Question 1

What is a SpeedCoach?

Accepted Answer

A SpeedCoach® is a small waterproof GPS device used by rowers, paddlers, and coaches to measure performance on the water.

Think of it as a fitness watch for boats. It mounts to the boat and provides real-time information such as:
Speed – how fast the boat is moving
Stroke Rate – how many strokes per minute are being taken
Distance – how far the crew has travelled
Time – elapsed training or race time
Split Pace – the time it would take to travel 500 metres at the current speed

SpeedCoach® devices use GPS technology, so there are no wires or sensors to install. The information is displayed on a large screen that is easy to read while rowing.

In Simple Terms:
A SpeedCoach helps rowers answer three questions while they are on the water:
How fast are we going?
How hard are we working?
Are we improving?

It is commonly used by:
Rowers (and single sculls through to eights)
Coaches
Outriggers (OC)
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) 
For training, it allows crews to maintain target speeds and stroke rates. During racing, it helps athletes monitor their pace and performance in real time.

Question 2

What SpeedCoach is Best for me? GPS, OC or SUP

Accepted Answer

Although the SpeedCoach GPS, SpeedCoach OC, and SpeedCoach SUP look almost identical, each version is designed and calibrated for a different sport. They all use the same 5 Hz GPS technology, are waterproof, rechargeable, and (with the Training Pack) offer programmable workouts, wireless data transfer, heart rate compatibility, and detailed workout review. The main differences are the metrics and calculations that are most relevant to each sport.
 
SpeedCoach GPS (Rowing)
Designed specifically for rowing, the SpeedCoach GPS provides all the key information rowers and coaches need, including speed, split, stroke rate, distance and elapsed time. It can also be paired with an optional impeller for the most accurate speed-through-water measurements, making it ideal for training and racing in all rowing conditions.
Best for:
Sweep / Rowing
Sculling
Rowing clubs and schools/college
Coaches using rowing performance data

SpeedCoach OC (Outrigger Canoeing)
The SpeedCoach OC is tuned for outrigger canoe paddling. It measures speed, stroke rate and glide (distance per stroke) using algorithms designed around single-blade paddling. For OC6 crews or moving-water conditions, it can also be used with an optional impeller to measure true speed through the water rather than GPS speed.
Best for:
OC1
OC2
OC6
Outrigger racing and training

SpeedCoach SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding)
The SpeedCoach SUP is designed specifically for stand-up paddlers. It tracks speed, stroke rate, glide, distance and workout data using paddle-specific algorithms that help athletes optimise efficiency and pacing during training or racing.
Best for:
Flatwater SUP
SUP racing
Fitness paddling
Endurance training

Which one should you choose?
Choose the SpeedCoach GPS if you're a rower or sculler.
Choose the SpeedCoach OC if you're an outrigger canoe paddler.
Choose the SpeedCoach SUP if you're a stand-up paddleboarder.
While the hardware is very similar, each model's firmware and performance calculations are tailored to the movement patterns and metrics that matter most for its specific sport, ensuring the most accurate feedback and training data.

Question 3

SpeedCoach GPS Quick Start Guide

Accepted Answer

Get your SpeedCoach GPS up and running in just a few minutes.
Charge your SpeedCoach
Turn ON your Unit and Setup
Wait for GPS Signal
Mount your Unit inside the Boat
Start Rowing

Charge your SpeedCoach
Fully charge the SpeedCoach using the supplied NK charging dock before first use.
The battery icon will flash while charging and stop flashing when approximately 90% charged. The display will turn off once fully charged.

