rowing team? How do you best support them and help them to succeed? You may be helping with fundraising for boats, travel and more for the team. Is there also something that you can get for your individual athlete? Something more than a Lycra “uni” or some colorful shorts or gloves for those poor hands? Something that will advance their rowing career. How do you know what is the best holiday or birthday or graduation gift to give when you don’t row yourself? How can you best invest in your child’s rowing dreams and future success?
company in the world, NK or Neilsen Kellerman, specializes in equipment that improves performance for rowers, coxswains and coaches.
This Ultimate NK Sports Buyers Guide will help you make an informed choice. Start with What to Buy for Whom. Check the short summary of each product. Make sense? Click on Buy Now. Well done. If you have questions before you buy, we are ready to help.
ABOUT US
Who are we?
Nielsen-Kellerman designs, manufactures and distributes rugged, waterproof environmental and sports performance instruments. The company began in the 1970s in an upstate New York basement. The founders, Richard Kellerman and Paul Nielsen, created a product to simplify the coxswain’s many jobs on the river – the first CoxBox. Almost 50 years later, rowing solutions remain the heart of NK Sports. The company has expanded to encompass weather instrumentation, ballistic meters and megaphone PA systems.
Now located in Boothwyn, PA, NK designs, sources parts and builds in the US. Missionobsessed, the company strives to be problemsolving, accountable, productive and ethical. They deliver what customers need for active lifestyles and technical applications.
Our company
To create best-in-class rowing electronics used around the world by Olympians, national team members, college crews and clubs, NK collaborates with researchers, rowers and coaches, rigorously testing products and seeking improvements. NK’s customer service is legendary. As is its commitment to the rowing community and sustainability. All this and they make boats go faster.
What to Buy for Whom
Lets’ Get Started. Who Are you Buying For?
It is hard to find that perfect gift for anyone. Parents struggle to get exactly what their child needs and deserves. This guide is also useful for aunts, uncles and grandparents. Or maybe you want to get a friend something special. Whoever you are and whomever you are buying for, we have the answer.
The first step is to understand how your child (or relative or friend) fits into the rowing ecosystem. The next pages dig into four categories, providing you with suggestions depending on roles, levels of experience and rowing ambitions. Then we introduce you to the gift suggestions. There is a short description, explanation of models and decisions you need to make. Sprinkled throughout are testimonials, FAQs and tidbits of rowing lore.
Coxswain
Sometimes called the brains of the boat. Coxswains are in charge, handling steering and directing tempo and effort during training and racing.
Rower
Whether sweep rowing with one oar or sculling with two, every rower is important to the feel, speed and success of a boat.
Coach Crew or School
Beyond teaching the essentials and subtleties of rowing, coaches serve as leaders, mentors, role models and problem solvers for crews and your child.
Rowing is a team sport with all individuals supported by their club or school, run by dedicated individuals, many of them volunteers.
COXSWAIN
GIFT GUIDE FOR A COXSWAIN
New to it?
Start with the Coxswain Encyclopedia
Solidly on the team, but not in the first boat?
If they don’t have the Coxswain Encyclopedia yet, it is an excellent resource to build knowledge and skills. It might be time for their own CoxBox
Actively seeking collegiate opportunities?
A CoxBox GPS is what high-performance coxswains depend on. If your child already has one or there are lots in the boathouse, accessories like their own headband and microphone are nice.
Consider a SpeedCoach GPS2 if the school or club uses CoxBox Minis. Useful if your coxswain does some rowing too.
ROWER
GIFT GUIDE FOR A ROWER
New to it?
Is your child brand new to the sport? We don’t recommend NK Sports electronics just yet – there is so much that a new rower has to learn and master first. What about a NK hat, visor or cap or a very practical waterproof smartphone pouch?
Experienced but not yet varsity
Is your child experienced, but not on varsity? Might be time for a StrokeCoach with Surge Rate, offering key data at an affordable price.
Actively seeking Collegiate Opportunities?
If they do not already have a SpeedCoach GPS Model 2, now is the time. There are some useful accessories to consider too. Next level is an EmPower Oarlock for even more detail to improve performance.
