The Masters RowerThe Masters Rower

Who Who werewere they, who they, who areare they, they, and why are they and why are they stillstill rowing? rowing?

Stephen Seiler Ph.DStephen Seiler Ph.D

Institute for SportInstitute for Sport

Agder University CollegeAgder University College

Kristiansand, NorwayKristiansand, Norway

Profiling the Masters Rower-Profiling the Masters Rower- Presentation ContentsPresentation Contents

• Methods used to collect data

• Background/ Rowing performance History

• Recruitment to Masters Rowing

• Training Habits of Masters Rowers

• Motivation for Rowing and Competitions

• Engagement in Rowing Development

• Health and Injury in Masters Rowers

• Masters Rowers and the internet

• Female masters - recruitment ideas?

To go directly to a specific section, double-click below.

MethodsMethods

• Questionnaire development- FISA Masters Questionnaire development- FISA Masters Committee plus Stephen SeilerCommittee plus Stephen Seiler

• Pilot testing of questionnairePilot testing of questionnaire

• Delivery of questionnaire in electronic Delivery of questionnaire in electronic format via the internet- links to FISA and format via the internet- links to FISA and other rowing websitesother rowing websites

• 8 month data collection period 8 month data collection period

• Primarily English language responses, but Primarily English language responses, but also ~10% Germanalso ~10% German

Is internet-based sampling Is internet-based sampling representative?representative?

All sampling methods, postal questionnaires, telephone All sampling methods, postal questionnaires, telephone interviews,interviews,internet based questionnaires etc., can create sampling biasinternet based questionnaires etc., can create sampling biasif there is a systematic difference between those who haveif there is a systematic difference between those who haveaccess to the survey technique used and those who do not. access to the survey technique used and those who do not. We have some famous historical examples of this problem to We have some famous historical examples of this problem to keep us on our toes! Five years ago, adoption of the keep us on our toes! Five years ago, adoption of the internet was not pervasiveinternet was not pervasiveenough to have justified this technique. Today it is. Clearly enough to have justified this technique. Today it is. Clearly there are masters rowers who do not have access to the there are masters rowers who do not have access to the inter-inter-net, but this percentage is now very low for those countries net, but this percentage is now very low for those countries with strong masters rowing participation (England, Germany, with strong masters rowing participation (England, Germany, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia). We are US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia). We are confident that the data presented here are representative confident that the data presented here are representative for masters rowers in general. One masters group that may for masters rowers in general. One masters group that may be under-respresented here is Eastern Europe, due to be under-respresented here is Eastern Europe, due to language barriers and lower internet access.language barriers and lower internet access.

Sample CharacteristicsSample Characteristics

• 1021 responses1021 responses

• 70% males, 30% females70% males, 30% females

• Males = 47Males = 47++11 years (range =27-83)11 years (range =27-83)

• Females = 43Females = 43++ 9 years (range =27- 9 years (range =27-68)68)

Geographic distribution of Geographic distribution of samplesample

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4 Axes of Comparison4 Axes of Comparison

• Gender DifferencesGender Differences

• Regional Differences (Europe-NA-Regional Differences (Europe-NA-Oceania)Oceania)

• Differences related to Performance Differences related to Performance HistoryHistory

• Age GroupAge GroupThroughout this presentation, comparisons will be madeThroughout this presentation, comparisons will be madealong these 4 axes. These comparisons are made toalong these 4 axes. These comparisons are made tohighlight differences that may help to better understandhighlight differences that may help to better understandthe developmental trends in masters rowing.the developmental trends in masters rowing.

ROWING BACKGROUNDROWING BACKGROUND

In this section, we examine the performance history ofIn this section, we examine the performance history ofcompetitive masters rowers. Masters rowers range from formercompetitive masters rowers. Masters rowers range from formerinternational finalists to athletes who first learned how to rowinternational finalists to athletes who first learned how to rowin their 40s and 50s (one of this sample started rowing at 70!).in their 40s and 50s (one of this sample started rowing at 70!).The following slides compare rowing performance historyThe following slides compare rowing performance historybetween male and female masters and among the three majorbetween male and female masters and among the three major rowing regions: Europe, North American, and Oceania.rowing regions: Europe, North American, and Oceania.

Past Performance historyPast Performance history

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Males

Females

55% of males35% of females

41% offemales haveonly competed as masters!

