NOVEL TRAINING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 77, 1 April 1938, Page 8

NOVEL TRAINING

SLOW-MOTION PICTURES ROWING CLUB’S TRIAL CHAMPION EIGHT IN ACTION A novel means of assisting in the training of its champion eight by the use of slow motion cinematography has been adopted by the Union Boat Club. This is the first occasion on which a movie camera has been used for this purpose in New Zealand and, as far as can be ascertained, in Australasia. Slow motion shots nf the club’s eight-oar crew, which won the New Zealand championship at. Akaroa last year, were taken by Mr C. Coull, a member of the club, from a. launch following the crew last Sunday morning. Shots were taken from either side of the boat and in addition views from the stern were included. Last evening the film was screened at the clubhouse, when members of I he eight and other crews were present. The film was run through the projector several times in order that members should have a good oppor* tunity of viewing themselves in action. The coach, Mr C. A. Healey, was thus able to demonstrate to some of the oarsmen slight faults which would be difficult, of explanation by other than this means. No bad faults were apparent, bue the slow motion camera revealed quite a number of small points which the rowers themselves will now be able to endeavour to correct. In most cases these were points that members of the crew were unaware of. A feature of the film was the manner in which the rhythm and combination of eight-oar racing was evident. The action of the oarsmen as they carried out each stroke was marked by wonderful smoothness of motion.