Testimonials

Elite marathon canoe racer, Steve Corlew, weighs in on the benefits of the Paddling Adapter:

I have been using the Vermont Waterways paddling erg now for quite some time. I can tell you that the workout and technique training that I get is far superior to anything on the market today. After only a few strokes on the machine I had a big grin on my face. The reason is because of the machine’s ability to engage both the upper and lower arms during the stroke. Most other machines have the resistance pulley very low near the level of the bottom hand, this makes for an unnatural stroke. The Vermont Waterways resistance pulley is located between your top and bottom hand which allows you to drive with the top arm engaging the core as you paddle.
During the winter I enjoy skiing and getting on the paddling adapter to stay fit. One of my favorite exercises while using the paddling adapter is to set the damper at a high resistance while paddling one minute on each side. This is great for suck water training and causes fatigue faster than if you were in a boat. Another bonus to this system is its ability to be used also as a rowing machine. This workout is great for preparing your legs for the ski season.

Paddling inside on other machines can be very boring and monotonous. The Concept II display screen along with the movable pulley allows me to concentrate on technique and intensity at the same time making the exercise much more fun. The moving pulley that allows you to switch sides moves very fluidly. During the recovery phase of my stroke I can concentrate on not letting the pulley wiggle from side to side. When I get tired or bring the shaft up too high being inefficient, the pulley will wiggle letting me know I need to refocus. The display screen keeps you honest. You can do 1000m sprints or just try to keep a steady pace for an hour. Looking back on the workout with the recall button you can discover lulls in your effort. This real time feedback will help you train harder and smarter. I absolutely love this product.

Jan Whitaker, instructor for Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana, Inc., a chapter of Disabled Sports USA,  shares the following:

The Concept II/ Vermont Waterways Paddling Adapter has been used in our winter fitness training program annually, since 2004. The ergometer provides excellent aerobic activity for paddlers with physical disabilities in all of the ParaCanoe classification categories (Legs-Trunk-Arms, Trunk-Arms, Arms) as well as those with visual impairment. The indoor set-up provides a perfect setting for a coach to closely observe and comment on a paddler’s  stroke technique. It also provides opportunities for paddlers who need special seating systems, such as those with spinal cord injury, to try different seating and positioning set-ups in a safe and convenient  environment prior to its use in the canoe.

Rocky Caldwell, marathon paddler and  2009 and 2010 USCA Aluminum Canoe National Champion states: