1. What is the Concept 2 Rowing Pace Equation?

The Concept 2 Rowing Pace Equation estimates rowing pace from power output (watts) on a Concept 2 rowing machine. It provides a conversion between power and split time per 500 meters.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Concept 2 equation:

Where:

• \( Watts \) — Power output in watts
• \( Pace \) — Time per 500 meters in seconds

Explanation: The equation accounts for the cubic relationship between power and speed in rowing due to water resistance.

3. Importance of Pace Calculation

Details: Knowing your pace per 500m helps rowers track performance, set training targets, and compare results across different workouts.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your power output in watts. The value must be greater than 0 for the calculation to work.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the relationship between watts and pace cubic?
A: Water resistance increases with the cube of speed, so doubling speed requires eight times the power.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's very accurate for Concept 2 rowers as it uses their proprietary algorithm.

Q3: Can I use this for on-water rowing?
A: The calculation is specifically designed for Concept 2 machines and may not perfectly match on-water performance.

Q4: What's a good watts-to-pace ratio?
A: Competitive rowers typically maintain 1:50-2:10 /500m pace at 200-300 watts.

Q5: Does weight affect this calculation?
A: The calculation assumes standard conditions. Heavier rowers may find it slightly easier to achieve higher watts at lower drag factors.