NK's SpeedCoach Gold has a big brother who is starting to be seen around the boathouse more and more. Rowers mostly know the benefits of the SpeedCoach Gold: speed and distance display, memory, computer upload, workouts and backlight. Why might you consider moving up to the XL1? At only $50 more in price, the XL1 offers a LOT of advantages over its sibling:

• The rechargeable batteries save you a ton of money and time if you make frequent use of the backlight. Even with steady always on backlight use, the XL1 operates for dozens of rows between charges.
• The XL1's slightly larger footprint allows a full three-line display. No more cycling between time/average/distance to see the data you want — now you can choose two at once. And, change either window in an instant with the easily operated buttons on the front.
• Want to store multiple pieces in Just Row Memory? Want to time your race? Just hold the two front buttons to rezero the display and create a new start point in the extensive memory. Everything will be in there for later review, in detail. And, no need to master the "hold and let go" technique…
• Working with a coach who gives you a weekly workout plan? Or, just looking for some motivation? Create and store five complete workouts in the memory for automatic count-down by time, strokes or distance. And, we give you five pre-loaded workouts to start with.

So how much heavier is big brother? Just 4 ounces — less than that Starbucks latte you just downed! Don't forget — NK offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. We're sure you'll be hooked on the XL1 if you give it a try.

Get the Speed Coach XL1 now >>

Monthly Special: Fanny Pack / Tool Kit
Offer good now until May 31, 2008

Know a coxswain who never seems to have what you need? Or one who is just starting out? NKis offering a great deal on the complete Coxswain Kit. The custom NK waistpack has a carrying harness specifically for the Cox Box and microphone, and the kit includes everything the well-equipped coxswain should have.

Coxswain Kit with Tools
Retail Price $65 — Special Price $55    

KIT Includes: Fanny pack 7/16” Wrench 10mm Wrench Adjustable Wrench

2 Carabiners Electrical Tape Athletic Tape Blister Medic Kit

SPF 15 Sunscreen SPF16 Lipbalm

Coxswain Fanny Pack
Retail Price $25 — Special price $20    
Tools not included

Tech Talk

NK Speed Coach Interface and Analytics Software

Besides the stroke for stroke speed feedback, the Speed Coach has an additional very important capacity: the ability to record races and practices for later review. With the easy-to-use Speed Coach Communicator software, pieces and races can be analyzed within minutes — and a picture often tells more than a thousand words. In the example below, the race plan was for a big move at the 750 meter mark. In unintended anticipation of the move, the crew took off the power a bit and the speed dropped whilethe stroke rate remained the same. Right after the 750, the move came as planned.

Two things happened that were costly:

1. The other crew moved back before the move, which made the move appear ineffective, hence bad for morale;
2. Based on the maxim that “to double the speed on the water it requires 8x more energy” such speed variations are a flat out waste of energy. Consequently, the race became a struggle from that point on and was lost. However, the clear visual picture showed the crew the problem – and they performed better the next day!

See more tech tips in the NK Knowledge Center >>

Drill Sergeant

Name: Pause At The Finish
Discipline: Sculling and Sweep
Difficulty: Easy
Goal: Check Connection Through Drive

In order to accelerate the boat through the entire drive, there must be connection from the footboard to the blade throughout from catch to finish. If connection is lost anywhere along the way, the stroke is not as effective as it could be. There are many philosophies on how to stay connected, but here’s a simple drill to check if you’re still connected through the finish. The drill is as simple as just pausing at the finish for 2 seconds. This pause will allow you to regroup before taking the next stroke. During the drive, the focus should be on the feet pressing on the footboard from catch to release. Signs of lost connection during the drive are:

• difficulty keeping the feet pressed against the footboard on the drive
• difficulty releasing the blades out of the water
• lots of water splashing at the finish
• the boat is not set on the pause

If any of these occur, ask a coach for guidance on keeping connected better during the drive.

Kestrel Corner

Did you know that Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters are not only the perfect tool for measuring wind speed and air temprature, but they can also measure water temp?

Effect of Wind and Water Temperature on Speed

As you are gearing up for the Spring racing season, it’s worthwhile having a closer look at the environmental impact on boat speed. Besides personal preference (e.g. “I hate tailwind”) there are physics that apply to all of us. The following are theoretical examples of wind effect on rowing shells:

Men’s 1x

Men’s 8+

As the weather gets warmer, water temperatures also change the game (about 3% at 86° F). To make an extreme example, if you row a 2k in 7 min in the 1x at 40° F then you will make it in 6:47 at 93° F. This means splits drop from 1:45 to just under 1:42.

The impeller calibration however is only affected to a very minimal degree and does not need to be adjusted.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Frank Biller at fbiller@nkhome.com.

2008 Regatta Schedule - Upcoming Events

Here are just a few of the upcoming events where you can see NK products in action. NK will be displaying products and the friendly staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. We hope to see you there!

Careers at Nielsen-Kellerman

Interested in becoming part of the NK Team? We currently have several positions available. Please check out our Careers page for more information.