Faster with Bill Chambers Jan Lammers CEO RP3 Rowing Machines
Mar 20, 2023
Jan Lammers, CEO of RP3 Rowing Machines and a mechanical engineer, discusses the history of RP3 and its innovative approach to rowing technology. He explains how their dynamic rowing machines effectively simulate on-water rowing, reducing lower-back stress. The conversation dives into the development of E-racing and the future of connected rowing, showcasing how RP3 closely measures performance compared to traditional methods. Jan also shares insights on the importance of user feedback and plans for enhancing data integration in training.
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Origin Story Rooted In Injury Prevention
- Jan recounts teaming with Kas Rekers from 1991 and producing RP3s after Kas patented the idea in 1988.
- Kas invented the machine after his daughter developed lower back pain on static ergs, driving the RP3 design goal.
Simulates Boat Motion Not Fixed-Mass Pulling
- RP3 mimics boat mechanics by moving the mass (boat) beneath the rower rather than accelerating the rower's body mass.
- This movement reduces repetitive spine loading and lowers lower-back stress compared to static ergs.
Inertia, Not Raw Weight, Defines Feel
- Effective resistance depends on flywheel inertia relative to rower mass, not just flywheel weight in isolation.
- RP3 targets ~20 kg equivalent inertia to reproduce natural slide motion and control small forward-back travel.