COACH
GIFT GUIDE FOR A COACH
Gifting a Coach
Recognition and appreciation are always welcome, especially if your child’s coach volunteers his or her time. Consider a Blue Ocean Megaphone or the Interval 2000 Split/Rate Watch. Both can be engraved with a few words of thanks.
GIFT GUIDE FOR A CREW
Find out who to ask
Clubs and school teams have needs that are understood by the top administrators. Students, assistant coaches, other parents don’t have the perspective to really know what the team needs. The head coach usually works closely with the booster or parents organization president to handle a closely watched budget. Find out from those who really know, what you might purchase to fill any gaps for the team.
Gifting the Team
Possibilities include CoxBox and/or accessories, EmPower Oarlock, StokeCoaches or SpeedCoaches, a year’s subscription to LiNK Logbook Teams edition. Ask if there is any old NK gear laying around. Even if they no longer work, old CoxBox and SpeedCoach units can be traded in with your purchase for a discount off the new unit with the NK Trade in, Trade Up Program
TRADE IN TRADE UP
LiNK Logbook Teams
NK Trade In, Trade Up Program
What is it?
This is the premium gift for the young coxswain. There are three models to choose from plus extra accessories and possible upgrades or combinations with other NK Sports electronics.
“My NK CoxBox GPS allows me to get real-time accurate and reliable data that is crucial not only for me to relay to the rowers in racing scenarios but also to utilize in training.”
- Nat Toms, Junior World Champion Coxswain
All models of CoxBox provide essential voice amplification so that all the athletes in a boat can clearly hear the commands, encouragement and corrections from the coxswain. This is what the CoxBox Mini does. The CoxBox Core is a step up, with an easy-to-read display for key data of stroke rate, stroke count and elapsed time. The third model is the CoxBox GPS. It does everything that the CoxBox Core does plus measures and displays additional data of distance, speed and splits (the time for the boat to cover a 500 m distance) and distance moved per stroke.
Which Model?
Important considerations are your child’s level of experience and what equipment their school or club has. Many organizations already have CoxBoxes, which would be available for your child to use.
In the first year of coxing, a personal CoxBox is not necessary – a better gift might be the Coxswain Encyclopedia, which gives insights into the many things to learn as a novice coxswain, including basics such as steering the boat and how best to communicate with the crew.
For a coxswain with one or two years of experience and a determination to make a varsity team or grow their coxing career, the advantage of a personal CoxBox is access and quality control. The coxswain will always know that their CoxBox is charged, well maintained and linked to the cloud for later data recall and review, or livestreaming on the water to the coach, with the GPS model.
For the additional $200 over the CoxBox Core price, the GPS model offers significantly more features and longevity. It will also enhance the feedback that the coxswain gives to the crew, potentially optimizing performance during training and racing.
If you are considering a CoxBox as a gift, getting the Bundle gives your child everything they need to use, charge, transport, and maintain their CoxBox. The bundle for each of the three models includes a CoxBox, protective bumper, microphone, wall charger and maintenance kit, plus a gear bag to carry it all.
CoxBox Mini
CoxBox Core
CoxBox GPS
WHAT TO DECIDE AND CONSIDER
All the models of CoxBoxes have a protective bumper and you need to choose the color
The Core and GPS models have upper and lower bumpers, so it is possible to have a two-tone CoxBox. Don’t worry if you select the wrong color, it is easy and inexpensive to get a new bumper. The most popular choice for the top bumper is Blue, followed by High Vis Orange, and Baby Blue. For the bottom bumper, Blue is again the most popular color followed by Black and Red.
Upgrading your child’s CoxBox or one in their organization would be another welcome gift. For $200, a CoxBox Core can be upgraded to CoxBox GPS. Both models have the same construction, so this is a virtual product that upgrades the software adding the enhanced features of the GPS model.
Accessories: Consider buying your coxswain their own microphone with headband. Small and easy to carry, works with all CoxBoxes. No sharing with other coxswains. Or give them a Gear Bag, making it easier for them to carry all that they need down to the boat – not just the CoxBox but water bottle, snacks for the crew and cellphone. Charge things up with the CoxBox Expresso Charger – reducing charge times to a third.