Turn ON your Unit and Setup
Press and hold the ON/OFF button for 2 seconds.
The home screen will appear and the unit will begin searching for GPS satellites. While your unit is searching, you can setup your display layout to how you want it.
Use the Up and Down buttons to cycle through the lower data fields, including:
Distance
Elapsed Time
Average Split
Distance per Stroke
Stroke Count
Heart Rate (Training Pack models)
Your SpeedCoach continuously displays will show:
Stroke Rate
Speed or Split
GPS Status
Battery Level

(If you want to change the two top display boxes, checkout the 'How to change my display screen on my SpeedCoach' in the below tab)

Wait for GPS Signal
Take the SpeedCoach outside with a clear view of the sky.
Wait until the satellite icon changes from hollow to solid. A solid satellite icon means the GPS has locked and is ready to record accurate speed and distance (typically within 1–3 minutes).

Mount your Unit inside the Boat
Attach the SpeedCoach securely using the strap mount or a NK bracket.
Always attach the supplied lanyard and float. The SpeedCoach GPS does not float, and NK is not responsible for lost units.

Start Rowing
Press Start once.
The display will show READY.
Begin rowing.
The timer, stroke rate, speed/split and distance will automatically begin once the first stroke is detected. While rowing, you can once again change your screens around if you would like.

Finish Your Session
Press Stop once to end recording.
Hold the Start/Stop button for 2 seconds to reset the workout.
Hold for 3 seconds to turn the unit off.
The SpeedCoach will also automatically power off after approximately 8 minutes of inactivity.

Review or Transfer Your Data (Training Pack)
With the Training Pack you can:
Review previous sessions on the SpeedCoach.
Wirelessly transfer workouts to NK LiNK software.
Export workouts for further analysis.

Need More Help?
The full user manual includes detailed instructions for workouts, settings, heart rate pairing, LiNK software, firmware updates, and advanced features. It is available inside the SpeedCoach pack and from the NK Australia Manuals & Downloads page. OR contact us and we will help guide you over the phone or via email.

Question 4

How to Change my Display Screen on my SpeedCoach GPS

Accepted Answer

The SpeedCoach GPS Model 2 allows you to customise the information shown on the display, so you can view the data that's most important to your training.

Change the Bottom (Flex) Display Fields
While on the main rowing screen:
Press the Up button to change the bottom left data field.
Press the Down button to change the bottom right data field.
Each press cycles through the available measurements, including:
Distance
Elapsed Time
Average Split or Speed
Stroke Count
Distance per Stroke
Heart Rate (Training Pack models only)
Other available workout metrics, depending on your model and settings

Change the Top Display Fields
If your SpeedCoach is running firmware version 2.12 or later, you can also customise the top display fields.
Press Menu.
Select Setup.
Select Display Setup.
Select Classic Setup...
Choose the display field you want to change. (Window 1 or Window 2)
Select your preferred measurement. (Use the up and down arrow buttons to change)
Press Back to save and return to the main screen.

Quick Navigation
Main Menu → Setup → Display Setup → Classic Setup

Question 5

What is Display Mode? Classic and Skill Display?

Accepted Answer

The SpeedCoach GPS has two display modes: Classic and Skill. Each mode is designed for a different style of training.

Classic Mode
Classic Mode is the standard display used by most rowers. It focuses on showing traditional performance metrics during a row. You can display measurements such as:
Stroke Rate
Split or Speed
Distance
Elapsed Time
Average Split/Speed
Stroke Count
Distance per Stroke
Heart Rate (Training Pack models)

The bottom two "Flex" windows can be changed by pressing the Up and Down buttons, and the top display fields can also be customised through Setup → Display Setup → Classic Setup
Best for:
Everyday rowing
Training sessions
Racing
Monitoring pace and performance

Skill Mode
Skill Mode is designed specifically for use with the EmPower Oarlock. Instead of focusing only on boat speed and stroke rate, it displays real-time rowing technique metrics collected from the oarlock. Depending on your setup, Skill Mode can display measurements such as:
Catch Angle
Finish Angle
Total Stroke Length
Slip
Wash
Peak Force
Power
Work per Stroke
Drive and Recovery timing

These metrics help rowers and coaches analyse technique and make improvements stroke by stroke. Skill Mode is only available when an EmPower Oarlock is connected. Without an EmPower Oarlock, the SpeedCoach will remain in Classic Mode (unless changed).
Best for:
Using an EmPower Oarlock
Technical coaching
Improving rowing efficiency
Performance analysis
Elite and high-performance training

In Simple Terms:
For most users, Classic Mode is the default and recommended display. Skill Mode is intended for rowers using the EmPower Oarlock who want detailed, real-time feedback on their rowing technique.

Quick Navigation
Main Menu → Setup → Display Setup → Display Mode

Question 6

SpeedCoach Maintenance Guide

Accepted Answer

For the best performance and lifespan of your NK SpeedCoach GPS, regular maintenance is simple but important.

After Every Row
Rinse with Fresh Water
Rinse the unit with fresh water after use, especially after rowing in salt water.
Remove any dirt, mud, or residue from the casing and charging contacts.
Dry thoroughly before storage.
Always check under the bumper for any hidden water or debris

Inspect Charging Contacts
Check the gold charging contacts on both the SpeedCoach and charging dock.
If corrosion or dirt is present, gently clean with a cotton bud and isopropyl alcohol.
Allow contacts to dry completely before charging. (Reports show dirty contacts are a common cause of charging issues.)

Check for Moisture
Inspect the screen for fogging or condensation.
If moisture is visible inside the display, stop charging and allow the unit to dry thoroughly

Charging
Use only the supplied NK charging dock.
Charge when the battery drops below 20–30% where practical. (A full charge typically provides about 6–8 hours of operation depending on backlight use.)
Avoid storing the unit completely flat for extended periods.
Do not leave SpeedCoach on charge indefinitely.

Storage
Store your SpeedCoach in a cool, dry place.
Avoid leaving it in a hot car, direct sunlight, or damp boat shed.
During the off-season, charge the battery periodically to keep it healthy.

Quick Monthly Check
Charge battery fully at least once a month
 Inspect for any damage around buttons or screen
Clean any dirt or corrosion from charging contacts
Clean your unit (especially under the bumper)
Test GPS before any race

Common Problems & Prevention
 
A good rule of thumb is: Keep it clean, keep it dry, and keep it charged. Doing those three things will prevent most SpeedCoach problems and help the unit last for many years.

Question 7

Why is my SpeedCoach not Charging?

Accepted Answer

If the battery has become very flat (low), it may take a little longer for the unit to show that it is charging. First please make sure the unit has “clicked” into place on the charger so that the silver contacts are aligned together. Then make sure you give the unit at least 30 minutes for the “charging” to appear on the screen. Typically after 30 minutes you should see a change from a blank screen to “charging”.

Inspect Charger and Contacts
Check the gold charging contacts on both the SpeedCoach and charging dock.
If corrosion or dirt is present, gently clean with a cotton bud and isopropyl alcohol.
Allow contacts to dry completely before charging. (Reports show dirty contacts are a common cause of charging issues.)
Check your charger and adapter port for any damage (if possible, try with other chargers or power sources)

If the unit is still not responding after more than 30 minutes on a charge, please contact NK for assistance.

Question 8

Why does my Unit keep turning OFF on me?

Accepted Answer

The unit will shut off after 10 minutes of inactivity. If it is registering a stroke rate, it should not shut off. If the timer isn’t running or distance isn’t accruing, you most likely are in STOP mode. Please hit the power button to set the unit in READY mode. If you would like to turn this off (so the unit will always keep running unless you shut it off), go into Main Menu->Setup->Auto Shutdown, and toggle it from 10 min to OFF.

Quick Navigation
Main Menu → Setup → Auto Shutdown → OFF

Question 9

My Unit is not picking up any Satellites, what can I do to fix this Issue?

