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May 2015
Vasa Swim Ergometer User’s Manual
ENTRY
MID-STROKE
FINISH
RECOVERY
CYCLE COMPLETE
SIMULTANEOUS ARM: ONE STROKE CYCLE
ENTRY
MID-STROKE
FINISH
RECOVERY
CYCLE COMPLETE
ALTERNATING ARM: ONE STROKE CYCLE
PART 2 - Using the Vasa Ergometer
METERS AND PACE CALCULATIONS IN THE POWER METER
The Vasa Ergometer Power Meter simulates the performance of the athlete by measuring the force (many
times per second) during a stroke and powering a model through the water using that information.
During each increment the Power Meter calculates the distance covered (swimmer/kayaker depending on
which mode you are in) in that increment and adds that to the total distance. The METERS display field
shows that total distance. The Power Meter also keeps track of the distance and time at the start of each
stroke and uses this information to calculate the average pace during that stroke. Pace is displayed in the
/100M field within Swim View.
NOTE: Pace and distance accumulated are calculated to approximate the pace and distance. For
swimmers it is calculated without a start or turns, while “pulling” with a pullbuoy (similar to open water
swimming).
DEFINITION OF STROKE
The Power Meter defines a “stroke” as the completion of one arm/paddle cycle.
ALTERNATING ARM STROKES (freestyle, Nordic single poling, surf paddling, kayak/
canoe padding).
One stroke would be the complete of one cycle of both the left and right arms.
The Power Meter will start collecting data on whichever side you start the first pull (left or right).
SIMULTANEOUS ARM STROKES (butterfly, breaststroke, Nordic double poling)
One stroke would be the completion of one cycle, from entry through recovery with both arms
NOTE: If you change they type of stroke during a workout (from double arm to alternating arms, or
vice versa), the Power Meter will auto detect the change and adjust the stroke data within 2 or 3 stroke
cycles.
