Introducing Virtual Cox
Update: I'm changing the name of Virtual Cox to Fast Ergs. It now lives at fastergs.com. I'm using the name Virtual Cox for another project, coming spring 2017. You can subscribe for updates and to be notified when we launch here.
I'm pleased to announce the launch of a project I have been working on for a while. It's called Virtual Cox, and it's an online tool to help rowers and rowing coaches row faster and more efficiently. The homepage can be found at virtualcox.com.
In a sentence: Virtual Cox lets rowers and rowing coaches analyze video to go faster on the water.
Elevator pitch: Virtual Cox lets rowers and rowing coaches analyze video to go faster on the water. Video can be captured via any device, and data analysis tools enable closer critique of form, technique, and consistency. Sharing tools let coaches provide feedback to athletes for later review.
Even a short amount of footage can make rough edges glaringly obvious, even things the rowers don't realize they're doing themselves! Despite being such a rich source of feedback to both athletes and coaches, there are often barriers to using it effectively (or at all). Like photography, the best camera is the one you have with you. My goal is to give crews the tools to take and analyze more video.
Video can be uploaded from any device, so you don't have to bring along a video camera or mount any equipment on the boat. (Though you certainly can if you want!) Simply using your phone in the launch, GoPro up close, or video camera can take all the footage you need. Erging video works too, for those winter training sessions.
Once you've uploaded your video, tools allow you to slow down playback to closely review technique. For more advanced measurements, coaches and rowers can measure ratio, timing, and other metrics.
Coaches can save and easily share video and data with other coaches, coxswains, or athletes via a sharing link.
I'm always looking to hear from you! Send me an email at ryan@virtualcox.com, I read all of them, and try to get back to everyone. If it's been a few days and you haven't heard back from me, send me a quick ping. It's more likely it slipped off my radar than I took a personal disliking to your email. If you're a rower or coach looking to get faster on the water, sign up at Virtual Cox, and follow @virtualcox.