The Dark Horse Academy
Master the final 10% That Changes Everything
Reveal the technique secrets holding you back, perfect your stroke mechanics, and become the coach others trust to transform their rowing.
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WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
The Gold Standard in Rowing Education
- Most Comprehensive Concept2 Certified Course - Train with rowing experts who've developed the most thorough, practical approach to mastering the rowing stroke
- Unmatched Depth of Feedback - Receive detailed, personalized technique assessment from industry-leading coaches, not just generic pass/fail evaluations
- Rigorous Certification Standards - Earn credentials that actually mean something—we maintain the highest testing standards while others offer "pay-to-play" certificates
Master the Final 10% That Makes All the Difference
- Break Through Hidden Technique Barriers - Discover the subtle refinements that videos alone can't teach you—the exact adjustments that transform good rowing into exceptional rowing
- Solve the "Why Am I Stuck?" Mystery - Finally understand why you've plateaued despite watching countless tutorials and following multiple programs
- Gain the Eyes of an Expert Coach - Learn to see what others miss—the precise technical elements that separate effortless power from wasted energy
Turn Your Rowing Passion Into Impact
- Transform from Student to Guide - Develop the skills to help others discover the joy and benefits of proper rowing technique
- Create Exceptional Rowing Experiences - Design structured, effective classes that deliver consistent results instead of piecing together "Frankenstein" workouts
- Stand Out in a Growing Market - Capitalize on rowing's surging popularity with credentials that truly set you apart—recognized by the largest community in rowing education
We don't just teach rowing—we've created the most robust and valuable system for mastering every aspect of rowing technique. While others offer simplified approaches, Dark Horse Academy delivers the depth of understanding serious rowers demand.
If you're committed to reaching your true potential and helping others do the same, you've found the definitive resource you've been searching for.
Course Curriculum
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PreviewWelcome to the course (1:41)
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PreviewWho is Dark Horse Rowing (3:56)
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PreviewWho is Concept 2 (12:40)
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PreviewHow to get the most out of the course (3:28)
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PreviewSetting expectations (2:27)
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StartJoin the community (2:15)
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PreviewRequirements to Becoming a Concept2 Trainer - READ BEFORE BEGINNING COURSE
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StartWelcome to Module 2 (2:39)
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StartWhy rowing rocks! (1:29)
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StartParadigm shift (7:03)
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StartYour basis of understanding (5:00)
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Start4 basic positions (3:46)
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StartThe most important part of the stroke (7:45)
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StartSetting up on the machine (2:22)
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StartThe Catch- Practical application (7:38)
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StartDrive and release (6:54)
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StartRecovery lecture (5:14)
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StartWrap up (2:59)
WHAT YOU GET IN THE DARK HORSE ACADEMY
Comprehensive Training & Resources
- Complete Mastery System - Our enhanced Concept2 curriculum plus Dark Horse's exclusive advanced techniques refined through teaching thousands of rowers worldwide
- Technique Transformation Blueprint - Detailed video breakdowns revealing the subtle 10% adjustments that separate average rowers from exceptional ones
- Expert Feedback on Your Form - Personalized assessment of your technique video submission with specific guidance for improvement
- Programming Framework - Design effective workouts and progressions that deliver consistent results for any level of rower
Professional Development
- Coaching Psychology Masters - Learn the mental aspects of effective teaching that transform technical knowledge into student breakthroughs
- Dark Horse-Exclusive Drill Library - Access our proprietary collection of drills developed over years of solving the most common rowing challenges
Exclusive Community & Support
- Dedicated Certification Guide - Step-by-step support through the examination process to ensure your success
- Alumni Network Membership - Connect with an elite global community upholding the highest standards in rowing instruction
Our Commitment to You
- Lifetime Access - Return to the materials anytime as your coaching journey evolves
- Personalized Success Guarantee - We stand behind our methodology with a commitment to your growth—if you put in the work, we'll provide whatever additional support you need to succeed as a rowing coach
This comprehensive system doesn't just teach rowing—it transforms how you understand, experience, and share the power of proper technique.
Proudly certifying Concept2 Coaches since 2011
WHO IS THIS FOR?
For Those Ready to Master Rowing's Deepest Secrets
This Academy is designed for passionate individuals who refuse to settle for "good enough" technique—who sense there's something more to discover and want to unlock their full potential on the rowing machine.
Whether you're seeking personal mastery or planning to transform others' rowing experience, this program delivers the precise knowledge and expert feedback to take you there.
Our Successful Graduates Include:
- Fitness Professionals who elevated their coaching and dramatically increased client results
- Dedicated Enthusiasts who transformed from frustrated plateau-hitters to confident, efficient indoor rowers
- Gym Owners who created signature rowing programs that became their most popular offerings
- Masters Athletes who discovered technique adjustments that renewed their performance and prevented injury
- Military & First Responders who implemented rowing protocols that improved their teams' functional fitness
- International Coaches who adapted our methodology to serve non-English speaking communities
- Indoor Rowing Converts who found new passion and purpose on the machine
The Common Thread? Commitment to Excellence.
Our graduates come from diverse backgrounds but share one defining characteristic: they're unwilling to compromise on proper technique and are committed to understanding the rowing stroke at its deepest level.
Important: This Academy Demands Your Best
This is not a passive "watch and forget" course. The Dark Horse Academy requires active participation and practical application. You'll be challenged to demonstrate your understanding through rigorous assessment.
But for those willing to put in the work, the transformation in both personal technique and coaching ability is unmatched anywhere else.
Are you ready to discover what you've been missing?
CHOOSE YOUR PATH: PRO VS. FOUNDATIONS
Same Transformative Content, Different Destinations
Both courses deliver our complete Academy curriculum with all technique secrets, coaching psychology, and programming frameworks. The difference lies in where you want to take your rowing journey.
Dark Horse Academy: Pro
For Those Seeking Official Recognition & Maximum Credentials
- Complete our rigorous assessment process
- Earn full Dark Horse Certified Instructor status
- Receive official Concept2 Indoor Rowing Instructor certification
- Join our elite network of certified coaches
- Display your credentials to clients and employers
Dark Horse Academy: Foundations
For Those Focused on Personal Mastery & Knowledge
- Access 100% of the same technique curriculum
- Learn all coaching principles and methodologies
- Enhance your personal rowing at your own pace
- Perfect your form without certification pressure
- Upgrade to Pro testing anytime in the future
Both paths transform your understanding of rowing technique. Choose Pro if you want to coach professionally with recognized credentials, or Foundations if your focus is personal development and expertise.
Which journey calls to you?
MEET SHANE FARMER
THE STORY BEHIND DARK HORSE ROWING
I wasn't supposed to be here.
I was the kid who couldn't focus in class. The athlete who never quite made the cut. The guy who literally slept through baseball tryouts in college.
But rowing found me. Or maybe I found it.
Either way, that first stroke changed everything.
Suddenly, I had purpose. Discipline. A team that believed in me even when our coach didn't think we'd make nationals.
We proved them wrong.
That's been my story ever since – the dark horse who surprises everyone, including himself.
From competing at the CrossFit Games to becoming Concept2's Master Instructor, I've spent years decoding what makes the rowing stroke work—and more importantly, how to teach it in a way that clicks for anyone.
Since 2015, our YouTube channel has grown to over 300,000 subscribers. We've helped more than a million people complete workouts they never thought possible.
But I'm most proud of the moments when someone tells me, "I finally get it now."
That's what Dark Horse Academy is about—giving you those breakthrough moments where technique finally clicks, where you see what you've been missing all along.
Whether you're looking to perfect your own stroke or help others discover what's possible on the rowing machine, I've poured everything I've learned into this program.
No rowing snobbery. No overcomplicated jargon.
Just clear, proven methods that work for real people who want real results.
Ready to surprise yourself with what you're capable of?
Let's row.