“Ultimately, the real-time, accurate splits provided by the NK devices that I use in the boat have been crucial in allowing us to monitor the benefits of technical changes that the crew made throughout the season, and see how these were translated into the race environment.”
- James Trotman, Winning Cambridge University Coxswain
“The CoxBox GPS system has been very helpful with workouts and evaluations.”
- Tim E.
Is a
CoxBox a good gift to give to the school or club?
Absolutely. Talk to the coach to find out what equipment they have and what is on their wish list. If they are not using LiNK Logbook Teams, the CoxBox Core could be the right level. The CoxBox Mini is more affordable and the coach might appreciate two Minis for the price of one GPS model. Including a charger and/or a microphone would no doubt be appreciated. An even bigger gift would be the Bundle for whichever model the coach recommends. Don’t forget to check on the Trade In Trade Up program – older equipment can be traded in for credit towards a replacement or upgrade purchase.
FAQS VIDEOS & BLOGS
Top 10 Tips to Get the Most from Your CoxBox
Maximize your investment in the essential coxing tool. Ten tips to help you get the most from your CoxBox from charging,sprint’ storing, cleaning to simple repairs. Finding His Coxing Voice: Henry
Fieldman
Henry Fieldman is one of the world’s most renowned coxes. Having led the British men’s eight to a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, he is now in the driving seat of their rapidly improving women’s eight and has his sights set firmly on a golden summer in Paris.
CUSTOMER QUESTIONS
My daughter is a coxswain at her high school rowing team. She wants a CoxBox. I thought that they had one at the school. Why would it help her to have her own?
If your daughter is seeking collegiate opportunities as a coxswain, the CoxBox GPS could help her by ensuring access to a CoxBox whenever she needs it and also quality control. She can be sure that she keeps it charged and functioning properly. The opportunity to review practice and race data is an important step in building her coxing skills and confidence. The school may have the Core model or use CoxBox Minis, making the GPS model even more valuable to your daughter.
We are thinking of giving our son a CoxBox for Christmas. Is it worth the extra money to buy the Bundle?
We think so. There is a cost savings from buying the accessories like the gear bag, microphone and charger separately. With the Bundle your son can be completely self-sufficient. If he goes on to cox at college or university, he can arrive fully equipped.
Understanding your child’s coxswain journey
If you have never rowed let alone coxed a boat, it can be hard to understand what they are experiencing, what their ambitions are and how you can better support them as a parent. The stories of other coxswains convey insights into what coxswains really do, all the many things that a coxswain must learn and master, the variety of styles of coxing that lead to success and tips for becoming a better coxswain. The NK Sports Blog contains many stories about coxswains and their journeys. Read about coxswains who have won world championships and Olympic gold medals. Empathize with the aspirations of a high school coxswain aiming for a collegiate scholarship or a coxswain who moved from the west coast to the east coast to pursue her dream to become a national para coxswain. Read practical tips from a coxswain coach on how young coxswains can improve.
CATALOG
Upgrade CoxBox Core to CoxBox GPS
Microphone with Headband
CoxBox GPS or Core Top Bumper
NK Gear Bag
NK Loudspeaker 2
CoxBox Espresso Charger
SPEEDCOACH® +STROKECOACH®
What is it?
Small but mighty, these performance monitors are like mini computers for a rowing shell. They measure, display and in the case of the SpeedCoach, record key data that are critical to enhancing performance. The value of the cheaper StrokeCoach is its simplicity. Just snap it into a compatible bracket fixed to the boat, turn it on and row. View stroke rate, stroke count and elapsed time with no wiring.
“If it wasn’t for the Speedcoach to begin with I wouldn’t be [anywhere] near where I am at in regards to the competitive scene.”
- Red P.
Special Features:
The built in Training Pack includes pre-programmed workouts and the ability to design custom ones.
• With the Training Pack Data is recorded and can be viewed and analysed post row on either the phone app or the LiNK Logbook website, and in some cases livestreamed during a practice or race.
• The firmware or software which runs the SpeedCoach can be updated for free when new releases are issued.
• The battery is rechargeable.
Which Model?
