BLOG

The Launch

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!
Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Him

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Him

'Tis the season of giving, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by finding the perfect present for the rower, coxswain, or coach in your life? Whether they're a seasoned athlete, your favorite coach, or a novice rower, there's nothing quite like the thrill of brand-new, high-quality performance gear. We've curated a thoughtful selection of gifts and bundles to suit every budget. Shop individual items or complete bundles for a gift that is sure to be loved! 
Athlete Spotlight: Grace Kennel

Athlete Spotlight: Grace Kennel

Meet Grace Kennel, a sophomore on the rowing team at Purdue. Grace loves 6 seat because she gets to follow, but likes to be in stern four, and she enjoys practicing in a 2-, but racing in a 4+ or 8+. "All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled gets her pumped up to row a 2k, and you'll find her eating handfuls of dry cheerios as a post-practice snack on the way home from the lake. Outside of rowing, she enjoys cooking since it is a fun way to destress after practice while also fueling herself. We sat down with Grace to find out what it's like being a student athlete, and what she has learned from the sport of rowing.
Honoring Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month

Honoring Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month

My name is Tammara Quevedo and I am a senior studying Kinesiology and Disability Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am a current varsity member for the Illinois Rowing Team. I started rowing my freshman year of college and I have fallen in love with the sport ever since. In celebration of Latinx and Hispanic Heritage month, I am honored to have JL Racing invite me to the conversation about what it is like to be a Latina in the rowing community and celebrate my culture. 

Back to Scull: A Wardrobe Guide

Back to Scull: A Wardrobe Guide

With the fall season approaching, it's time to spruce up your rowing gear! Whether you are going back to school, or you are going into your next masters season, here are 14 different items that will be a perfect addition to your fall kit. There is a mix of gear for warm weather, as well as some pieces for when the weather starts to turn. This list of versatile items will help set you up for success this upcoming season! For more fall gear, check out our Back to School Survival Guide on JL Athletics!
Athlete Spotlight: AJ Collins

Athlete Spotlight: AJ Collins

Meet AJ, a sophomore who rows starboard on Purdue Crew. He is studying to become a mechanical engineer, but really enjoys being on the team, since it allows him to dedicate himself to something bigger than himself. Being a student-athlete helps push him to be more effective and productive in everything that he does. AJ's favorite pre-practice snack is a plain bagel smothered in peanut butter, and after practice, you'll find him eating a banana and chocolate milk. 
Athlete Spotlight: Nikki Hallahan

Athlete Spotlight: Nikki Hallahan

Meet Nikki Hallahan, a freshman on the rowing team at Purdue University. Nikki started rowing in high school, and hasn't looked back! Her favorite pre-practice snack is a protein shake she makes in her dorm room with protein powder, almond milk, vitamins/supplements, and yogurt. Her favorite seat is bow seat in a 4x, and she is also bisweptual when rowing sweep! Read about how special rowing is to her, what her goals are for the season, and what she recommends to high schoolers considering rowing in college.