"It's Like Having the Boat Be an Extension of Me": How This 13-Year-Undefeated Champion Maximizes Power Through Shimano Footwear

Greg Benning is a competitive masters rower who hasn't lost his division in the single scull in 13 years.

For Benning, a collegiate walk-on turned masters rowing champion, that edge came from an unexpected source: his footwear.

Finding His Stride on the Water

Benning's journey began like many collegiate rowers - almost by accident. "I was a walk-on at Penn. Thought I was going to run track," he recalls. What started as "just a couple of weeks in the fall" to make new friends evolved into a lifelong passion.

After college, Greg kept rowing competitively. He found success at big events like the Head of the Charles Regatta and won several titles throughout his 30s and 40s. Then, something remarkable happened when he turned 50 - he started dominating his competition.

"When I turned 50, I started winning, and I haven't lost since," Greg shares. His winning streak has now stretches an impressive 13 years, with multiple course records along the way.

The Missing Link in Performance

As Greg progressed in his rowing career, he noticed something that many rowers overlook - the critical importance of foot connection to the boat.

"I think rowers don't spend enough time thinking about their choice of footwear," Greg explains. "If you were to cross over to cycling, it's something that they spend an enormous amount of time thinking about."

The problem was clear: traditional rowing shoes created inefficiencies in power transfer.

Every time a rower drives in traditional footwear, energy is being lost.

"In any kind of kinetic chain, wherever there's a joint, there's the potential for a power leak," he notes. With standard footwear, the ball of the foot, heel, and all the small bones create multiple points where energy could dissipate instead of propelling the boat forward.

The Shimano Solution

Greg's breakthrough came when he saw boatbuilder Ted Van Dusen experimenting with Shimano's rowing footwear system. Intrigued by the innovation, Greg decided to try it himself.

The difference was immediately noticeable. The rigid sole and secure connection to the footboard created a stable platform that transformed his rowing experience.

"I started looking at shoes, regular track shoes versus Shimano, and started to notice that the stability, the control and the rigid foot plate also had a positive effect on power generation- increasing power generation and reducing power leaks," Greg explains.

A Transformation in Feel and Performance

The impact went beyond just power transfer. The Shimano system changed his entire relationship with the boat.

"Having all that locked in really made the boat feel like I was in a ski boot," he says. "It really increased the feeling of being- having the boat just be an extension of me, having me be the boat."

This enhanced connection translated to measurable improvements.

Using boat acceleration data, Greg could observe the difference in his stroke pattern over time. The catch became tighter and more consistent, and the finish cleaner - all signs of improved technique and efficiency.

The results speak for themselves. Since switching to the Shimano system, Greg has broken the single scull record at the Charles twice in his age group and hasn't lost the race in 13 years.

Beyond Speed: Comfort and Longevity

Perhaps most importantly for masters rowers, the Shimano system has helped Greg maintain his competitive edge while reducing physical toll.

"All of that stability and control helps with injury prevention," he notes. "Being able to push off a stable platform, it's just better for your back."

The system has also contributed to greater comfort during long training sessions. "The better the equipment, the less fatigue you have," Greg explains. "Good fitting equipment is always more comfortable."

For athletes looking to extend their competitive careers, these benefits can be game-changing. Greg has found that the consistency provided by the Shimano system has been one factor in his sustained success.

Advice for Fellow Rowers

When asked what he would tell other masters rowers considering Shimano Rowing Dynamics, Greg emphasizes the value proposition.

"If you amortize the costs for useful life, it gets pretty reasonable," he says.

The durability backs up this claim - Greg notes he's only on his second pair of shoes in 12 years of use.

His perspective is simple: just as we wouldn't think twice about investing in properly fitted ski boots or cycling shoes, rowers should recognize the importance of their connection to the boat.

The SRD System consists of either the SRD Virtual Pivot foot stretcher or the SRD lever release carbon foot stretcher for flex shoes and one of several models of SRD sport specific shoes for rowing.

The system has been reviewed and approved by FISA, USRowing, and Rowing Canada Aviron.