The world's only portable multi-sport ERG training machine. Paddle, Ski, Row, Kayak, Swim, Surf and more.
Intro
Whipr is the world’s first portable and modular ERG training system. Whipr can be configured to allow the user to row, kayak, SUP, ski and swim. The system was designed to fit inside a standard luggage while providing the performance of ERG trainers 4 times the size.
Main Unit - Features
The heart of the Whipr system is the Main Unit. The Main Unit is a super compact module that contains the pull cord, resistance generator and the user interface. By combining the Main Unit with different accessories, the user is able to truly customeise their ERG experience.
Main Unit - Internals
One of Whipr’s biggest technological achievements was the miniaturization of the resistance generator in the Main Unit. The resistance generator uses a innovative planetary gearbox that allows for the use of a substantially smaller flywheel without sacrificing performance. The resistance is adjusted by reducing or increasing the distance of magnets from the flywheel.
Main Unit - Inflatable Door Anchor
Another major innovation in the Main Unit is how it mounts to a door for SUPing, Skiing and Swimming. The Main Unit uses a clever inflating door anchor that uses air pressure to pin itself securely against the bottom of a door. Not only is the Main Unit held in place securely, the door is under minimal stress and the inflatable anchor will not scratch or scuff any of its surfaces.
Whipr Family
The Main Unit is designed to work with the following accessories as well as off-the-shelf swim paddles.
Process
This is one of the projects I’m most proud of as I was not only responsible for the ID of the complete Whipr system, but also the mechanical side of the project. I was directly responsible for developing all of the mechanical innovations and I truly designed Whipr from the inside out. I also worked directly with production engineers to provide mechanical solutions to issues that arose during the latter stages of developement. The development of Whipr required an immense amount of prototyping and testing to get right. It also required rapid innovation and a complete embracement of the project beyond the confines of my field.
