Rigging Recommendations for BalancePoint Handles

Outboard

Set the outboard approximately 8cm longer than you would with standard handles (this typically comes to around 265cm with heavy-weight men). While this may seem like an excessively heavy load, the BalancePoint handles give you a much stronger position at the catch, so the load is more evenly distributed. Many athletes feel that an 8cm increase with our handles feels similar to standard length with standard handles.

Blade Size

As with outboard length, we recommend using full-size blades for all rowers. Blades that have been cut down typically produce excessive tearing of the water at the catch.

Inboard

Recommended inboard is between 98cm and 101cm as measured between the pivot point of the BalancePoint T-Handle and the button.

Spread

We generally recommend a wider pin placement for two reasons. First, the wider pin placement facilitates a more comfortable finish position which is extremely important to achieving proper technique. At the finish, the pivot point should be within 5cm of the athlete's midline; it is recommended to be 5cm away toward the outboard side (away from pin and therefore giving a greater inboard length).

The second reason for increasing the boat's spread is to reduce 'pinching' at the catch. The BalancePoint handle facilitates a greater reach and arc which could lead to pinching of the boat if using a narrow spread.

Foot Stretchers

As we mentioned earlier, ensuring a comfortable finish position is critical to your success with BalancePoint handles. When at the dock, adjust the foot stretchers of each athlete to establish a centered position at the finish. The foot positions can than be tuned to match up arcs once the athletes have had some time with the new handles on the water.