Concept2: Built on Community

Community has long been a part of our mission here at Concept2. In its simplest meaning, community is a noun defined as a group of individuals that align in common characteristics and similarities usually in the same place or location. Community and a sense of belonging is a basic human need that we all crave and seek. It plays a crucial role in providing a sense of purpose greater than ourselves. We need to interact with each other in a kind, supportive, and meaningful way. We seek fellowship with others because we share common attitudes, interests, and goals. When we think of the Concept2 community we think of unique individuals that are all over the world, unified by Ergs, oars, values, and effort. 

Over the years our community has continued to grow and take new shape. Rowing is where we began, but our passion for performance and movement has taken us far beyond the water—into other sports, fitness centers, and reimagined ways to row. From boathouses to gyms, from new and thriving sports to international competitions, we are all unified to train together and succeed - whether in person or remotely. In society we deeply need these “third places” — spaces beyond home and work where community takes root and a sense of belonging can truly thrive. They are where we gather out of a shared desire for connection, camaraderie, and the simple joy of being welcomed just as we are. Boathouses, gyms, virtual fitness classes, races, and competitions have become a third place where extensions of our community can relax, learn, grow, and make new acquaintances. While our Ergs and oars are just a small part of our community's experience, it is not surprising to see the values of individuals that are attracted to our community are consistent with our own. Members of the Concept2 community are some of the most humble, unpretentious, and inviting individuals we have ever met. They inspire us to live boldly in our actions and relationships and to be honest and fair. 

But the building of social constructs and communal unity does not come easily and without effort. It takes conscious attempts to try harder, to make new connections, and to be vulnerable. It’s about welcoming, supporting, and empowering people of all backgrounds and experiences to get involved in sport and fitness. It’s about creating opportunities for others that we might not have had access to when we were starting. Our values and mission cannot just be words written on a piece of paper or a social media post – they are the heartbeat of everything we do, something we must embody with genuine passion and live out every day.  

When we were younger, making friends and feeling included seemed much simpler. The invitations to play were easy and innocent. As we get older, community gets harder and makes us become much more intentional. We face inconveniences and must prioritize how we spend our time and what we want to belong to. This might look like getting up early to sneak in a workout before taking care of your family and going to work. Or, carving out a weekend to compete with your teammates from college who you have not seen in years. It might mean traveling farther to a different gym because you feel more welcome and secure there. We like to remind ourselves that the potential inconveniences of community are a small price to pay when it is so invaluable and a privilege in our human existence. 

So, how will we continue to support and foster the Concept2 Community?  

We will continue to create an inclusive, unpretentious, and inviting environment for all – anyone who uses our products is a part of our community. This also means encouraging new and diverse athletes to join and creating equal opportunity for all. 

We will continue to participate together in Concept2 challenges—for motivation and for worthy causes. 

We will compete and support athletes and organizers of sport at the largest and smallest of levels. 

We will continue to provide regatta service free of charge for all Concept2 oar customers.  

 We support military, fire, and police personnel with world class equipment to help them be the best they can be in the line of duty. Learn more about how we help first responders. 

We will continue to stay true to our roots, create innovative products, as well as live our values and mission out loud daily. 

We hope you join us in our mission and the greater Concept2 Community.