anna Wu

Ps. You will be sourced/cited/used as a reference.(if permission is granted/given)

Advantages

Usually there's a mirror that the paddler could look directly at while comparing their motions to the coach's critique.
Blocks out distractions that comes with being on the water.
Can have large amounts of people viewing the erg-er, difficult on the water.  Sort of like video analysis, but more personal.
Can be set up in high kneel position and learn without getting wet.  Very useful
Higher levels of ERG can be plugged into computer and graph/analysis the exertion of forces for different parts of the stroke. ie aggressive entry, lily-dip whole way.

Disadvantages

Does not simulate the water very well,
Uncomfortable sitting positions.
Difficult to set up for analysis of exit of the stroke(no water to react against)
For jr.paddlers(under 120 lbs) its difficult for them to use, as resistance on the chain is often too much.