It's that time of year again.I've put together 5 things that would make me very happy on the big day. If you know any rowers - after reading this I promise you'll realise we're easier to buy for than you think!1.ErgStick
Rowers are data hungry. We love getting as much as we can. Ergo's give great information on timing but are limited. The ErgStick plugs into the back of the Concept2 rowing machine and connects to your phone using Bluetooth.
Using the ErgStick you can access data such as Drive Length, Drive Ratio, Stroke Power, Peak Force, Drive Time, Drive Speed, Drag Factor – the list goes on. But what I really love about the ErgStick is that it records and saves all the information natively on the app. Gone are the days of having to snap PB's on your phone or scribbling down numbers on paper. Be warned though – there's no hiding your splits from your coach now! Better still, it's currently on sale directly from ergstick.com/shop/
2. All in Ones
You can never have enough kit. Whether that's true or something we tell ourselves to justify buying more – who knows. Either way these novel all in ones from Godfreys are sure to make an impression on the water. They're available in a wide selection of designs from a Gladiator to a Tuxedo and even seasonal themed.Grab one here at:http://godfrey.co.uk/rowing/training-kit/aios
3. GoPro
If you can't show people the early morning sunrise from in the boat it doesn't count! A GoPro is great gift for any rower. This camera is at the forefront of filming for sport. Fully waterproof and shock proof, it's the perfect companion to the boat. There are lots of attachments allowing endless filming angles.
The wide-angle lens featured on the GoPro has a 170 degree wide angle lens which means the camera captures all the action inside the boat.
The gorgeous image above was taken using a GoPro by our friend Simon Williamson from RUBC. They're popular gifts this time of year and regularly sell out so make sure you grab one sooner rather than later.
4.Boat Race Poster
I love this poster. It's a reproduction of the 1939 University Boat Race. It not only looks great but will also make a nice addition to any room or club wall.
If you're looking for any other rowing related gifts things like this, Etsy has some great other items.
https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/255395733/1939-university-boat-race-poster-a3-a2
5.Grid STK Foam Roller
A foam roller is absolutely key to a rowers training programme. They allow us to train more by keeping muscles properly stretched out before and after sessions. The GRID STK from Trigger Point Performance is the worlds first hand-held foam roller and allows for accurate muscle targeting not possible with a conventional roller. Not only that but it is really portable, which is great for taking with you to races.
Also P.S - our compression socks make a great gift too! (But you already knew that)