Former national orinternational elite

Regional differences in Regional differences in rowing background-rowing background- MALES MALES

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>60% of competitive European male masterswere former elite rowers

Only 7% of European masters are “new rowers”

30% of N. A. male masters are “new rowers”

Regional differences in Regional differences in rowing background-rowing background- FEMALES FEMALES

Over 60% of N.A. female masters firstbegan competingas masters!

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Over 50% of European female masters had been elite rowers in their youth

Regional differences in Regional differences in rowing backgroundrowing background

Comparing the European sample with the North Comparing the European sample with the North American and Oceanic samples highlights a dramatic American and Oceanic samples highlights a dramatic difference in the recruitment base for masters rowing in difference in the recruitment base for masters rowing in the three regions. North American masters rowing is the three regions. North American masters rowing is growing dramatically due to recruitment of new rowers. growing dramatically due to recruitment of new rowers. In contrast, the European masters rowing population- In contrast, the European masters rowing population- particularly on the men’s side- remains relatively particularly on the men’s side- remains relatively stagnant and more dependent on drawing from stagnant and more dependent on drawing from established rowers, particularly former elite rowers.established rowers, particularly former elite rowers.

Regatta participation among Regatta participation among respondentsrespondents

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FISA Regatta OtherInternational

Comps.

National Mast. Local/Reg.races

45%

25%

63%

86%

Competitions

If we examine the performance background ofIf we examine the performance background ofthose 45% of this sample who have competed in thethose 45% of this sample who have competed in theFISA Veterans Regatta, we get the following distributionFISA Veterans Regatta, we get the following distributionof competitors…...of competitors…...

Past Performance History of FISA Past Performance History of FISA Veterans Regatta Rowers Veterans Regatta Rowers

(45% of sample)(45% of sample)

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FISA Veterans Regatta FISA Veterans Regatta participantsparticipants

Among the men, about 70% of the participants at the FISA Veterans Among the men, about 70% of the participants at the FISA Veterans Regatta are formerly national class or higher rowers. Very fewRegatta are formerly national class or higher rowers. Very fewmale participants are “new rowers.” In contrast, on the femalemale participants are “new rowers.” In contrast, on the femaleside, almost 1/3 of the competitors have side, almost 1/3 of the competitors have onlyonly competed as masters! competed as masters!

The FISA Veterans regatta is appropriately named. Most of the The FISA Veterans regatta is appropriately named. Most of the competitors are true veterans of high level rowing!competitors are true veterans of high level rowing!

Not surprisingly, The FISA Not surprisingly, The FISA WorldWorld Veterans regatta remains a Veterans regatta remains adisproportionately disproportionately EuropeanEuropean Veterans Regatta. Sixty-one percent Veterans Regatta. Sixty-one percentof those who have competed in the FISA Regatta come from Europe,of those who have competed in the FISA Regatta come from Europe,compared to 23% from NA and 13% from Oceania.compared to 23% from NA and 13% from Oceania.

Is rowing your primary Is rowing your primary sport?sport?

About 95% of both male and femaleAbout 95% of both male and femalemasters report that rowing is their primarymasters report that rowing is their primarysport. Among these 95%, about 35-40% alsosport. Among these 95%, about 35-40% alsocompete in other sports.compete in other sports.

What other sports have you What other sports have you competed in?competed in?

TeamSports

Running Cycling Swimming XC-skiing

Kayak None

Males 59 43 19 21 9 3 17Females 49 40 16 27 7 4 25

Values are percent of gender sample. Values do not add up to 100% because multiple responses were possible. A substantial percentage (~40%) also reported various other sports activities ranging from golf to gymnastics.

Recruitment PathsRecruitment Pathsinto Masters Rowinginto Masters Rowing

In this section we examine the recruitment pathwaysIn this section we examine the recruitment pathwaysof our rowers. How, and when, did they first get involvedof our rowers. How, and when, did they first get involvedin rowing? Here also, gender and regional differencesin rowing? Here also, gender and regional differencesare highlighted.are highlighted.

Average age of entry into Average age of entry into rowingrowing

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It’s Never to late to begin!It’s Never to late to begin!

Overall, about 13% of male and 41% of Overall, about 13% of male and 41% of female masters rowers report firstfemale masters rowers report firstlearning to row after age 30.learning to row after age 30.

