Hydrow, PBS Team Up for Star-Studded Docuseries
Fresh off a partnership with George Clooney film “The Boys in the Boat,” Hydrow continues to use popular media as a way to spread the word about the benefits of rowing
Hydrow has partnered with PBS and non-profit Fed by Blue on an upcoming three-part docuseries, “Hope in the Water,” bringing its connected rowing members themed rowing workouts inspired by the series and filmed in Penobscot Bay and the Gulf of Maine.
The series features Shailene Woodley, Martha Stewart, José Andrés and Baratunde Thurston and shares the stories of water farmers and fishers striving for sustainability and solutions to save oceans and fresh waterways in the face of climate change, overfishing and habitat destruction.
“Water is essential to humans – and as a former rowing coach, I’ve seen firsthand that it not only enhances physical and mental well-being but fosters a sense of responsibility towards our planet,” Hydrow founder Bruce Smith said. “‘Hope in the Water’ showcases those championing a sustainable future, and we are proud to contribute to this journey through our partnership.”
Boston-based Hydrow has long been committed to clean water efforts. In 2019, the company announced an initiative where Hydrow workouts result in a donation to Water.org, which brings clean water to developing regions.
The program is scheduled to air on PBS Wednesday, June 19. The official trailer for “Hope in the Water” can be viewed here.
From Small Screen to the Big Screen
The celeb-backed connected rowing company is no stranger to the big (or small) screen.
Last December, Hydrow launched an exclusive workout series inspired by George Clooney’s film, “The Boys in the Boat,” based on the New York Times bestselling non-fiction novel by Daniel James Brown. The film and novel tell the inspiring story of the University of Washington rowing team, which competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.
“It’s like a crazy dream,” Smith told Athletech News last year, referencing the excitement of Clooney choosing to direct a rowing movie and Hydrow’s involvement.
More Than a Connected Rowing Company
As connected fitness companies like Peloton have experienced troubles, Hydrow is looking to branch out beyond the connected rowing space — which Smith alluded to in a conversation with ATN last year.
“Ultimately, rowing isn’t about rowing,” Smith remarked. “It’s about full health and community, and we’ll be bringing more products into the world that will help people feel better and build community.”
Since then, Hydrow acquired a majority stake in Speede Fitness, an AI-powered strength training and analytics company. As part of the transaction, Hydrow announced its intentions to evolve into a “whole health” company. As it looks forward to 2025, Hyrdow confirmed it has a digitally variable resistance product with adaptive feedback in the pipeline.
