Concept2 Takes on The 2025 Crew Classic

During the last week of March, Concept2 kicked off the 2025 Regatta Service season at the San Diego Crew Classic (SDCC). The team made the pilgrimage from Vermont to the iconic Crown Point on Mission Bay in California as thousands of athletes began their spring campaigns. “The Rowing Season Starts Here” is what the SDCC declares, and this year did not disappoint. With a history spanning over 50 years, the SDCC gives athletes the chance to compete in novice to Olympic caliber races. This is the first race of the season for new rowers in high school to compete, for collegiates to size up their competition as well as alumni and masters to reconnect with friends new and old. Concept2 is proud to support the SDCC as a sponsor and we always look forward to kicking off the season in San Diego every year. This year was particularly noteworthy, as we were able to bring the newest Erg, the StrengthErg for the trip as well. 

It was an action-packed weekend of highly contested races. Notably on the collegiate side, the University of Texas women edged out the University of Washington by less than 1 second in an exciting finish in the 8+ Jessop-Whittier Cup – Invitational Varsity A race, finishing in a time of 6:19.318 over 2000m. On the men’s side, University of California-Berkely beat Gonzaga University Crew by nearly 3 seconds to win the Men’s Collegiate Varity 8+ ActiveandFit Now Cal Cup Varsity A race, finishing in a time of 5:58.607 over 2000m. Concept2 founder, Peter Dreissigacker, rowed in the Ex Nemo Rowing Club boat in seat four for the Men’s Master’s I 8+ (70+) boat, taking 1st and besting their closest competitors by over 45 seconds. Concept2 Master trainer Shane Farmer also had a successful weekend, taking 1st in the Men’s Master’s B 8+ Presidents Trophy (36-4) Final with San Diego Rowing Club, as well as 4th in the Men’s Alumni 8+ Race with University of San Diego Alumni boat. 

This year we were also thrilled to showcase our newest Erg, the Concept2 StrengthErg! With less than 200 StrengthErgs currently “in the wild”, it was great to see the surprise, intrigue, and interest that the StrengthErg received. Many athletes, coaches, parents, and spectators all got to try the StrengthErg for the first time and see what the hype was about. They pressed, pulled, and pushed for their highest force and it was great to see the challenge it presented. If you are interested in learning more about the StrengthErg, check out our product page here: Concept2 StrengthErg Or maybe you are interested in trying out the StrengthErg at an event near you? Check out our events page here and look for the StrengthErg tag: Events 

Over four days, the Concept2 Regatta Service team cranked out over 300 oar repairs. We also were able to donate about 100 sticks to local California rowing clubs and teams in need. These groups included Delta Sculling, San Diego State Crew Team, River City RC and RowLA. All weekend long we replaced damaged grips, sleeves, and blades a plenty. This is a service we offer free of charge for all Concept2 oars. Our lifetime warranty means that regardless of the age of your oars, we will replace worn and damaged parts to make your oars race ready at select regattas globally. Check out where we are headed in 2025 on our Events calendar. If you are curious what we can and cannot work on at a regatta please visit, please review What is Regatta Service?