Entry Route into Rowing-Entry Route into Rowing-MALESMALES

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Entry Route into Rowing-Entry Route into Rowing-FEMALESFEMALES

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Members of my family Members of my family are/were rowersare/were rowers

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Entry route into rowing-Entry route into rowing-summarysummary

The path of entry into rowing is quite region-specific. However,The path of entry into rowing is quite region-specific. However,among males, school sport is an important entry path in all among males, school sport is an important entry path in all regions, though there are no-doubt country differences here. regions, though there are no-doubt country differences here. European males and females commonly entered rowing via European males and females commonly entered rowing via local clubs as teenagers. This pathway is far less common in local clubs as teenagers. This pathway is far less common in Oceania and North America. In North America, entry into Oceania and North America. In North America, entry into rowing via a rowing club as an adult is now the most common rowing via a rowing club as an adult is now the most common pathway for both males and females. Among North American pathway for both males and females. Among North American rowers, 70% of female masters have discovered rowing as an rowers, 70% of female masters have discovered rowing as an adult via a local club! Overall, > 50% of all masters rowersadult via a local club! Overall, > 50% of all masters rowershave other family members who have been involved in the have other family members who have been involved in the sport Rowing remains a sport that runs in the family!sport Rowing remains a sport that runs in the family!

Training CharacteristicsTraining Characteristics of Masters Rowersof Masters Rowers

The training habits of masters rowers have been quantifiedThe training habits of masters rowers have been quantifiedin this section. How much do we train to be competitive at thein this section. How much do we train to be competitive at themasters level? Do we have coaches? Which boats aremasters level? Do we have coaches? Which boats arewe rowing most in training? What other types of trainingwe rowing most in training? What other types of trainingdo we do besides on-water training? do we do besides on-water training?

Training Frequency (In Training Frequency (In season) - effect of age and season) - effect of age and

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Do you receive regular Do you receive regular coaching?coaching?

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What type of boat do you What type of boat do you most often row?most often row?

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During the rowing season, During the rowing season, what other forms of training do what other forms of training do you do?you do?

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What forms of training do What forms of training do you do during the off-you do during the off-season?season?

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Motivation for MastersMotivation for Masters RowingRowing

We now know more about who masters rowers are, andWe now know more about who masters rowers are, andwhat they currently do in terms of training. The next big what they currently do in terms of training. The next big question is “why?”question is “why?”

• What motivates masters rowers to row regularly?What motivates masters rowers to row regularly?

• What are the critical factors that motivate them to compete?What are the critical factors that motivate them to compete?

• What factors play the biggest role in whether they What factors play the biggest role in whether they compete in a specific regatta? compete in a specific regatta?

Why did you begin with Why did you begin with Masters Rowing?Masters Rowing?

Males (%)

Females (%)

Natural transition from open competition

41 29

Use competitions as a motivational goal for regular rowing

31 22

Started rowing only for exercise, only later became interested in competition

20 35

Started rowing after age 27 and knew I would want to compete

8 14

The Statement “Being a rower The Statement “Being a rower is an important part of my is an important part of my identity”identity”

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The statement “I am addicted The statement “I am addicted to rowing”to rowing”

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What are the 2 factors that What are the 2 factors that best motivate you to row best motivate you to row regularly?regularly?

Males(%)

Females(%)

I row for my health 48 36I like what rowing does to my bodyphysically

40 55

Nothing better for releasing mental stress 33 30The constant search for ”the perfect row” or”perfect stroke” keeps me coming back

30 37

I row to race 28 21I find a sense of identity in ”being a rower” 22 23In our family, we are rowers 7 11Values should be interpreted as follows: 48% of males have identified health benefitas one of the two most important motivating factors that drive them to row regularly

What are the 2 most important factors What are the 2 most important factors that motivate you to make the effort to that motivate you to make the effort to attend rowing competitions?attend rowing competitions?

Males(%)

Females(%)

Competitions give me a focal point for mydaily training routine

53 59

I like to test my own limits 40 45I enjoy the ”electricity” around competitions 30 26Have ambition to be among the best 29 22I have many rowing friends that I meetprimarily at competitions

26 18

Don’t want to dissapoint my trainingpartners

14 15

Values should be interpreted as follows: 14% of males have identified “ don’t want to disappoint my training partners” as one of the two most important motivating factors that drive them to row regularly.

What are the 1 or 2 most critical What are the 1 or 2 most critical factors determining your factors determining your participation in a specific regatta?participation in a specific regatta?

Males(%)

Females(%)

Travel distance/Total cost 43 43My own form or the form of the boat 42 36My home club’s participation level 41 47The regatta site 32 26Possibilites for combining with travel orvacation

13 17

Boat availability 7 8Other composite boat possibilities 5 8

Values above are the percent of respondents choosing each reason as one of the 1 or 2most important factors.

