Seriously folks, we try hard not to over-inflate things, but the K4 really is a fast boat. Particularly over the past 4 years or so, it’s quietly become ubiquitous at fast college programs’ boathouses. This year in particular, we’ve sold more K4’s to high school programs than any other year, and we’re excited that those coaches and athletes find the boat just as fast and comfortable as the collegiate folks do. And though we don’t have an equipment contract with USRowing, Coach Teti bought a handful of K4’s for his Cal athletes when he started coaching there, and he chose them for the four’s work he did with the National Team guys as well. Check out a great Row2k.com photo gallery of the guys broken down into fours here, and another by Shiv from an April practice session at Briones here.

Two-time Olympian and USRowing Athlete of the Year Giuesseppe Lanzone had this to say about the K4 after training in one while preparing for London: “The K4s were nice. They are fast. We were setting some good times during steady state and during some 2k at low rates. Can’t really think of anything about them to change.”

Looking back over the spring racing results, here are a few fun facts about the K4 that prove that it really is the best racing shell out there:

• 9 out of the 12 IRA four’s medals were won in a K4 (including all 4 GOLD)
• 1st through 4th place at the Dad Vail in the Women’s V4+ were in a K4
• 6 of 7 women’s teams raced in a K4 at the Pac-12 this year (and since then, the 7th team has added 3 to their fleet)

Wondering about the K4 and if it’d be a good fit for your program? Give us a ring, or better yet, go ask one of the coaches who owns one. In the meantime, check out our new Rowing News ad: