Homemade DIY kayak ergometer canoe surfski | Indoor kayak training | surfski winter training

[@DaveTheKayaker]

The full story: davethekayaker.com/2020/02/03/home-made-kayak-ergometer-from-nordic-track-ski-machine/

[@mtrgv]

Now, that's really impressive, you have some wicked smart skills sir!

[@DaveTheKayaker]

I try.

[@paddlefaster]

Great design I'm going to build one for ski training.

[@willnettles2051]

Brilliant design. I saw this a couple of years ago, and I'm still impressed. The balancing aspect is top notch. I wonder if I couldn't build one of these and continually reduce the radius...and then try my 17" Iqyax without the outriggers. Yes to seeing how you make one. I'm really interested in what changes you've made in the past 4 years, and if any kayak team is using your machine. (Don't be discouraged if they aren't, even experts can't, or won't, understanding something they've never seen before.)

[@DaveTheKayaker]

davethekayaker.wordpress.com/2018/01/21/home-made-kayak-ergometer-from-nordic-track-ski-machine/

[@skipalong1001]

So great! Many companies make such a big marketing fuzz about their primitive developements (which are most likely based on old ideas anyway) which they then tout as being "innovative" and being based on "extensive research" lol, yeah right. It's allways amazing how many brilliant minds in the DIY field are out there, with cool KISS ideas (keep it simple s...) such as you. I was planning to build my own kayak trainer and already found two good DIY ideas here in a few minutes on youtube. THANKS

[@DaveTheKayaker]

OK, gang, here we are in 2016 and I have all the parts I need to build another one and record the video along the way. Who wants me to share each and every step of the process?

[@disco_bard]

+RivannaHipSnap Are you kidding? Yes!

[@SandyWalsh]

+RivannaHipSnap Yep, I'm in ... was going to make one myself anyways :)

[@Nieghorn]

YESSS!

[@normaschutt9129]

RivannaHipSnap Yes, please!

[@producerarg]

I want the explanation and the maps to build it!

[@uniquefrontiers]

I love it. Thank you . I’m in Australia. Training for Molokai 2023. I’m going to make one like yours . Thank you . Do you have anymore detail plans?

[@davidbolduc828]

Thank you for the measurement. Just got a Nordic Track Pro yesterday for $20 off Craigslist, and took it totally apart. I'm going to sketch up a basic design like yours before I begin to build to find out what more I need.

[@TheKayakingPunk]

I used to be a Sprint Kayaker, and I had to stop because I am just starting college and don't have time or money to go train with my team. If you could give plans and possible places to find parts this would help A LOT. I would be able to train again and hopefully get back on Team USA.

[@victorthomas4897]

Starting making mine now👍

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Yes! Thank you so much. Please share the final result with me.

[@PaulTomblin]

Great, now I've got to learn how to remount an erg!

[@DaveTheKayaker]

LOL! As long as you wear a helmet close to other furniture the remount should be greatly simplified.

[@emmamartin5274]

Great work! A beautiful design. Do you know of any alternatives to using nordic track ski machine parts?

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Nope. This is the only way I've tried.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Thanks for the comments, guys. I started a parts list and took some video when I constructed the last one but then had to hurry to finish it and I have not put in the time to create a complete set of plans. Now that the weather is nice I'd rather be outside kayaking, cycling or...just about anything else. Every starting ski machine seems to have slightly different parts and that makes it a bit difficult. Give me 'til the weekend and I'll put together some pictures & list of some of the parts, photos from the underside, comments, etc. If and when I ever find another cheap/free ski machine on Craigslist I'll build another one and document every step of the process--probably sometime over the winter.

[@grad2360]

RivannaHipSnap Hi, wondered if one of these would be available for purchase?

[@DaveTheKayaker]

OK, gang. I picked up another donated Nordic Track today. My winter project will be to build another kayak erg and write a complete plans, parts list, and also record video instructions as I go. At that point I intend to sell the plans for a very reasonable price. I guess I'll have another erg to sell then, too.

[@Brolicpolitics]

+RivannaHipSnap you still making these /selling plans

[@TheBeellete]

Is there a way to buy the plans or one of these? Or is there a way to buy one from you directly?

[@emilys1718]

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[@be-kind00]

The link to buy the plans has a different model without the rounded bottom for balance training. Where are those plans?

[@DaveTheKayaker]

The video describes how to build it with either the rockers or the square legs--your choice.