If your son or daughter has just taken up rowing, it is likely too soon. They have a lot to learn regarding basic technique, balance and rowing in sync with the crew. In the first year or two of rowing, they would not have enough base knowledge to understand the data let alone interpret and use it to make the boat go faster.
For a young rower who is more experienced but not in varsity, the simpler StrokeCoach gives them the most important metric of stroke rate – how many strokes they take per minute. This can help them become consistent and especially, learn the feel of the boat at different rates.
If your child is seriously into rowing and actively seeking college opportunities, the SpeedCoach GPS is a terrific gift. Not only does the SpeedCoach with Training Pack deliver more information to the rower and the coach during and after workouts, but it also provides a great record of hours on the water to share with college recruiters in the future.
Even better, your athlete can take their phone out on the water with them (in a waterproof bag please!) and use Logbook Teams connected to their GPS device to stream their splits and location to a coach on the water for instant feedback. You can also follow their races from anywhere – and even have an added element of safety when they are out on their own.
The SpeedCoach GPS Model 2 is compatible with other tools to elevate your child’s performance such as a heart rate monitor, impeller and EmPower Oarlocks. Every elite or high performance rower trains with a NK Sports SpeedCoach.
Is your child a coxswain seeking collegiate opportunities?
The SpeedCoach GPS Model 2 can be a good gift for a coxswain, especially if they are using a CoxBox Mini or CoxBox Core. The data gathered through the GPS and the ability to store and later review it will assist the crew to improve but also help your coxswain to interpret what calls and decisions on the water improved performance.
SpeedCoach GPS
SpeedCoach GPS
StrokeCoach
SPEEDCOACH® STROKECOACH
TRADE IN, TRADE UP FOR NEW EQUIPMENT
Use the Trade in, Trade Up Program to upgrade a StrokeCoach or earlier model SpeedCoach to a SpeedCoach GPS Model 2. Depending on the trade in model, earn a credit of between $20 and $100.
All SpeedCoach GPS Model 2 sold now come with the Training Pack included. Model 2s bought previously may not have the Training Pack installed. The upgrade, with or without a dongle, is easy, costing $100, which then allows free access to the NK LiNK Logbook app and website for data storage and analysis.
Both the StrokeCoach and SpeedCoach come with a quick mounting strap. For some boats a fixed bracket mount might be better to improve the visibility of the screen to the rower. These are available at low cost, but check first with the coach.
A nice accessory is the Heart Rate Belt for the SpeedCoach GPS Model 2.
If your child is really getting serious and already has a SpeedCoach GPS Model 2, an EmPower Oarlock could help take their performance to the next level.
“Wonderful product. My daughter is very happy with it. Also, the
WHAT TO DECIDE AND CONSIDER
Use the Trade in, Trade Up Program to upgrade a StrokeCoach or earlier model SpeedCoach to a SpeedCoach GPS Model 2. Depending on the trade in model, earn a credit of between $20 and $100.
All SpeedCoach GPS Model 2 sold now come with the Training Pack included. Model 2s bought previously may not have the Training Pack installed. The upgrade, with or without a dongle, is easy, costing $100, which then allows free access to the NK LiNK Logbook app and website for data storage and analysis.
FAQS VIDEOS & BLOGS
NK Sports’ SpeedCoach® GPS 2 performance rowing monitor delivers value with on-water readings, builtin workouts, and superb analytics for a Masters rower without a coach, training hard but not competing.
up Custom Workouts on Your SpeedCoach® Discovering the SpeedCoach® as a Masters Rower
You will need: A SpeedCoach GPS 2 with Training Pack To see which model SpeedCoach you have (model one or model two), turn it around and look at the back.
CUSTOMER QUESTIONS
My son constantly loses things. He wants a SpeedCoach but I see that the StokeCoach does some of the same things, but costs less. Will the StrokeCoach be good enough, knowing that I will be asked to buy another one soon?
The choice between a strokecoach and speedcoach should be based on your child’s interest and investment in the sport. If your child shows commitment to the sport and is likely to continue rowing, it would be worthwhile to invest in the speedcoach.
My daughter already has a SpeedCoach GPS 2. I want to get her something extra. What do you suggest?
