RADAR (Rowing Athlete Development and Ranking)
RADAR is a program established to identify, track and monitor athletes. Quite simply, RADAR is a battery of tests that provides a simple strength and weakness assessment of the specific fitness traits required by rowers. This battery of tests is achieved without the need to undertake laboratory tests or time out from the routine training environment.
RADAR testing has the ability to highlight changes that are expected to occur in a rower’s fitness throughout the year based on periodized training. Most importantly, the rower and coach are able to immediately assess their progress as well as the effectiveness of their current training program. This data can be used to benchmark the athlete against traits that are believed to be a Gold Medal standard at World Championships, Olympic and Paralympic Games.
RADAR is used by RCA, It’s National Development Centre, and coaching staff to create an integrated pathway for athlete development in Canada. To find out more about how RADAR works and how to participate in RADAR testing, visit National Team Programs at Rowing Canada Aviron.
RADAR testing has the ability to highlight changes that are expected to occur in a rower’s fitness throughout the year based on periodized training. Most importantly, the rower and coach are able to immediately assess their progress as well as the effectiveness of their current training program. This data can be used to benchmark the athlete against traits that are believed to be a Gold Medal standard at World Championships, Olympic and Paralympic Games.
RADAR is used by RCA, It’s National Development Centre, and coaching staff to create an integrated pathway for athlete development in Canada. To find out more about how RADAR works and how to participate in RADAR testing, visit National Team Programs at Rowing Canada Aviron.
What RADAR includes (tests & purpose)
- Peak Power (10-stroke / “Peak Power” test) — assesses maximal peak power (watts) produced over ten strokes; highest single-stroke watt in a 10-stroke trial is recorded.
- 1-minute all-out — short anaerobic power assessment (distance / average watts / split / stroke rate recorded).
- 2000 m (2K) all-out — race distance, approximates VO₂max / maximal aerobic power; record time, avg watts, split, stroke rate.
- 6000 m (6K) all-out — used as an anaerobic threshold / aerobic efficiency indicator (for Olympic Classifications).
- 20-minute test — used for some para classes (PR1/PR2) as per class guidance (for Paralympic Classifications).
See note below: Appendix A - RADAR Requirements from RCA
RADAR Testing Protocols
Peak Power Test Procedure
Purpose of the Peak Power Test
The purpose of the Peak Power Test is to assess an athlete’s ability to develop maximal power output.
Equipment Required:
The test requires a Concept2 Ergometer, which should be placed on a non-slip surface or secured with weights for stability. Additional equipment includes a clipboard, pen, and data sheet for recording results.
Set-Up:
All athletes should use a drag factor of 190 (maximum drag). To help assess stroke length, a piece of black electrical tape should be placed across the rail at the point where the athlete reaches full compression. This marker assists the assessor in determining whether the athlete is rowing at full slide. The ergometer monitor should be set to “Just Row” mode, displaying watts on the screen.
Warm-Up:
The warm-up consists of ten minutes of easy rowing, including two to three maximal two-stroke efforts interspersed throughout the session. These maximal efforts should be performed at the drag factor being tested.
Test Procedure:
Testing is most effective when conducted in small groups of two to three athletes, allowing one to perform the test while others rest.
The purpose of the Peak Power Test is to assess an athlete’s ability to develop maximal power output.
Equipment Required:
The test requires a Concept2 Ergometer, which should be placed on a non-slip surface or secured with weights for stability. Additional equipment includes a clipboard, pen, and data sheet for recording results.
Set-Up:
All athletes should use a drag factor of 190 (maximum drag). To help assess stroke length, a piece of black electrical tape should be placed across the rail at the point where the athlete reaches full compression. This marker assists the assessor in determining whether the athlete is rowing at full slide. The ergometer monitor should be set to “Just Row” mode, displaying watts on the screen.
Warm-Up:
The warm-up consists of ten minutes of easy rowing, including two to three maximal two-stroke efforts interspersed throughout the session. These maximal efforts should be performed at the drag factor being tested.
Test Procedure:
- Each athlete performs two 10-stroke trials.
- The athlete begins in a fully compressed catch position.
- Assessors should position themselves to clearly view the ergometer display and accurately record data.
- During each trial, the athlete performs ten maximal strokes, aiming to row as close to full slide as possible.
- The highest power output (in watts) achieved during any stroke across both trials is recorded as the Peak Power result.
- A rest interval of at least 90 seconds, but no longer than 180 seconds, is provided between trials.