Accepted Answer

When a SpeedCoach is turned on, it searches for GPS satellite signals. Until the unit acquires a strong GPS fix (typically under 2 minutes), the location and speed measurements can be erratic. If the timer has been started during this period, you may see jumps of up to 100m per stroke. It is recommended to allow at least 2 minutes between powering up the unit and starting a session or a workout.

Units include a satellite icon (GPS INDICATOR) on the workout screen header that will let you know when you have a satellite lock. If the Icon is Fully coloured black, it has locked on. If it is white, it has not locked on.

To see connection to satellites:
 Open menu
 Select ‘setup’
 Select ‘advanced’
 Select ‘diagnostics’
 Click button 3 times till you can see number of satellites.

Satellites can take time to connect, please move to an open area (not under cover) and wait for about 2 minutes, your unit should than start to pick up on different types of satellites.

How to reset satellite connection?
Follow to above steps to reach the Number of satellites screen. Then hold down the down arrow button for 5 seconds. This will cause the unit to reset its satellite connection. If done correctly, the Position Accuracy number should change to 99.99 and the Number of satellites to 0 for a couple of seconds.

If the issue persists, please contact NK

Quick Navigation
Main Menu → Setup → Advanced → Diagnostics → Click button 3 times → press down arrow for 5 seconds

Question 10

Why is my Stroke Rate not Recording the Strokes Properly?

Accepted Answer

For many rowers, the stroke rate should work great right out of the box with the factory settings, but there may be some rowers that need to make some slight tweaks to the unit in order to get a better stroke rate reading.

First you should make sure the unit is properly mounted so that it is directly facing you (perpendicular to the port or starboard sides). If you need to mount it on an angle, for example a 45 degree angle from the port or starboard side, then you will need to toggle the Axis to Any (3). You can do this through the Main Menu → Setup → Advanced → Stroke Rate Setup → Axis.

For the majority of the time we do recommend leaving the setting on Front-Back (2). This is especially true if you have choppier waters. If you are in choppy waters, it is best to remove the Z-axis motion and set the axis to Front-Back (2).

If you are having issues with the unit detecting too many strokes or not enough strokes, our recommendation is to adjust the Noise Filtering setting. To do this, you would go to Main Menu → Setup → Advanced → Stroke Rate Setup → Noise Filtering

Note:
If you are getting more strokes than you think you should be getting, please raise the Noise Filtering value (default is 3).
If you are getting less strokes than you think you should be getting, please lower the Noise Filtering value (default is 3).

Quick Navigation
Main Menu → Setup → Advanced → Stroke Rate Setup → Noise Filtering or Axis

Question 11

Can I pair more than one EmPower Oarlock to a SpeedCoach?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no.

To keep installation, pairing, and operation as simple as possible, the initial EmPower Oarlock system uses a one-to-one connection between an Oarlock and a SpeedCoach. Each Oarlock must be paired with its own dedicated SpeedCoach to display and record performance data.

What about scullers using two oars?
While scullers naturally have differences between their port and starboard strokes, these variations are typically small. If the differences were too large, maintaining a straight course would be difficult. In most cases, the larger performance factors affecting boat speed can be accurately measured from a single side.

When operating in sculling mode, the SpeedCoach automatically doubles the Work and Power values recorded from a single EmPower Oarlock, providing an estimate of the athlete’s total output.
Launching the system as a one-to-one solution for sculling also allows us to better understand which performance metrics are most valuable to scullers. This feedback will help us develop a clear and intuitive interface for displaying the significantly larger amount of data generated when two Oarlocks are used simultaneously.

Even with a single Oarlock, the EmPower system delivers powerful insights into rowing performance. Because the Oarlock is quick and easy to install, it can also be moved between sides whenever desired, allowing athletes and coaches to compare left and right-side measurements.

Question 12

Why does my Timer Start before my First Stroke? Why doesn’t my Timer Start on my First Stroke?

Accepted Answer

When the SpeedCoach is in Ready mode, the timer will automatically start when it detects your first stroke.