Add an extra tool to your child’s training with their own Heart Rate Belt for the SpeedCoach GPS Model 2. No sharing with other athletes. They can track their heart rate and monitor their progress during workouts. Ensure that your child is pushing themselves to the right intensity level. The monitor wirelessly transmits heart rate data to a SpeedCoach and an ANT+/Garmin watch simultaneously. Also compatible with some mobile phone apps. IMPORTANT NOTE: requires the SpeecCoach GPS Model 2 with Training Pack.
What exactly is the Training Pack, LiNK Logbook and how does it help my child?
The SpeedCoach provide metrics visible to a rower or coxswain in real time while on the water. This is extremely useful to help crews row consistently and for workouts called by the coach with variable stroke rates. Adding the Training Pack to a SpeedCoach GPS Model 2 takes training and racing to another level. With the Training Pack, data is stored from the row and can be uploaded to the LiNK Logbook app or website for post-row review and analysis by the rower, coxswain and coach.
Connect the Heart Rate Belt or an Empower Oarlock and even more information is gained about effort, training intensity and results, plus the efficiency of the rower’s technique.
If your child’s school or club has a Team subscription to the LiNK Logbook, then the same data is transmitted wirelessly to the coach on the water, offering the opportunity for instant feedback and improvement. You can also watch their progress live during a race or know their location if they go for a row by themselves. Consider offering your child’s organization a year’s subscription to LiNK Logbook Team. This would be a significant gift benefiting not only your child, but their entire crew.
PRODUCT SpeedCoach® & StrokeCoach®
StrokeCoach® with Surge Rate
SpeedCoach® GPS 2 with Training Pack
SpeedCoach® SUP 2 with Training Pack
Adjustable Surface Mount for SpeedCoach® and StrokeCoach®
Wireless Suction Cup Mount for SpeedCoach® GPS or SUP
StrokeCoach® / SpeedCoach® Mounting Strap
CATALOG
Wireless T-Bracket
Mount for SpeedCoach® & StrokeCoach®
Heart Rate Belt for SpeedCoach®
SpeedCoach® GPS Charger
SpeedCoach® Protective Bumpers
NK Impeller
StrokeCoach® Protective Bumpers
What is it?
INTERVAL2000Split/RateWatch
Think of this as a blend between a stopwatch and a sports watch, specific to rowing. The Interval 2000 Watch is designed to be held and used with one hand, leaving the other free to drive a launch, ride a bike or call through a megaphone. It displays and stores two of the most important rowing metrics (stroke rate and split) for multiple athletes or crews. Simple but efficient and extremely useful for immediate coaching or later analysis.
“A classic piece in any coach toolkit, done right.”
- Isa R.
Who is it for?
This is perfect for the team’s coach. Regardless of whether your child is a coxswain or a rower, you will be gifting their coach with a powerful tool to enhance the feedback to your child’s crew. Many schools and clubs do not have the budget for this extra, making the gift more appreciated
WHAT TO DECIDE AND CONSIDER
Like many NK Sports products, an included protective bumper reduces risk of damage. There are 12 colors to choose from. HINT – The most popular color selected for the Interval 2000 is Blue followed closely by Red. Why not get it engraved?
Most coaches want to review and analyze data after a workout. The Interval Computer Interface with WatchWare for Windows lets them connect the Interval 2000 to a Windows computer.
Product Catalog Interval 2000
EMPOWEROARLOCK®
What is it?
The ultimate in rowing electronics, the EmPower Oarlock® replaces the standard oarlock for one with built-in wireless sensors that send data that can be used immediately on the water or stored and analyzed later. It will help your child to row more efficiently by Improving technique stroke-by-stroke. By measuring power capacity and metrics which cannot be measured with any other instrument, it will help them to train more efficiently. For a coach, EmPower Oarlocks lets them quantitively identify which rowers are moving the boat the best, and so identify who should be sitting in which seats.
Reducing Slip and Wash
One of many factors to rowing well is the length of the stroke, which is basically how long the blade of the oar is in the water. Ideally the blade goes directly down to the water at the start of the stroke or catch and stays in the water at the same depth until the stroke is finished (legs are flat, hands and arms close to torso, and a small lean backwards) and then comes straight up and out. This is hard to do well and consistently. Rowers can start moving their body at the start before the blade is properly buried in the water – called slip. Or their hands might go too low and the blade starts coming out of the water before the stroke is completed – called wash. In both cases power is lost, the stroke is less efficient, and the boat is slower than it could be.