Will you still be competing in Will you still be competing in Masters rowing in 5 years?Masters rowing in 5 years?

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Engagement inEngagement in Rowing DevelopmentRowing Development

• Are masters rowers active in their clubs,Are masters rowers active in their clubs, or do they just worry about themselves?or do they just worry about themselves?

• Are their differences in engagement related to Are their differences in engagement related to past rowing history (Former elite, non-elite competitor,past rowing history (Former elite, non-elite competitor, masters only)?masters only)?

• Are there differences in club engagement betweenAre there differences in club engagement between men and women?men and women?

This section addresses the following questions:This section addresses the following questions:

What rowing development What rowing development activities have you been activities have you been

engaged in?engaged in?

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Rowing development activities: do Rowing development activities: do the “old boys” pull their weight?the “old boys” pull their weight?

It has been argued that growth in masters rowing will be It has been argued that growth in masters rowing will be bad for youth rowing if the masters focus on themselves andbad for youth rowing if the masters focus on themselves andnot on their clubs. This data does not support that concern;not on their clubs. This data does not support that concern;masters rowers report a high level of engagement. Eighty-fivemasters rowers report a high level of engagement. Eighty-fivepercent of all rowers reported past or present involvementpercent of all rowers reported past or present involvementin some aspect of club development. Males and females arein some aspect of club development. Males and females areequally engaged at the club level, and well represented in allequally engaged at the club level, and well represented in allaspects of rowing development.aspects of rowing development.

Engagement in development Engagement in development activities- Rowing Background activities- Rowing Background differences?differences?

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Do new rowers contribute to Do new rowers contribute to club development?club development?

Absolutely! The previous slide compared development Absolutely! The previous slide compared development activity among former elite, established competitors, andactivity among former elite, established competitors, and““new rowers” who discovered rowing late in life. Coachingnew rowers” who discovered rowing late in life. Coachingactivities are understandably dominated by the experiencedactivities are understandably dominated by the experiencedrowers. Otherwise, new rowers are very active in teachingrowers. Otherwise, new rowers are very active in teachingbeginner courses, local board representation, and evenbeginner courses, local board representation, and evenfacility maintenance. New recruits to rowing definitelyfacility maintenance. New recruits to rowing definitelycontribute to their clubs in more ways than just membership contribute to their clubs in more ways than just membership dues!dues!

Health, Health Related Behavior,Health, Health Related Behavior, and Injuriesand Injuries

In this section we examine health habits and healthIn this section we examine health habits and healthstatus among masters rowers. Injury prevalencestatus among masters rowers. Injury prevalenceis also surveyed. We also examine health status relativeis also surveyed. We also examine health status relativeto rowing background, with the question of whetherto rowing background, with the question of whetherformer elite rowers are more at risk of diseaseformer elite rowers are more at risk of diseaselater in life due to the heavy training loads they later in life due to the heavy training loads they were exposed to earlier in life.were exposed to earlier in life.

Disease Prevalence-Disease Prevalence- by Gender by Gender

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Disease prevalence in Disease prevalence in masters rowersmasters rowers

Due to the nature of this data (cross-sectional) we cannotDue to the nature of this data (cross-sectional) we cannotconclude that rowing reduces disease risk. However, theconclude that rowing reduces disease risk. However, thethe prevalence rates for diabetes, heart disease and overweight the prevalence rates for diabetes, heart disease and overweight are markedly lower in this sample of masters rowers thanare markedly lower in this sample of masters rowers thanpopulation levels for this age group. Heart disease incidence population levels for this age group. Heart disease incidence is about 0.3 , diabetes incidence about 0.2 and overweightis about 0.3 , diabetes incidence about 0.2 and overweightincidence about 0.1 to 0.2 of the same age and gender incidence about 0.1 to 0.2 of the same age and gender population rates in the USpopulation rates in the US * *, for example. These data are , for example. These data are consistent with the established link between regular exerciseconsistent with the established link between regular exerciseand reduced risk of several common “lifestyle” diseases. and reduced risk of several common “lifestyle” diseases. * Based on comparisons with recent data from the Centerfor Disease Control and Prevention, USA

Are former elite male rowers at greater Are former elite male rowers at greater risk of heart disease? risk of heart disease?