[@charlesguedes3152]

How can I get the plans to built one of this down here in Brazil? Do you sell the plans? Very nice job

[@DaveTheKayaker]

davethekayaker.wordpress.com/2018/01/21/home-made-kayak-ergometer-from-nordic-track-ski-machine/

[@davidbolduc828]

Could you tell me the overall length of your wonderful trainer. Seems like other people have made them a little longer, but yours is nice and compact.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Quick update: I now have 3 Nordic Track machines to convert and will begin the next build and record it as soon as the early kayak racing season is over. I've been very busy supporting my family and training. I've got kayak races the next 2 weekends and then a long bike ride the following weekend and then a 100-mile ultra marathon kayak race (The James River Rundown) the weekend of June 11-12, 2016. After that, I'll build the next ergometer and record it for your edification. I'll need help on this project, though. I need to find someone who can drive the finished product from Central Virginia to Los Angeles to deliver it to my fitness trainer, Vinnie Tortorich. The next one is his.

[@АлександрВащуков-у8н]

Perfect Product !!!!

[@DaveTheKayaker]

The video plans and part list are now available! bit.ly/2t7m5Ew

[@tomladyman2564]

Hi, what are the parts used to hold the rope in place? At 1:10 you can see them - clear-ish plastic, look like a cone? Also what kind of rollers are they? How does the power transfer to the flywheel through them? Thanks

[@JohnMessinger]

I have the same questions myself.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

I had posted a link to the part previously but I guess KZbin deleted it. Google search boat roller or bow roller and you'll see what that is. To be precise, the one I used is found at a major online retailer under the description, "Shoreline Marine 3-Piece Super Bow Roller Poly (3-Inch)." All they do is guide the ropes and keep them centered on the rollers.

[@forthrightnight]

Happy New Year! Hello from B.C. Wondering if there are any plans for this yet? We can probably build without plans but we are wondering what to call the clear acrylic spools up front , and where someone might find them for purchase. I tried finding acrylic spools to no avail. Thanks

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Thanks for the well wishes. Happy New Year to you, as well. I'm playing with a new design that replaces the spools and uses pulleys with sealed bearings instead. Once perfected I will share. The last 6 months of 2017 got crazy busy with work and travel but Jan. looks considerably more favorable to completing the new design. I just need the temperatures to get above single digits so I can work in the garage!

[@DaveTheKayaker]

davethekayaker.com/2018/03/02/diy-kayak-ergometer-plans-now-available/

[@01jpalermo]

Teriffic idea.... Looks to far outdo my PaddleOne (old!). Do you have any plan available for converting the Nordic Trac? I'd absolutely be willing to pay for the plan to build.... As to buying: depends on cost I guess....

[@kathleenpetereit3750]

Do you sell the plan for this ? My brother would like to make one for me. I am a surfski paddler on Vancouver Island, Canada.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Yes, I do now. Go to www.DaveTheKayaker.com and search "ergometer."

[@kayaktraining2361]

The balancer looks really cool, but I think the resistance for this "ergometer" isn't enough to use it as a training machine. I've built a Kayak "Strength Machine". A video can be found on my channel.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Thanks for the comment. Respectfully, you are mistaken. You might not realize this has adjustable resistance that can be increased almost to the point of not being able to paddle it. Resistance was one of the first things I thought about to make it as realistic as possible. I've had many people now tell me it feels exactly like a real stroke.

[@kayaktraining2361]

@@DaveTheKayaker honestly I can't see how you would be able to sprint on that machine. Maybe for non competition kayaker this is ok but for pros that won't work.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Pros are going to pay for the real deal not build one in their garage. Sprinting is not a problem on this device, though.

[@kayaktraining2361]

@@DaveTheKayaker you are right with the first part 😉. Anyway you've build a nice machine that is usefull for many paddlers.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Would you please define "professional kayaker" for me? I'd really like to know who these people are.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

If you make it any shorter then you'll probably need to add counterweight to the rear of it to keep it from nose diving from the weight of the flywheel.

[@stewartgorry3613]

Have you thought about trying to generate electricity with that thing?

[@vanessadalessandro1700]

From what site did you find the steps to build it?

[@DaveTheKayaker]

No site. No plans. I designed it as I built it.

[@normaschutt9129]

RivannaHipSnap Any update on the "instructional" video you mentioned you had planned to do when you built the next one?

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Not yet. Trying to find the time to complete it.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

davethekayaker.wordpress.com/2018/01/21/home-made-kayak-ergometer-from-nordic-track-ski-machine/

[@hrphughes]

Excelent great job

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Thank you!

[@DaveTheKayaker]

OK. So I have 2 more Nordic Track ski machines in my basement and over the next few months I'm going to build another erg on rockers and document the process and create plans for those who want to build their own. Who all would want the plans and how much would you be willing to pay for the plans, parts list, and videos on how to construct your own?? I know this is a labor of love sort of thing for a tight-knit community, but I don't think charging for plans is unreasonable either. Anyone want to buy the next machine?

