Rowing Stories, Features & Interviews

Equipment & Hacks

row2k features > Equipment & Hacks

Coach Tricks
The Regatta Beater-Bike

April 4, 2012

Ever hoped your nice new bike would still be on the shell trailer the next morning after you parked overnight? If so, here is simple hack to ensure you always have the wheels you need at the race course: get a used bike--the more beat-up the better. more

Coach Tricks
Being Ready for the Rough Stuff

March 28, 2012

Instead of being bummed, or beaten, the next time wind and waves try to play havoc with your race day, break out this old coaching trick to stay dry, light and fast: splashguards on the riggers. more

Rigger Tricks
Theft-Proofing Outboards

March 21, 2012

Want a simple way to keep your outboards from being stolen? Try this hack: Make your engines look NOT new. Yep, making an outboard look old and scuffed up might actually work better than any amount of chain or engine locks--though we recommend those, too. more

Rower Tricks
Hide Technique with Darker Kit

March 14, 2012

New to your club or to the varsity boats? Not quite sure what coach was getting at with the drills this week? If you row in the dark, try this simple hack: wear dark clothes so your coach can't see you. more

Training Hack
The Erg Ab Roller

March 7, 2012

Looking to put a little more "danger" in your core workouts? Saratoga juniors coach Eric Catalano sent in this unusual way to re-purpose your ergs the next time you want your team to get serious about their abs. more

Trailer Tricks
Fast Times at the Filling Station

February 29, 2012

Prime Pump Alignment, the 'Park Once' Plan, Fill Up Before You Hitch Up, and other Trailer (Driving) Tricks the Rowing Hacks can heartily recommend to make your next trip to the races a bit smoother. more

Rigger Tricks
Color-Coding with Electrical Tape

February 22, 2012

Thanks to Byron Walthall for reminding us to talk about a trick so good that "everybody is doing it" out there: marking riggers and other stuff with electrical tape. more

Boathouse Hacks
Swiss Nut Helmet

February 15, 2012

Spotted and brought to us by Todd Wilson, these doodads are ubiquitous in Swiss boathouses--and might just come in handy at your place, especially if you have any so-called Nutdraggers lurking about. more

Boathouse Hacks
The Stick Board

February 8, 2012

The line-up stick board may well be the oldest rowing hack, if we don't count that nifty gadget we now call the rolling seat, which started life as, well, a heck of a hack in its own right. more

Tool Hack
The Wing Nut Stick

February 1, 2012

This handy, home-made hack might be the best response we've seen yet to the incessant need for a wing nut tool. more

Rower Tricks
Making SURE You're Up for AM Practice

January 25, 2012

There might only be two kinds of rowers in the world: those who have slept through morning practice, and those who will sleep through one, one of these days. So, what are the best tricks to make sure you stay out of the former category long enough to make the top boat and win it all? more

Trailer Tricks
The Strap Wheel

January 17, 2012

A quick, "build-free" hack for keeping your boat straps sorted--and off the ground--next time you hit the road. more

On the Road
Shell Trailers and Their Regulation

May 9, 2006

Safe and legal trailering need not be a stressful issue if drivers are aware of the rules. more

Feature
Strap This, Tie That

January 17, 2006

The Top Ten strap tips that can help you keep your boat where you want it to stay more

Feature
Seven Things Not To Do Before The Head Race Season Starts

September 12, 2005

and an eighth bonus To Don't to boot! more

Feature
Seven Questions to Ask Before You Start That Outboard Motor

July 12, 2005

"Ask a few simple questions before you start your launch, then you'll know what to bring." more

Feature
Top Three Ways Coaches Waste Money

April 18, 2005

What a frugal group us coaches can be. We scrimp, we budget, we fundraise, we "do without"... yet, despite these efforts many coaches waste tons of money. more