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4 of 269 national/international medalistsreported diagnosed heart diseasemean age ~48

4 of 233 local level ormasters only rowersreported diagnosed heart diseasemean age ~49

Historically, questions have been raised about the Historically, questions have been raised about the long term impact of high level training on health. One long term impact of high level training on health. One specifc question raised relates to the impact of the specifc question raised relates to the impact of the high cardiovascular loads of rowing on heart disease high cardiovascular loads of rowing on heart disease risk later in life.risk later in life.

In this group of former elite rowers who are currently In this group of former elite rowers who are currently maintaining a moderate to high level of physical maintaining a moderate to high level of physical activity, there is no evidence suggesting that the activity, there is no evidence suggesting that the high cardiovascular loads associated with prior elite high cardiovascular loads associated with prior elite level training have increased their risk of contracting level training have increased their risk of contracting cardiovascular disease later in life.cardiovascular disease later in life.

Cardiovascular disease prevalence rates are identical Cardiovascular disease prevalence rates are identical in the former elite and non-elite rowing group.in the former elite and non-elite rowing group.

Do rowers smoke?Do rowers smoke?

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Compare with 25-38% forGermany, UK, and Norway*

Compare with 20-29% for US and Canada*

Compare with~25% for Australia*

*Population data from World Health Organization

How often do you consume How often do you consume Alcohol?Alcohol?

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Almost Never orNever

These data are consistent with other findings that These data are consistent with other findings that regular exercisers are less often smokers.regular exercisers are less often smokers.That is no surprise as smoking and regular exerciseThat is no surprise as smoking and regular exerciserepresent contradictory health habits.represent contradictory health habits.

However, the regional difference in smoking prevalence among However, the regional difference in smoking prevalence among masters rowers is huge! In Europe, smoking appears to bemasters rowers is huge! In Europe, smoking appears to bemore accepted within sports than in North America or Oceania.more accepted within sports than in North America or Oceania.The 10x difference in smoking rates between European andThe 10x difference in smoking rates between European andNorth American masters rowers is one of the more surprisingNorth American masters rowers is one of the more surprisingfindings of this study and nicely highlights the specific culturalfindings of this study and nicely highlights the specific culturaldifference among the regions where smoking is concerned. difference among the regions where smoking is concerned. In contrast, alcohol consumption habits among mastersIn contrast, alcohol consumption habits among mastersrowers are relatively similar across region.rowers are relatively similar across region.

Rowing related injuries Rowing related injuries (during previous 2 years) (during previous 2 years)

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Females*

* p< 0.05 male vs female

Rowing is not a high risk sport; the injuries that do Rowing is not a high risk sport; the injuries that do commonly occur in rowing are most often related tocommonly occur in rowing are most often related tochronic overuse, not acute trauma. In the present datachronic overuse, not acute trauma. In the present datathere was no evidence for a gender difference in there was no evidence for a gender difference in injury prevalence among masters rowers, with one exception.injury prevalence among masters rowers, with one exception.Wrist tendonitis incidence was higher in women. This Wrist tendonitis incidence was higher in women. This may be due to the relatively large grip diameter of oarsmay be due to the relatively large grip diameter of oarscompared to the size of the hand, which may increase compared to the size of the hand, which may increase the stress on hand and wrist tendons in females. the stress on hand and wrist tendons in females.

Back injury/pain is the most common reported problem amongBack injury/pain is the most common reported problem amongrowers, and the prevalence rate is high. However, theserowers, and the prevalence rate is high. However, thesedata must be interpreted with some caution as back pain isdata must be interpreted with some caution as back pain isalso the most common musculoskeletal “injury” reported byalso the most common musculoskeletal “injury” reported byadults in general. adults in general.

Internet use among Masters Internet use among Masters RowersRowers

Since we were using the internet as a tool to gather informationSince we were using the internet as a tool to gather informationabout masters rowers, it seemed appropriate to also askabout masters rowers, it seemed appropriate to also askthem how they use the internet. Granted, this is a biased them how they use the internet. Granted, this is a biased sample of internet adopters. But, the following resultssample of internet adopters. But, the following resultssuggest that the internet is a popular medium for supportingsuggest that the internet is a popular medium for supportingthe rowing community, and an important communicationsthe rowing community, and an important communicationstool within masters rowing!tool within masters rowing!

In what rowing-related ways In what rowing-related ways do you use the internet?do you use the internet?

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Females

Have you previously viewed Have you previously viewed the FISA website?the FISA website?

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Percent responding "yes"

Males

Females 69%

76%

Finish Line!Finish Line!