Newer Is Not Necessarily Better
Rowing performance has historically improved with equipment breakthroughs such as the Macon blade, sliding‑rigger sculls, and the big‑blade era, each shaving seconds off 2,000‑meter race times. However, since around 2010, international times have plateaued despite ongoing advances in boat and oar technology. Russian biomechanist Valery Kleshnev’s data confirms this stagnation across all classes. The article argues that further gains now depend more on training, coaching, and proper rigging than on newer gear.
The Ultimate Walk-On: Mike Herman
Mike Herman, a former Navy SEAL, discovered rowing on a ship’s erg in 2021 and progressed from novice to Olympic-caliber athlete within four years. He helped the U.S. men’s eight capture bronze at the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai,...
Amanda Kraus Out as CEO of USRowing
Amanda Kraus will leave USRowing as chief executive in April after months of tension with the board. During her tenure, the organization posted a record $19.6 million in revenue for 2024 and a modest $489,000 surplus, but on‑water results were limited,...
Overnght To Stream The Boat Race in North America
Overnght has secured exclusive digital streaming rights to The CHANEL J12 Boat Race across the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand through 2030. The service will deliver live and on‑demand coverage for a $105‑per‑year subscription. CEO Kevin McReynolds says the deal...
San Diego Crew Classic to Add Beach Sprints
The San Diego Crew Classic will introduce a Beach Sprints demonstration on Friday, March 27, featuring a hands‑on workshop and an exhibition race. The event showcases the newest Olympic rowing discipline, set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Organizers...
Knecht Cup Regatta Adds Events and Trophies
The Knecht Cup Regatta returns to Camden, New Jersey’s Cooper River on April 11‑12, expanding its program to include para‑rowing and newly named trophies. Last year’s event attracted more than 650 crews, making it the world’s second‑largest college regatta. Boston...
Rowing, Coaching, and the Science of Learning
The piece challenges the myth of fixed learning styles, noting that scientific reviews find no support, yet rowers still benefit from auditory, visual, and kinesthetic cues. Effective coaches blend these modalities, using video, hands‑on drills, and clear verbal feedback to...
Austin Rowing Club Hosts 43rd Heart of Texas Regatta
The Heart of Texas Regatta celebrated its 43rd edition on Lady Bird Lake, hosted by Austin Rowing Club, Texas’s oldest rowing organization. The 1,000‑meter sprint attracted 675 entries across junior, club and masters categories, nearly double the field from 25...
Training for that Pinnacle Regatta
Coaches must first identify the season’s pinnacle regatta to anchor training plans. By studying historical race speeds, course characteristics, and competitor erg scores, they can set precise performance targets. Objective assessment of their crew’s technique and physiology guides whether focus...