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More than just a machine...
When Pete and Dick Dreissigacker first started Concept II in 1976, they
weren't thinking about rowing machines. Their first product was a new composite
racing oar, designed for college crews and national rowing teams. Within a few years,
the Dreissigacker oar had become the new standard for the rowing community - and it
still is. It was used by 85% of the crews in the 1996 Olympics. In 1981, the first Concept II
Rower was produced. It, too, rapidly took hold with rowers around the world.
Unlike the oars, the Concept II caught on quickly with people who had never
rowed on the water. It's popularity has grown steadily while other rowing machines
have come and gone. Aside from the high quality and excellent feel of the machines,
the reason for Concept II's popularity is the company behind the machine. Concept II
provide support for their customers that ranges from technical help to motivational
programs and continues to grow in response to customer requests and enthusiasm.
The first issue of Concept II's newsletter, the Ergo Update, was mailed out on December
1982. Twice a year, it provides indoor rowing news, training ideas and product information.
Concept II's customers have been a driving force in many innovations. Take Indoor racing, for
example. It was started by a group of rowers in Boston in 1982. They were looking for a way
to spice up winter training so they held a competition. They had six Concept II Rowers and
90 people. They called it the C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints.
Fifteen years later, the descendant of that first race is now called the "World Indoor
Rowing Championships" and boasts over 1200 participants from around the world.
The time line below shows the growth of Concept II and numerous of examples of the
strength of Concept II's commitment to it's customers.
1981
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Model A introduced
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1982
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1st C.R.A.S.H-B. Sprints
The Ergo Update was introduced in 1982. Its circulation has grown to 130,000 worldwide.
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1983
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1984
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1985
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The World Ranking: In 1985, Concept II started publishing an annual listing of scores for 2500
meters on the Concept II. Scores are ranked in 10 year age categories and two weight classes.
Even if you are near the bottom of the list, the Ranking offers you a way to measure progress and
the goal of moving up to the nearest percentile.
1985 also saw the introduction of the Million Meter Club: It doesn't matter how long it takes you.
Concept II will send you a certificate and patch to recognize your achievement.
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1986
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Model B introduced.
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1987
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1988
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1989
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Kids' Distance Clubs: Our goal is to encourage fitness and fun,
and not to stress the competition. Kids' distance goals are determined by their age,
and it doesn't matter how long it takes to reach them. Their award is a patch and a
certificate.
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1990
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Team Million Meter Club: Teamwork, camaraderie. Whether from a health club, a school,
or a corporate fitness center, the Concept II Team Million Meter Club provides a wonderful
group incentive.
Five Million Meter Club: It wasn't long before the first Million Meter Club members were
asking Concept II what was next! Besides receiving a second path and certificate, you'll get a
Five Million Meter Club T Shirt.
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1991
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Ten Million Meter Club: This is Concept II's newest club. It was the
request of the Five Million Meter Club members. In addition to a special
patch and the the certificate, you'll receive a Ten Million Meter Club sweatshirt.
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1992
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1992 C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints
The World Ranking has grown each year to include over 16,000 names from over 40 different countries!
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1993
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Model C introduced
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1994
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1995
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www.concept2.com Concept II's web site includes "The Workout of the Day" and
other training information, indoor rowing news, and information on Concept II programs.
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1996
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Crew classes: Group rowing led by certified Indoor Rowing instructors.
Offers the "team boat" experience for indoor rowers.
"Voyage to Terra Vitae": This map game gives you an incentive to row as you
mark your course through an unexplored region of the South Pacific.
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1997
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The Boathouse: A package for Health Clubs, which includes multiple Indoor Rowers,
a regular schedule of Crew Classes, the Concept II Information Kiosk, signs, posters
and certified Indoor Rowing instructors.
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