Open beta — structured programming is live; log workouts manually. Concept2 sync is on the roadmap.

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Introducing ErgBuddy: Your Smarter Training Partner

April 16, 20263 min read

Why we built ErgBuddy

Most rowing training knowledge lives in college boathouses and behind expensive coaching subscriptions. If you're a self-coached masters rower, a walk-on learning to train, or someone who just bought their first Concept2 — the best advice you'll find is scattered across Reddit threads, aging forum posts, and paywalled coaching platforms.

We thought that was wrong.

ErgBuddy codifies sports science into software so that every rower gets quality programming — not just those who can afford a personal coach or a $44/month subscription tied to proprietary hardware.

What ErgBuddy does

At its core, ErgBuddy is simple:

  1. Enter your benchmarks — your 2k, 6k, or 60-minute personal best
  2. Get a periodised programme — Foundation through Race rehearsal
  3. Row today's workout — target split, duration, and reasoning, every day

Every pace zone and training phase comes from published rowing physiology research. Your benchmarks drive the entire programme. No guessing — calculating.

Built for real rowers

ErgBuddy isn't a gamified fitness app. It's not an entertainment platform bundled with expensive hardware. It's a focused training tool built by rowers, for rowers:

  • The 40-year-old on a home erg who wants structure but doesn't know where to start
  • The college walk-on learning how to train properly for the first time
  • The competitive masters athlete chasing a PB at Crash-Bs
  • The coach managing a team (team tools are Coming on Team)

What's free, what's Pro

ErgBuddy is free to start with no credit card required. The free tier includes:

  • Benchmark tracking and pace zone calculation
  • Goal-specific training programmes
  • Daily workout with target split and reasoning
  • Full workout history in-app
  • Demo mode with sample data (no sign-up)

Pro unlocks the full toolkit for $2/month (or $9.99/year — that's less than a single race entry):

  • Progress charts and split trend visualisation
  • Training load analytics
  • Export workout history (CSV)

Teams get Partnership pricing at $1.99/user/year ($20/yr minimum). Deeper coach dashboard and team workflows are called out on the Team plan as they roll out (Coming on Team).

Every erg. Every browser.

ErgBuddy is a web app — no app store required. It works on any device with a browser. Concept2, WaterRower, RP3, or that old Hydrow collecting dust in the garage — it all works.

It's also a PWA, so you can install it on your phone's home screen for a native-app feel.

What’s next / open beta

ErgBuddy is in open beta. Structured programming, benchmark-based pacing, and manual workout logging are live. You can log on-water sessions by hand today (no device sync). Expect rough edges; features ship continuously.

On the roadmap

  • Concept2 Logbook sync — auto-import workouts (manual logging today)
  • Team coaching workflows — Coming on Team

We build in the open — hello@ergbuddy.com

Try it now

Head to ergbuddy.com to start training. No sign-up required — demo mode lets you explore the full app with sample data.

Your smarter training partner is ready when you are.