[@MelWishan]

I am interested in buying or building. Please give me a price for the one you already have built, or how soon could I get your plans,parts etc.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

I recently sold the bench-style one and do not want to part with my personal one on rockers. Are you somewhere one the East Coast? Shipping costs would be prohibitive. Also, I would have to build a new one which would take several weeks. It is going to take me quite a while to put together plans, so none exist as of now.

[@MelWishan]

RivannaHipSnap Is there a reason why I cannot convert a rowing machine to a Kayak ergometer. Please look at the Stamina 4035. Is it not long enough? I would simply make the seat stationary and attach a Y cable to the pull chain. Please give me your thoughts. Thank You!!.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Mel Wishan I took a quick look at that device and don't know how you would do it. Seems to me you'd have to wait a long time for the gas piston to recover before it is ready for the next stroke. That would be very slow for a kayaker.

[@gellfex9287]

The problem with this type of ergometer is the same as the 1st time I saw a similar one over 25 years ago. It has no "glide" to it like a real rowing ergometer that uses a flywheel. I built one that did back then, but decided the market was too small.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Not sure what you are talking about. This uses a flywheel and has glide.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6LTpJaApraWbNk

[@DaveTheKayaker]

It is just a little under 78" (196cm).

[@latinstylezz]

You should sell the kit or plans for this. ;-)

[@DaveTheKayaker]

davethekayaker.wordpress.com/2018/01/21/home-made-kayak-ergometer-from-nordic-track-ski-machine/

[@XEinstein]

I love the design of this thing, but it seems to not accurately train a peddle stroke. On both sides the pull part of the stroke can surely be trained, but a stroke also has a push part by whichever hand is in the up position and this trainer does not simulate that. So it leads me to think that one only trains half of the stroke?

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Is that not an issue on all kayak ergometers? I've never heard of people being trained to push on the offside, but it is a solid shaft so I don't see how this is an issue.

[@XEinstein]

@@DaveTheKayaker It is not unique to your ergometer indeed. Still if I peddle in a real kayak i surely push to upper part of the peddle while at the same time I pull on the lower part of the peddle. A training device ought to simulate both those parts of a stroke I would think

[@DaveTheKayaker]

I understand, but you can still push forward with the upward hand as the resistance is coming from the other end of the paddle/shaft whether on an ergometer or in the water. The paddle blade in the air during the stroke has no forces on it other than wind/air in real life. Same on an ergometer.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

I've had enough requests to almost make me want to take mine apart and measure everything, list all the parts, and create plans, but it would sure be easier if somebody bought this one and forced me to build another one and document it along the way. If you are within driving distance of Central Virginia and want to buy this one let me know and we can make it all happen. I've got 2 more Nordic Tracks in my basement just waiting to be converted. Make me an offer.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

...the "bench style" one is sitting in the garage ready to be sold also.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Meyer, I'm in Charlottesville. I'd be willing to sell the bench-style trainer for $150 which is essentially the cost of the parts and lumber I have into it. $200 to meet you halfway somewhere. I do not have any plans for the device and as far as I know none exist. Let me know if you are interested.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

No, the bench-style one.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

***** Google absolutely ruined KZbin! Email me at this KZbin user name [at]cvillepaddlers.com and it will get to me (RivannaHipSnap). You've got me rethinking my garage situation and if you'd prefer a machine on rockers then I'd probably go ahead and take the bench-style one apart and convert it. Heck, I've got all the parts except for 1 4x6 and it would make some room in my garage. Just let me know. PS - FB message did not make it to me. Lots of others by my name.

[@1schwererziehbar1]

I didn't know Ted Cruz was so good at woodworking.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

LOL! Don't have to be Ted to be sportin' that sticker.

[@grad2360]

Could I pay you to build me one of these?

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Where are you located? I've got one half completed in my garage and just haven't found the time to complete it...but I will.

[@grad2360]

RivannaHipSnap I live in Oregon

[@grad2360]

RivannaHipSnap Yes, it would be awesome if you could finish that one and I could buy it. I just don't have the time or resources to do it although it looks super fun. I know cross-country is tough but obviously I'll pay the shipping as well. I am wanting to get intokayak racing out here.

[@DaveTheKayaker]

Let me work on it. I'm trying to find the time to complete the next one or two.

[@grad2360]

RivannaHipSnap sounds good

[@DaveTheKayaker]

New design is ready. 2 units just about complete. Watch this video and donate $5 to get the build plans first. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX3Uh6J7ad2erpo

[@horanagalle396]

Iam sri Lanka kayak Paleyr