NK is happy to announce the introduction of a new product — the Electronic Pitchmeter — made in the Netherlands, imported and distributed in North America by NK. The first units of this Dutch innovation are now in stock.

With a resolution for 0.1 degree, this waterproof pitch meter allows for fast and accurate measurements. Simply put the pitch meter at your preferred “zeroing position” (ask your boatbuilder what’s best), zero it by push of a button, and off you go. No need to level the boat, you can even measure with a boat upside-down on the trailer as long as you keep it stable between zeroing and measurement.

Because of the size and versatility of this product, the applications are almost unlimited. Measure the pin, the footstretcher or even use it for hanging pictures.

For best performance follow these rules:

• Ask boatbuilder where to zero (seat deck, gunwale, bottom of hull, etc.).
  
• It’s easiest to work accurately when you are comfortable (boat on slings, optimal height, no distractions, no time pressure).
  
• Measure the pin rather than oarlock. Today’s standard is 0 degree lateral and longitudinal, no outward pitch.
• Choose desired pitch wisely, and be consistent. Sweep 3 to 5 degrees, scull 4 to 7 degrees. The more skilled the crew, the less pitch they can handle.
  

Get the Electronic Pitchmeter NOW >>

Monthly Special: Electronic Pitchmeter

Introductory Price $80

Offer good through June 31, 2008

You’ve never measured the pitch so quickly and accurately!

• Place the pitchmeter in the boat (or other reverence plane)
• Push the button: 'zero' (display '0')
• Place against the pin, oarlock or footstretcher
• Read pitch on display

Specifications:

• Resolution: 0.1 degree
• Repeatability: ±0.1 degree
• Measuring Range: +180 to -180 degrees
• Waterproof (IP54)
• Auto Shut-Off: after 5 minutes
• Dimensions: 50.8 x 50.8 x 32.0mm (2 x 2 x 1.3 inch)
• Power: 3V CR2032 Lithium battery (included)
• Work temperature: 39°F - 104°F

Get the Electronic Pitchmeter NOW >>

Tech Talk: How to Store your Cox Box Over the Summer

Chances are you might take off over the summer and follow races from the couch rather than the driver’s seat, especially when watching the Olympic regatta at funky hours.

If you are in charge of the “electronics” at your program, club or boathouse, keep the following in mind to avoid surprises in the fall:

Generally we recommend leaving the Cox Box on charge. But if you will not use if for a couple days, take it off the charger.

At the end of a season, charge the unit for about 12 hours. Then store the unit at a cool dry place until next season or use.

Before you use the unit the next season, e.g. in the fall, put it on a full charge (12 hours), and then use it.

A fully charged battery should last about four hours. If you see a significant decrease, contact us — you might need your batteries replaced. We generally expect them to last about three years for full season use.

By the way, similar rules apply for the Speed Coach XL. Although it lasts longer and charges quicker, make sure it’s charged when you put it on the shelf and give it about three hours of charge when using again.

And, very important, don’t forget to register your Cox Box or Speed Coach if haven’t already.

As for maintenance we recommend the purchase of our Cox Box Maintenance Kit. The instructions will help you to maintain connections, microphone and sound quality. One Maintenance Kit will last for at least one season, even for several Cox Boxes.

Get more tech tips at the Knowledge Center >>

Drill Sergeant: Technique & Breathing

“Technique" in racing is contrary to the conditions required for deep breathing. If one is to breathe in freely, the upper body must be straight and the diaphragm unhindered.

The oarsman, like weight lifter, can only perform hard work with his breath held (under pressure). This work is done during the propulsion phase. He is obliged to breathe in fully in the period shortly before and during entry. These unfavorable conditions, since the diaphragm is constricted in the lean-forward position and, in sweep rowing at least, the chest is also restricted by the position of the arms.

This makes it all the more important to become accustomed consciously to a short, but very deep inhalation, to ensure that the high demand for oxygen is fulfilled. Breathing out is done on extraction of the blades. Generally, this first expulsion of air is not sufficient, and a second exhalation occurs during the final third of the slide forward.

This constitutes the commencement of inhalation, as it were. After Lorke, this breathing technique is practiced on the course at a steady state of the regatta tempo with slight individual variations.

The following applies at the start, due to the high stroke frequency: until about the eighth stroke, the oarsman has time for only a single exhalation. This raises the question of whether all used air can be exhaled. With individual variations, one or more strokes are left completely without breathing, usually between the first and sixth. Generally, between the 10th and 15th stroke the oarsman begins consciously to inhale deeply, to convert the resultant lack of oxygen and to reach the breathing rhythm which matches the steady state of the regatta rhythm. This, is generally achieved after the 22nd stroke. In spurts and in the final phase of the race, irregularities in breathing similar to those in the start arise, particularly when stroke frequency is increased. Thus, one can clearly see the great importance of systematically training respiration under simulated race conditions.

To complete this discussion, we should add that at low frequencies and slight application of power (thus with beginners also) the double exhalations and the holding of breath can be omitted. In trek rowing and endurance training at middle application of power, the functionality better breathing technique, that is, inhalation during the pull-exhalation during blade extraction and slide forward, is recommended.”

From “Rowing Rudern – The GDR Text of Oarsmanship”, translated 4th edition, by Dr. Ernst Herberger, et al., Original 1977

Kestrel Corner: Safety & the Use of a Kestrel Weather Meter

Besides the direct influence of wind speed and water temperature on the boat speed, another even more important aspect requires our attention: SAFETY.

Especially now during the change of seasons, we often see quickly changing weather and wind. The water, despite warming air temperatures, is often too cold to swim. Hence it’s dangerous if you flip your boat. The water temperature, although not always perceived as “all that cold,” is usually lower than expected.

If the water is less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), it’s dangerous and can very quickly lead to hypothermia, especially if your body is working hard and heated up from the workout. Regardless of your toughness and physical conditioning —the lower your percentage of body fat, the more susceptible you are to hypothermia— spending even a few minutes in that kind of water will rapidly decrease your strength and reduce your ability to rescue yourself. Once hypothermia sets in, you could be in serious danger.

Wind becomes a critical safety factor when it reaches speeds above 11 mph (or 5 m/s) causing ripples on the water and often waves on larger bodies of water. This is generally considered as the upper end of the wind scale on which racing can still be done.

White caps start to build at 13 mph (6m/s), a condition perceived as “unrowable” for racing shells and certainly unsafe. Large boats especially are more prone to swamping with undesirable consequences.

Also, you should be aware of gusts. If the forecast calls for gusts above 20 mph (you can measure for yourself — there is a “gust” function on all Kestrel models) but it’s otherwise “calm” — don’t row! If you get caught by a sudden gust you might be surprised at how quickly you’re in the water.

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.

See all NK Career Opportunities >>