Regatta Packing List Essentials

Regatta Packing List Essentials

Prepping for a regatta isn't just about the physical training and mental prep, but also ensuring you have the right tools for success on race day. The last thing you want to realize on race day is that you've forgotten to pack your favorite sunglasses, your team's unisuit, or your lucky warmup shirt. Below, you'll find a list of important items to remember to pack, whether you're going traveling to your own lake or across the country.
March 18, 2024 — Kristin Foster
Survivor Rowing Network: Seats for Survivors Fundraiser

Survivor Rowing Network: Seats for Survivors Fundraiser

Survivor Rowing Network (SRN) is excited to introduce rowing to more cancer survivors in 2024 and build on its success in 2023, their inaugural year. In honor of Valentine’s Day, SRN is launching their fundraising campaign, Seats for Survivors. JL Racing is proud to open the Seats for Survivors Pre-Order Store this month to support SRN's fundraiser. 10% of net sales from this pre-order store will be donated to the Seats for Survivors fundraiser.
February 13, 2024 — Kristin Foster
Two Passions on a Single: Charlie, the Rowing Chestnut

Two Passions on a Single: Charlie, the Rowing Chestnut

I have some rather niche passions. The first one might not seem so niche to you, since you are currently reading “The Launch” a rowing blog made by a rowing gear company, but for many, it seems quite odd to have a wake up before 5 am to go sit on a tippy boat, narrower than your butt, to move backwards on a river…My second passion is the Castanea dentata tree (I told you it was rather niche…), the American Chestnut tree!
February 08, 2024 — Kristin Foster
Ultimate Rowers Gift Guide

Ultimate Rowers Gift Guide

Welcome to the Ultimate Rowers Gift Guide - your ticket to finding the most unique and functional presents for the rower, coach, or coxswain in your life! We've carefully curated a selection of top-notch gifts that cater to the rowing community. From sleek unisuits that'll have you rowing in style to performance tops that'll keep you cool under pressure, and a variety of accessories, trou, and outerwear, you'll find this year's most-wanted rowing gifts! Whether you're shopping for a friend, family member, coach, teammate, or yourself, we've got you covered. Let the holiday gifting begin!
November 06, 2023 — Kristin Foster
Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Her

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Her

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the spirit of giving than by finding the perfect gift for the rower, coxswain, or coach in your life? Whether she's a dedicated athlete, a coach, or someone just starting to explore the sport, nothing beats the excitement of new, top-notch performance gear. We've handpicked a selection of thoughtful and functional gifts and bundles for every budget. Each bundle is meticulously crafted to enhance comfort, style, and performance on the water or erg. Gift individual products or the entire bundle for a holiday gift she is sure to love!
November 06, 2023 — Kristin Foster
Survivor Rowing Network at Head of the Charles 2023

Survivor Rowing Network at Head of the Charles 2023

Rowing Cares and the Survivor Rowing Network (SRN) entered two boats comprised of cancer survivors at HOCR 2023. The SRN's mission is to grow Survivor Rowing and help place more cancer survivors into boats and on ergs. They do this by strengthening existing survivor rowing programs through collaboration & by enabling rowing organizations looking to form new programs. Read below to learn more about the incredible women who are coaching, rowing, or coxing in this year's SRN boats at HOCR, and visit the JL tent at HOCR to meet and chat with them. Good luck ladies!
October 11, 2023 — Kristin Foster
Best 2k Songs: A Playlist for Erging

Best 2k Songs: A Playlist for Erging

We asked our followers what their go to 2k songs were, and the responses did not disappoint. From Metallica to the Cast of Glee, the genres are all over the place. Speaking from experience, it is so hard to pick a good song/playlist on 2k days. Some songs are too long, too short, or too repetitive. This playlist has a wide range of different genres, so hopefully it can strike some inspiration if you are at a loss for what to listen to! Tap on the link below to see the full playlist!

July 19, 2023 — Nora Devine
The Great Pacific Race: Rowing Oceans For Women

The Great Pacific Race: Rowing Oceans For Women

In a world where challenges seem limitless and boundaries are meant to be pushed, there are some individuals who embark on awe-inspiring challenges. In 2024, four women, who make up Rowing Oceans For Women, will be rowing unassisted across the Pacific Ocean in The Great Pacific Race. Join us as we delve into their journey, exploring the stories of these women, what motivates them, and the physical and mental strength it takes to undertake this extraordinary challenge.
June 13, 2023 — Kristin Foster
Mother's Day 2023 Gift Guide

Mother's Day 2023 Gift Guide

As Mother's Day approaches, you may be looking for a gift for your mom that is thoughtful and unique. Whether your mom rows or supports you from the sidelines, we have the perfect gift ideas for every mom. From accessories and unisuits, to tees and trou, show your mom how much you care with the gift of high quality rowing gear! If you're looking for even more gift ideas, be sure to check out our Mother's Day Gift Ideas Collection on JL Athletics.
April 26, 2023 — Kristin Foster
Team Spotlight: Sammamish Rowing Association

Team Spotlight: Sammamish Rowing Association

Usually a rowing club starts with some rowers and a coach, then some boats and oars, and eventually a boathouse. But with SRA, the boathouse came first. In 1994, Hod Fowler, a former collegiate rower, learned of an old boathouse in Marymoor Park. The boathouse was originally built by the Overlake School on the site of a former sewage-treatment plant. Overlake later abandoned the building, and Fowler discovered it was weeks away from being demolished as part of a toxic-site cleanup project in Marymoor Park.
March 29, 2023 — Kristin Foster
Erg Warmup With Philip Doyle

Erg Warmup With Philip Doyle

Warming up before a workout is crucial to get yourself ready to perform at your best, and avoid injury. Warming up increases your heart rate and therefore your blood flow. This enables more oxygen to reach your muscles. A warmup also activates and primes the connections between your nerve and muscles, which improves the efficiency of movement. So, how do you get ready for an erg workout or rowing on the water? Follow along with Philip Doyle, as he takes us through his warmup on the erg!
March 22, 2023 — Kristin Foster
Historic Women Creating Spaces for Women to Excel

Historic Women Creating Spaces for Women to Excel

It’s on the shoulders of these trailblazers that we stand today, personally I am indescribably grateful for their contributions to our programs and professions. Their resiliency to press forward despite glass ceilings, patriarchal precedent, and barriers to equality enabled them to painfully carve out the spaces that we have today in male-dominated environments like athletics and high-level professional environments. 
March 07, 2023 — Kristin Foster