WHAT TO DECIDE AND CONSIDER
If you are considering buying an EmPower Oarlock Replacement Bushings for EmPower Wireless Oarlock Sweep, definitely talk to your child’s coach first. Not all boats are compatible, and different boats require different size Oarlocks. If your child has a private boat or has a dedicated seat in a boat, it is easier to ensure compatibility and that they will get the benefit of the gift. A SpeedCoach GPS Model 2 with Training Pack is required to use the EmPower Oarlock. Even better if the school or club has the LiNK Logbook Teams subscription.
Product Catalog Empower Oarlock
Replacement Bushings for EmPower Wireless Oarlock® Sweep
“It makes rowing more intellectual, conscious, better control. What we feel is very different from what we really do. This measurement tool is objective.”
- Dr. Valery Kleshnew, Founder Bio Row
Empower Oarlock®
Replacement Bushings for EmPower Wireless Oarlock® Sculling
BLUEOCEANMEGAPHONE
What is it?
Every coach needs a loud and clear voice to communicate to the crews on the water. The Blue Ocean Megaphone delivers. It is rugged, built to withstand water damage, sinking, corrosion, cracking, and splitting. It offers up to 24 hours of uninterrupted use after a charge.
Who is it for?
“Love it so far. Clear loud easy to use. have wanted to buy one for some time. finally did so and wonder why I waited so long.”
- Coach
You could gift your child’s coach directly or donate one to your child’s school or club. You can be confident that it will last a long time. It comes with a five-year warranty.
WHAT TO DECIDE AND CONSIDER
Blue and white (the most common choice) or tan and olive. Consider getting it engraved – your gift will be recognized for many years. Perhaps personalize the Megaphone with an optional colored bumper.
Product Catalog
Blue Ocean Megaphone
Blue Ocean Rugged Megaphone Can Bumper
Blue Ocean Megaphone
Little Extras Gifts for Everyone.
Looking for a little extra to round out your gift? Maybe a stocking stuffer, something for someone special? Top up your order with a few small items and pay nothing more for shipping.
Smartphone
Training Packs
The instruments now come with Training Pack, offering built-in and programable workouts plus wireless data transmission. If your child has an earlier version, upgrade is easy with the Trade In, Trade UP Program and the Training Pack can be seamlessly added to older model 2 SpeedCoaches.
Headgear
NK is a prestigious brand, so let your child strut their stuff with one of three headgear options. On the water, a NK visor reduces glare and keeps sweat out of eyes. Especially popular with coxswains. Alternately keep a cool head with the technical cap made of CoolMax fabric by Headsweats. Off the water, indulge them with a NK Sports Trucker Hat. A practical gift is the Loksac Waterproof Smartphone Pouch. Actually essential if your rower or coxswain uses a SpeedCoach GPS 2 or CoxBox GPS. The phone is needed to transmit data wirelessly to their coach on the water or to you, if you are following their progress from the land.
PRODUCT CATALOG
Sports Visor
Trucker Hat
Microphone Headband
Logbook
Headsweats Hat
Sports
Coxswain Encyclopedia
What is it?
It is remarkable what a coxswain needs to learn, understand and do.
“Anyone can sit in the coxswain’s seat and read a script, but not everyone can learn how to work with a coach; read the weather and water; understand training, technique, and racing tactics; gain the trust of up to eight other individuals; and make a winning difference in a race, all without compromising the safety of the athletes and the equipment.”
The Coxswain Encyclopedia: From Racks to Racing
Written by elite coxswains, coaches, and referees, the manual packs a wealth of detail into 200 pages.
Who is it for?
Especially useful for a new coxswain in their first or second year of coxing. It is a place for a novice to start to learn to be a coxswain. If your child is aspiring to cox at the collegiate level or beyond, it is a central resource for experienced coxes to refer to as they continue to improve.
Familiarize yourself with the basics of rowing.
Learn how to communicate effectively and get to know your crew.
