Handle Height (Erg)

By the Watta Team · Updated

Handle Height (Erg): Handle height refers to the vertical position of the chain and handle during the rowing stroke, which should travel in a straight horizontal path from catch to finish.

What is Handle Height (Erg)?

On the Concept2 erg, the handle should travel in a roughly horizontal path throughout the stroke. At the catch, the handle is at navel height with arms extended. During the drive, it stays at roughly the same height as the legs push and back swings. At the finish, the handle draws to the lower ribs (just below the chest). Common handle height errors include pulling too high (to the chin or chest), pulling too low (below the navel at the finish), or allowing the handle to rise and fall in an arc. A consistent handle height indicates smooth, efficient technique. The chain connection to the flywheel housing sets the neutral height — the handle should always stay close to this line.

How Watta Uses Handle Height (Erg)

Handle path affects the force curve displayed on the PM5. A consistent handle height produces the smooth, bell-shaped force curve that correlates with efficient rowing and higher Economy scores in Watta.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I pull the handle to?
To your lower ribs, just below the bra line or lower chest. The handle should finish just above your navel. Pulling higher wastes energy on vertical movement and over-engages the shoulders.
Why does my handle bounce during the stroke?
Handle bouncing indicates inconsistent body position or an early arm pull. Focus on keeping your arms straight until the legs are nearly flat, then draw the handle in a straight line to the lower ribs.
Should the handle height change at higher stroke rates?
No. Handle height should remain consistent regardless of rate. If your handle path changes at higher rates, it usually indicates technique breakdown from rushing. Practise maintaining form at progressively higher rates.

Related Content

The DriveThe drive is the power phase of the rowing stroke where the rower pushes with the legs, swings the back, and pulls with the arms to accelerate the flywheel.Force CurveThe force curve is a graph on the Concept2 PM5 that shows how much force you apply to the handle during each stroke, used to diagnose rowing technique.The CatchThe catch is the starting position of the rowing stroke where the blade enters the water (or on the erg, where the chain becomes taut), with shins vertical and body compressed forward.The FinishThe finish is the end position of the rowing stroke where the handle is drawn to the lower ribs, legs are flat, and the body is leaning slightly back.Rowing FormRowing form is the overall quality of body positioning, movement sequence, and mechanical efficiency throughout the rowing stroke on the erg.Erg Technique GuideFor Beginners
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