Dropping In Surf Show Podcast Vasa Trainer Paddling Training and Technique with Rob Sleamaker
Feb 6, 2024
Rob Sleamaker, author, coach, sports physiologist and founder/CEO of Vasa Trainer. He discusses the Vasa's origins and how it evolved from a Nordic-ski concept to a swim and paddle ergometer. They cover how the tool entered swim and surf science, differences between Vasa models, visual tape technique for stroke path, and the role of core, timing, and short consistent workouts for paddling fitness.
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How Vasa Pivoted From Skiing To Swimming
- Rob Sleamaker pivoted the Vasa from a Nordic ski training monorail to a prone swim/surf trainer after swim coaches loved the lay-down version at a 1990 conference.
- Early Olympic swim coaches Richard Quick, Nort Thornton, and Richard Schoberg ordered machines on the spot, launching Vasa into swim coaching and pools.
Surfer Magazine Made Vasa A Surf Tool
- Surfer Sam George borrowed a Vasa during rehab and wrote about it in Surfer magazine, which triggered a surge of surfer interest and many customer calls.
- That Surfer piece shifted the company's market from Nordic and triathlon into surf culture.
Swimmer ERG Gives Surf Paddling Realistic Power Data
- The Vasa Swimmer ERG (2004) simulates in-water propulsion with an air-braked fan and power meter, making metabolic and power measurements closer to real paddling than generic weight resistance.
- Researchers use the ERG to measure sustained power, fatigue effects, and metabolic demands relevant to surf paddling and open-water swimming.
