The CrewLAB Report

Unlocking Rowing Speed: The Art and Science of Biomechanics

In this episode, four-time Olympic medallist Drew Ginn and renowned biomechanist Dr. Valery Kleshnev reflect on their time together at the Australian Institute of Sport in the mid-90s and trace how those early days of on-water telemetry helped reshape how we understand rowing technique. They dig into the tension between what athletes feel and what the numbers show, why most coaches still focus on the wrong thing, and how confidence and clarity are just as important as any metric. Along the way they cover catch factors, stroke length, the trampoline effect, the myth of constant boat speed, and why your rowing machine might be teaching you the wrong things.

Sleep and Stress Management: A Guide for College Coaches with Matt Barany

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Barany, head coach of the University of Richmond Women’s Swimming & Diving team. With 12 Atlantic 10 Championship titles and over a decade of Coach of the Year honors, Matt shares how systematic changes to practice schedules, recovery education, and team culture helped his athletes sleep more, manage stress better, and perform at their peak. From creating a “stress calendar” to uncover hidden pressure points, to reshaping training around consistency and recovery, Matt explains how coaches can build systems that support both athletic and academic success. He also dives into how wearable tech, recovery education, and consistent communication help athletes balance the demands of being students, athletes, and young adults. If you’re a coach looking to help your athletes thrive in and out of competition, this conversation is packed with practical lessons you can start applying today. Find out more at www.crewlab.io [crewlab]

The Kiwis Who Conquered U.S. College Rowing

We sit down with IRA National Champions Kieran Joyce from the University of Washington Men’s Crew and Brahm Erdmann from Harvard Lightweight Men’s Rowing to talk about their journey from New Zealand to the top of U.S. college rowing. Hear the inside story on building a legacy program, the pressure of staying at the top, training, team culture, and their favorite races. Perfect for rowing fans, aspiring athletes, and anyone who loves a good underdog story. Find out more at ⁠www.crewlab.io [crewlab]