Joining the number of different sports tracking solution is Oar Inspired, which is a personal coach for rowers. Touted as the most comprehensive and affordable on-water rowing stroke measurement the sport has ever seen, the solution analyses user’s stroke and provides real time feedback on performance and technique.
The built-in sensors measure data from each crew member and then relay this information to the RowCom displays. The underlying software collates and analyzes this data to determine crew timing, compare stroke lengths, depths and forces with foot pressures and hull speed; and then provides real-time feedback on each crew members performance and the effect their performance is having on boat speed.
The built-in sensors measure data from each crew member and then relay this information to the RowCom displays.The company behind the project has plans for a powerful analytics platform that will assist individuals to track their own performance and compare it with their peers. For coaches, the platform will serve as a tool for helping to not only select the optimum crew, but in tuning and rigging the boat to maximize speed.
Oar Inspired is said to be a modular device, allowing crews, coaches and clubs to have their own unique challenges and way of doing things. Users can choose between multiple configurations with a 4.5- or 7-inch RowCom display; a larger 10-inch model for coaches will arrive in early 2015. Moreover, there’s the optional Instrumented Footplate that records six points of measurement, and a Hull Sensor which incorporates an impellor pickup, multi axis accelerometer, and 10 Hz GPS receiver to measure such data points as the roll, pitch and yaw of the boat.
Oar Inspired is made to survive the harsh environment of a rowing boat. It’s a robust solution that will keep working even after being exposed to water.
Finally, this is an affordable solution and has managed to surpass its goal of raising $70,000 at Kickstarter. Check it out and see if Oar Inspired is something you would want to support, as well. Or buy a unit for yourself.