If the timer starts before you take your first stroke, increase the Timer Start Acceleration setting slightly. To adjust this setting, navigate to: Main Menu → Setup → Advanced → Stroke Rate Setup → Timer Start Acceleration

The default value is 4. If the timer does not start on your first stroke, decrease the Timer Start Acceleration setting slightly from the default value of 4 until the timer responds correctly.

Quick Navigation
Main Menu → Setup → Advanced → Stroke Rate Setup → Timer Start Acceleration

Question 13

What does Auto Pause do?

Accepted Answer

When Auto Pause is set to ON, the timer will automatically pause if no stroke is detected for 6 seconds. The timer will resume automatically as soon as a new stroke is recorded.

When Auto Pause is set to OFF, the timer will continue running regardless of whether strokes are being detected.

Note: Average Speed is calculated using the total distance travelled divided by the elapsed time shown on the timer. If Auto Pause is turned OFF, the timer will continue running while you are not rowing, which will reduce your calculated cumulative average speed.

Quick Navigation
Main Menu → Setup → Auto Pause →  ON or OFF

Question 14

How to Connect my Heart Rate Belt?

Accepted Answer

Note: Heart rate monitoring is available on SpeedCoach GPS Model 2 Training Pack units. If you have the Base pack (non-Training Pack) model, heart rate pairing is not possible.

Pair Your Heart Rate Belt
Put on your heart rate belt.
Moisten the electrode pads.
Fasten the belt snugly around your chest, just below your chest muscles.
The transmitter must be awake before pairing.
Turn ON your SpeedCoach GPS.
On your SpeedCoach, open the Main Menu, select:
Setup
Accessory Setup
HRM Setup
Pair HRM
The SpeedCoach will begin searching for nearby heart rate belts.
Once your heart rate belt is found, select it to complete the pairing.
Return to the main rowing screen. A heart icon and your current heart rate will appear when the connection is successful.

If Your Heart Rate Won't Connect
Try these troubleshooting steps:
Ensure you're wearing the heart rate belt before attempting to pair.
Moisten the electrode pads if they're dry.
Replace the battery in the heart rate transmitter if it is low.
Move away from other heart rate monitors during pairing to avoid connecting to the wrong device.
Delete the existing pairing (if available) and pair the belt again.

Compatible Heart Rate Belts
The SpeedCoach GPS Model 2 is compatible with Bluetooth Smart (Bluetooth Low Energy/BLE) heart rate belts. It is not compatible with ANT+ only heart rate monitors.

Quick Navigation
Main Menu → Setup → Accessory Setup → HRM Setup → Pair HRM

Question 15

How to change the Time and Date on my Unit?

Accepted Answer

The clock on the SpeedCoach GPS is set automatically using GPS / Time zones. You cannot manually set the time of day or date. Instead, you only need to select the correct time zone. Once the unit has a GPS satellite lock, it will update the clock automatically.

To Change the Time Zone
Turn on your SpeedCoach.
Press Menu.
Select Setup.
Select Advanced (keep clicking down to see)
Select Time and Date (or Time Zone, depending on your firmware version).
Use the Up and Down buttons to select your local time zone, time format (12 or 24 hour) and daylight savings.

Update the Clock
After changing the time zone:
Take the SpeedCoach outside with a clear view of the sky.
Wait for the satellite icon to change from hollow to solid.
Once GPS has locked, the SpeedCoach will automatically update to the correct local time. This usually takes 1–3 minutes.

If the Time Is Incorrect
If the displayed time is still wrong:
Check that the correct time zone is selected.
Wait until the SpeedCoach has a solid GPS satellite lock before rowing.
If you've travelled between time zones, allow the unit a few minutes to acquire GPS and update the clock.
Make sure your SpeedCoach is running the latest firmware if the issue persists.

Quick Navigation
Main Menu → Setup → Advanced → Time and Date

Frequently asked questions