Rigging - Foot angles

Double post day!

I'd like to check the rigging before we row, and part of that will be setting up the footstretchers. Few parts of the rig are so integral to having comfortable rowers; it is one of the primary contact points with the boat, and unlike seat shape, it's something we can change. Because of that, it is also something that does change, often on its own. There's no need to leave it to other for checking: so I will check.

I'd like to check our footstretchers, among other things, before we row this Saturday. If anyone would be able to show up early, say 6am, to roll some boats down and do some checking of the rig, I'd be much obliged. Here is a visual representation of why footstretchers are so important.



The foot angle is measured relative to the horizon horizontal. We can check it using a protractor:



If the feet are too flat, it is easy to get to the catch, but hard to push off. The vector has nothing to drive against.



Coaches are always pushing to get the feet as steep as the rowers can take it, because it makes you more able to push off, and thus faster. Too steep, though...