Whipr is a portable ERG machine

designed for Paddle, Row, Ski, Swim, Kayak,

Canoe, Dragon Boat and multi sport training. 

At around 6x6x6″ (16x16x16cm) and weighing around 6lbs (2.7kg), whipr is conveniently sized to fit in any home gym, studio apartment or workout space. Get a full sized workout, pack it down in seconds and store it next to your sneakers.

Whipr is also great for travel as it packs easily in your carry on bag (along with accessories) and is permitted to fly on airplanes… we’ve done it many times. 

Whipr started out as a way to replicate stand up paddling. We’ve expanded on the original concept and now have accessories available to support:

• Stand up paddling
• Cross country skiing
• Rowing
• Dragon Boat padding
• Canoeing
• Kayaking (requires two base stations)
• Swimming (requires two base stations)

Each modality uses the same whipr base unit and is enabled by the use of accessories. You may purchase the whole package or choose just the accessories you need to match your training and exercise needs. Whipr will accept any handles, straps or bars commonly used on a regular gym cable machine (carabiner attachments).

Switching modalities is as simple as swapping whipr’s orientation and accessories. This takes takes around 15 seconds so it’s easy to set up HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) sets using all three modalities. 

Whipr can be used with any cable machine attachments, like these velcro leg cuffs.

The whipr base unit is essentially a miniaturized rowing machine 

with multiple modalities (exercises). It completely replaces the big, bulk rowing machines and ski-ergs that you’d usually only find in a gym, in fact to purchase equivalent quality machines for all three modalities would cost you over $4,000 and fill up a small bedroom. Whipr will cost you around 10% of that amount and it’s around half the size of a basketball.   

Key Specifications

• Size =  6.7″x6.4″x6.4″
• Weight = 6.9lbs (2.9kg) 
• Pull cord length = 10 ft (3m)
• Resistance =  Around the same as a full sized rower on setting 6-8
• Resistance levels = 10
• Retraction resistance = none

Resistance Mechanism

The primary source of resistance is the planetary gearbox. Just like water, our gearbox is harder to get moving then keep moving. So once you build momentum whipr rewards your consistency with a slightly easier catch and pull (stroke), just like on the water. Additional resistance is achieved by increasing or decreasing the resistance wheel which engages magnetic resistance on the inside. You can read more about the engineering below.

Features

On the front of whipr is the pull cord, the digital screen and the inflate and deflate buttons for the inbuilt anchor. The rear of the unit features the resistance adjustment wheel as well as the inflatable anchor (the flap on the back) and the removable webbing anchor for anchoring whipr to any fixed object.

Front view showing pull cord, digital screen and inflatable anchor controls

Rear view showing adjustment wheel. Hard mount anchor is installed.

Rear view with the inbuilt door anchor inflated.

The webbing anchor can be installed vertically or horizontally

As part of our partnership with Rich we’re producing a limited edition base station with black accents coupled with our complete package. The package also features two bonus fitness programs including a free month of his own MayhemNation.com. The package is available now in limited quantities.

In re-thinking the ERG machine we first had to figure out how to secure it. Anchoring to a door was the obvious choice but we didn’t want to be limited, so we added a webbing anchor which allows attachment to any fixed object like a tree, couch leg, fence post or tent peg. Basically anything that is heavy or securely fixed to the ground. Whipr is supplied with a webbing strap for objects up to 24″ however any webbing up to 2″ wide will work.

An ergometer, or ERG, is simply a device that measures work or energy expended during a period of physical exercise. Our onboard computer will display common metrics and features such as:

• Per minute stroke rate
• Total reps/strokes
• Count up/down timer
• Total distance
• Time to complete distance
• Calories burned
• 500m split 

Further, for those users who choose to upgrade to bluetooth connectivity, our app enables more customization and metrics. The exact details of the app are yet to be finalized. 

Bluetooth connectivity is now featured on all base units. 

Connectivity & App

Whipr supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to broadcast measurements like Speed, Pace and Power (among others). Our programming uses FTMP/FTMS (FiTness Machine Profile/Service), the Bluetooth standard for fitness equipment. This open protocol makes it very easy for third parties to integrate whipr in their own fitness app. Whipr will also have its own app that provides a real time dashboard, a log book plus features like workout videos.

Our Bluetooth & health team

To integrate bluetooth we’re working with the team from Splendo. Splendo is a Dutch company with a focus on IoT, AI and Digital Health. They’ve built technology and apps for many high end companies and are an official Garmin Partner. Whipr will be integrated into the SplendoFit platform with app access for all backers. 

Additionally, our medical advisor Jeroen Molinger (Lead Clinical Medical Exercise Physiologist at Duke University Hospital, Center for PeriOperative organ protection), will be testing the feasibility and validity of whipr as an intervention tool in the rehabilitation and perioperative space. Our backers will receive the benefit of this in terms of better app data and we’re thrilled that whipr will be able to help out a lot of people in their rehabilitation and recovery. 

Our stand up paddle shaft has been developed in collaboration with Black Project SUP, manufacturers of world championship winning paddles and fins. The paddle shaft collapses into 2 pieces (one of which houses the adjustable shaft length) and is length adjustable to suit any height. The pieces are each 17.5″ long and will easily fit inside a carry on bag (typical carry on bag height is 22-24″).

The paddle shaft is a special blend of carbon fiber that is softer then normal paddles to give it a distinctive ‘alive’ feeling in your hands. We’ve spent a lot of time playing with the right compounds to get it just right and the action is endorsed by world championship paddlers. To attach the paddle shaft simply clip the carabiner onto the whipr base unit.

Our paddle shaft, perfectly sized for travel and for paddlers large and small.

Train outdoors by anchoring to almost any fixed object. Great for bootcamps!