Testing is most effective when conducted in small groups of two to three athletes, allowing one to perform the test while others rest.
1-Minute, 1000m, 2000m, 6000m, and 20-Minute Test Procedures
Purpose of the 1-Minute, 1000m, 2000m, 6000m, and 20-Minute Tests
These tests are designed to evaluate an athlete’s endurance, power output, and pacing strategy across various time and distance formats.
Equipment Required:
Each test requires a Concept2 Ergometer, which must be placed on a non-slip surface or secured with weights to prevent movement. Additional materials include a clipboard, pen, and data sheet for recording performance metrics.
Set-Up:
The ergometer should be configured using the appropriate Testing Drag Factor (refer to the drag factor table for category-specific values). The monitor should be set in a countdown mode corresponding to the distance or duration of the test being conducted.
Warm-Up:
Athletes should perform a standard pre-race warm-up suitable for the prescribed test distance. This warm-up should prepare the athlete physiologically for optimal performance while minimizing fatigue.
Test Procedure:
Each athlete begins in the catch position. The ergometer monitor should count down the time or distance specific to the test. At the completion of each test, the following data must be recorded on the data sheet:
Performance Review:
Additional performance analysis can be obtained by accessing the recall mode on the ergometer monitor. This allows for detailed examination of race strategy, pacing, and technique throughout the test.
These tests are designed to evaluate an athlete’s endurance, power output, and pacing strategy across various time and distance formats.
Equipment Required:
Each test requires a Concept2 Ergometer, which must be placed on a non-slip surface or secured with weights to prevent movement. Additional materials include a clipboard, pen, and data sheet for recording performance metrics.
Set-Up:
The ergometer should be configured using the appropriate Testing Drag Factor (refer to the drag factor table for category-specific values). The monitor should be set in a countdown mode corresponding to the distance or duration of the test being conducted.
Warm-Up:
Athletes should perform a standard pre-race warm-up suitable for the prescribed test distance. This warm-up should prepare the athlete physiologically for optimal performance while minimizing fatigue.
Test Procedure:
Each athlete begins in the catch position. The ergometer monitor should count down the time or distance specific to the test. At the completion of each test, the following data must be recorded on the data sheet:
- Average Watts
- Average Split
- Average Stroke Rate
- Final Time or Distance
Performance Review:
Additional performance analysis can be obtained by accessing the recall mode on the ergometer monitor. This allows for detailed examination of race strategy, pacing, and technique throughout the test.
Appendices
- Appendix B – RADAR Requirements from RCA
- Appendix B - RADAR Assessment and Max Drag Factors (DF)
- Appendix C – Prescribed RADAR Week Schedule
Appendix A – RADAR Requirements from RCA
Starting January of 2020 RCA is not requiring athletes to submit a full RADAR battery. For programs that do not have access to advanced physiological testing (i.e., Lactate) RCA still recommends coaches use this monitoring tool to:
- Establish an individual’s power curve
- Assess training effectiveness, and
- Set training zones.
Appendix B - RADAR Assessment & Max Drag Factors (DF)
The Assessment DF should be used for all ergometer submissions other than the dedicated Peak Power testing.
Appendix A – Testing Drag Factors
| Category | Assessment DF | Max DF |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Women | 110 | 190 |
| Lightweight Women* | 110 | 190 |
| Open Women | 110 | 190 |
| Junior Men | 120 | 190 |
| Lightweight Men* | 120 | 190 |
| Open Men | 130 | 190 |
| PR3 Men | 120 | 190 |
| PR3 Women | 110 | 190 |
| PR1 & PR2 | Preferred | 190 |
Appendix C – Prescribed RADAR Week Schedule
| Day | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2 Days prior to any RADAR tests) |
Session 1 | 90 Minute Cat 6 |
| 2 (1 Day prior to any RADAR tests) |
Rest Day | Active recovery / stretching |
| 3 | Session 1 |
6000m all out – Olympic and PR3 Class 20 minute all out – PR2 and PR1 Class |
| Session 2 | 15 km Cat 5–6 row / erg or 60-minute Cat 5–6 cross training | |
| 4 | Session 1 | Peak Power MDF test – followed in 20 minutes by 1 Minute all out test |
| Session 2 | 10 km Cat 6 row or 60-minute Cat 6 cross training | |
| 5 | Session 1 | 2000m all out |
| 6 (Post RADAR tests) |
– | Return to regular training |
* RADAR Tests in red text.
