History of the Concept 2 Rowing Machines Part 3

Indoor rowing competitions

One of the big problems with working out at home is the isolation and lack of competition and support. The indoor rowing enthusiasts have addressed this concern by setting up indoor rowing competitions. The Amateur Rowing Association and other rowing groups such as the C.R.A.S.H-B rowing club have been strong supports of these events.

Indoor rowing competitions have become very popular in a wide variety of settings. Schools across the UK and other countries hold indoor rowing competitions as part of their year long rowing training and conditioning exercises. 2005 will mark the beginning of the Concept 2 indoor rowing competitions for schools. It is free for schools to join the Concept 2 indoor rowing program. In Korea an indoor rowing competition is held yearly for blind individuals with a volunteer calling out information to the rowers that are competing.

The inclusive nature of indoor rowing makes the sport appealing to people of all ages and levels of experience. The categories in a competition depend on both age and weight and are calibrated on a Concept 2 Rower to provide a standard for measurement. The indoor rowing competitions are usually 2,000 meters.

C.R.A.S.H-B Sprints

These annual indoor rowing competitions are held in Boston Maschettutes and started in 1980 by a group of Olympic rowers in the area. The original name of the organization was the Charles River Association of Sculling Has-Beens hence the C.R.A.S.H-B name. It was later changed to Charles River All-Star Has Beens, but the tradition continues. They originally raced five miles, but the competition has now been shorten to the 2, 000 meter sprints. All rowing equipment used is the Concept 2 Model D rower.

Anyone is able to enter the event and all that you need to supply is your correct name and your last 2000 meter ergonomic score. This allows the organizers to place you in the correct level for competition. The competition attracts people from all over the world, with hundreds competing in each category.

British Indoor Rowing Championship

This competition was first held in 1991 and attracted 200 competitors. Now held in Birmingham, England the competition attracted over 3000 participants and is the world’s largest indoor rowing competition. Like the C.R.A.S.H-B competition is features Concept 2 rowing machines on a 2,000 meter sprint.

In addition to the sprint competition the BIRC includes a 4000 meter four person team relay competition.

The Future of the Concept 2

The popularity of the sport continues to increase and expand. With advances in the science of fitness and health the benefits of a Concept 2 Rowing Machine become more evident. The Dreissigackers continue to stay on the cutting edge of rowing equipment production and are always looking for ways to improve the product and to promote the sport. With advances in technology and design there just may be a Model E Concept 2 Rowing Machine in the future.