The cross country skiing accessory functions similarly to ski-ergs you’ll find in high-end and cross fit gyms. Resistance is engaged with both arms (isolated single arm resistance would require two whipr base units). We’ve built this accessory to be compact and travel easily while retaining full fluid motion.  

To use the ski attachment simply unfold it, hook it over a door frame, attach the pulley to the whipr base unit hook and start skiing. The cord length is adjustable with a convenient system built into the handles and when you’re finished it folds down to just 10″x4″ for easy storage and travel. 

The rowing accessory was a true engineering challenge! It gives the feeling and action of a full sized rower while being extremely compact. When you’re finished training, the rower folds down in around 60-90 seconds and can be easily stored.

Rower Specifications:

• Weight limit = 350lbs
• Total length = 72″ (1.82m) inclusive of the mounted base unit and feet
• Total height = 20″ (50cm) inclusive of the mounted base unit and feet 
• Track length = 50″ (1.29m) from middle of foot placement to rear seat position. Suitable for individuals with an inseam of 38″ or less (individuals up to 6’6″)
• Seat height = 8″ (20cm) from floor to seat position
• Seat to pull cord distance = 9.5″ (24cm)
• Exact dimensions are subject to slight change

Plenty of room to spare when packed for travel

The Swim & Surf accessory will be given away as a bonus to anyone adding a second base station to their perk. We will share images in our updates as it is developed. Here’s how it to set it up:

1. Anchor 2 x whipr base units under a door at a width that is suitable for your shoulder width. For example, if you have wide shoulders you’ll set them further apart then someone with narrower shoulders. You can really fine tune the placement for your individual stroke which is a very unique feature of whipr. 
2. The Swim & Surf accessory will comprise of two handle paddles that attach to the whipr cord. Connect these to the base unit.
3. Position your own bench (such as a weight training bench, a Reebok step, cooler or tall foam block)  a few feet from the anchor point, centered with the base units.  
4. For swimming we suggest laying on your back as it frees up your lungs to work, visualize that the bench is the air and the air above you is the water. For surfing we recommend laying on your stomach as this accuratly recreates the feeling of laying on a board and paddling. 
5. Concentrate on your form and pull through the resistance exactly as you would on your board or in the water. 

The dual base unit (kayak) accessory is only available
in our post campaign manager Backerkit. The backer exclusive price is $85.

Using two base stations and our dual base station attachment you can convert the rower into a kayak ERG. You will need the following items:

1. Two base units
2. The rowing accessory
3. The dual base station accessory (available as an add-on in our fulfillment manager)
4. (Optional) Kayak paddle

Our kayak paddle is also available separately for $85.
It is length adjustable by 7″ and packs down for portability

We looked at traditional rowing machines and how they provide resistance, decided to completely scrap all conventions and design the ultimate portable ERG machine from the ground up. 

To get the gearing right we started with an over-size unit, similar in size to a rowing machine you’d see at a gym, this enabled us to develop a proprietary planetary gearbox and clutch system that provides smooth resistance and a realistic paddling/rowing/skiing experience. 

Prototype #1 – Early development of the planetary gearbox

The challenge was to create resistance that is harder to get moving than it is to keep moving, just like in real life when the forward momentum of a paddler or skier results in easier stroke action, as long as momentum is maintained.

Prototype #1 allowed the development of the planetary gearbox which we then miniaturized to create prototype #2. We also increased the resistance overall and added additional magnetic resistance so that your workout experience can be individualized.

Once we had the miniaturized planetary gearbox adjusted just right it was time to figure out how to secure whipr to a common object and make it as functional and portable as possible. We got the anchors dialed in and the whipr base unit was born.

“There I was sitting in a hotel looking at yet another filthy hotel gym thinking, why can’t I just get paddle fit wherever I want to? I searched around for a portable rowing machine, a sup machine or ski machine and found that nothing existed, so I built one that does all three.” – whipr Inc. Founder & CEO Luke Tipple

Luke is a marine biologist, shark diver and SUP fanatic from Australia. He spends a lot of  time on the road, living out of hotels and boats filming documentaries for Discovery Channel. Having founded whipr he’s now working full time to make it a reality. 

To build whipr he’s teamed up with with Shape Products out of Toronto Canada. Their engineering and design firm have been in business for 30 years and have a long and solid history of bringing products to market, from inception through to production with their manufacturing partners. 

Also contributing as an advisor and paddle shaft manufacture is Chris Freeman, CEO and founder of Black Project SUP in Maui, Hawaii. His company makes world championship winning paddles and fins for stand up paddle-boards, surfboards and windsurfers.

As a team we’re ready to hit go on production.

Many campaigns have disappointed their backers by not thinking through their shipping and logistics strategy. That’s why we’re pleased to let you know that we’ve partnered with a global fulfillment and logistics company, Floship, and passed their 7 point comprehensive review. You can read about it by clicking the image below. 

Shipping times

We will ship all rewards (except the limited edition black model) in February 2021. Actual delivery date may be up to 4 weeks later depending on your territory. Black models will ship in March.  

Whipr is pleased to work with floship to ensure efficient and cost effective perk delivery.
Click on the image for proof and a comprehensive, professional review of our shipping and fullfillment plan.

All shipping and applicable VAT fees will be collected separately just prior to shipping. 

The following table assumes  purchase of one full whipr package with all accessories. This is a professionally prepared estimate and prices may go up or down depending on your choice of accessories and global shipping rates when we get to the fulfillment stage. We will strive diligently to achieve the right balance of shipping speed and cost efficiency for our backers.

We ship worldwide, if you country isn’t listed we will still ship to you at the lowest possible rate we can secure. 

Sample shipping rates as of September 14, 2020

In partnership with