An early sketch by Co-Founder Peter Dreissigacker showing his brother , Dick , curing early oar blades in an oven . They had been building experimental oars in their kitchen .
Peter explains , “ In 1976 , we were just a couple of young rower-engineers with an idea of how we might build a better oar . Today , we ’ re amazed at how we ’ ve grown – serving rowers and fitness centers around the world , while also working hard to become part of the fabric of our local community .”
Why Vermont ?
Dick reminisces , “ It was the mid 70 ’ s , we left California , and we wandered across the U . S ., considering where to go . We didn ’ t need to be at a rowing hub . More important to us was how we wanted to live . And what we could afford . We didn ’ t want to be in a city . We wanted to put in a garden , ski , live in a place that felt good . We had skied Mt . Mansfield in Stowe as children and loved it here , so we came to Vermont out of nostalgia , as well as a lifestyle choice . Everything that brought us to Vermont is why we stayed here and are glad we did . Vermont symbolizes quality of life , as well as quality of product . We believe in the ethos of Vermont , in making products that will last . Our integrity matters to us .”
So , the two brothers moved into an old farm complex on Route 100 in Morrisville , Vermont .
Constant Innovation
Despite their early success , Peter and Dick do not ever pause to rest on their laurels . They work constantly to create new and exciting rowing gear and equipment .
In 1981 , stirred by the need to continue rowing despite Vermont winters , Peter and Dick looked to make a practical indoor rowing machine . With a sliding seat and wooden handle , this device replicates the movement in a boat . No strength was lost while a rower was off the water .
Friends of Rowing History wrote : “ Just as Henry Ford produced cars efficiently , economically and for the greater public use , the Dreissigacker brothers have done the same with their rowing machines for the rowing , health club and home markets . The design has gone through continuous improvements and is one of the most dependable and cost-effective exercise machines developed since the bicycle . It is certainly a major factor in the explosion of interest in rowing as an exercise with the general public .”
The machines are shipped world-wide and are in thousands of boathouses , health and fitness clubs everywhere . Many thousands who have never stepped in a boat are indoor rowing devotees .
In June 2009 , Concept2 took this idea further . Rowing machines were created to retain strength off-season . Why not , similarly , create a piece of equipment to retain Nordic ski strength when there is no snow ? Concept2 introducing the SkiErg , a ski ergometer that helps build strength and endurance specific to Nordic skiing . The SkiErg provides aerobic and strength training , even when there is no snow or you ’ re not near a trail . You don ’ t even need to know how to ski .
Another innovation : In 1991 , they came out with a new , faster blade design , the asymmetrical “ hatchet ” oar blades . These oars improved performance and became so popular so quickly that by the 1992 Olympics , most crews were using them . This was a ground breaking change .
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