Rowing Machine Accessories

Get the maximum from your rowing training with the right rowing machine accessories. Whether you are looking for extra sitting comfort, better connectivity with training apps, maintenance of your water tank or a higher seating position for taller users: with the right additions you make every rowing training session more effective, more enjoyable and more durable. You extend the lifespan of your rowing machine and elevate your performance to a higher level.

The range runs from heart rate bands and Bluetooth modules for app connectivity to seat cushions, backrests, tablet and smartphone holders, maintenance sets, dust covers and XL rails for tall users. The main selection criteria are the compatibility with your specific rowing machine model and the type of improvement you are looking for: more comfort, better measurement, better connectivity or longer-lasting maintenance. Also view our complete range of rowing machines if you are still looking for a new machine.

Which rowing machine accessory do you need?

The right choice depends on your rowing machine model and what you want to improve in your training setup. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You want to connect your rowing machine to training apps such as Rowing in Motion, ErgData or other platforms: A Bluetooth or ANT+ module gives your rowing machine connectivity with external apps and training platforms. The WaterRower Bluetooth ComModule adds wireless connection to WaterRower monitors. The WaterRower SmartRow Kit is a more extensive upgrade that sends the training data in real time to compatible apps for extensive progress recording and virtual rowing. Always check compatibility with your specific rowing machine model before purchasing.

You find the sitting comfort of your rowing machine insufficient for longer sessions: An ergonomic seat cushion such as the WaterRower ErgPad reduces the pressure on the sitting surface during prolonged rowing. Ideal for athletes who regularly complete sessions of more than 30 minutes and experience discomfort from the hard seat. The Fluid Rower backrest set also adds lumbar support to the seat for extra comfort during longer training sessions. Also read our blog about buying a rowing machine for more buying tips.

You want to measure your heart rate during rowing for accurate training intensity: Choose a heart rate band compatible with your rowing machine monitor. The WaterRower digital heart rate set with ANT+ chest band is suitable for WaterRower monitors with internal ANT+ receiver. The WaterRower digital heart rate set with wireless external receiver works with monitors without a built-in receiver. For analogue rowing machines an analogue 5 kHz chest band is the right choice. Also view our range of heart rate monitors for all available options.

You want to keep your phone or tablet to hand during rowing for training data or entertainment: Choose a tablet or smartphone holder that fits your rowing machine model. The WaterRower Phone and Tablet Arm is an adjustable wooden arm that easily attaches to the WaterRower and holds both phone and tablet. Always check which holder model is compatible with your specific rowing machine model.

You have a WaterRower but are too tall for the standard rails: The WaterRower XL rails extend the slide of the rowing machine for users taller than approximately 190cm. With rails that are too short, tall rowers do not reach full leg extension at the finish stroke, which limits rowing technique and training effectiveness. The XL rails are available in multiple wood types matching your WaterRower model.

You want to raise the seat height of your rowing machine for an ergonomically better entry position: A height-raising set such as the WaterRower HiRise or the Fluid Rower Elevate kit raises the entire rowing machine frame making entry and exit easier. Particularly useful for athletes with limited knee mobility, older users and athletes in rehabilitation. Available in elevation options of 10 and 20cm.

You want to maintain the water tank of your water-braked rowing machine: Chlorine tablets for the WaterRower or Fluid Rower water tank keep the water clear and prevent algae growth and bacterial formation in the tank. A complete maintenance set contains everything for periodic cleaning of the tank and frame. Regular maintenance significantly extends the lifespan of your rowing machine and prevents expensive repairs.

What types of rowing machine accessories are there?

Connectivity and monitors

Bluetooth modules, ANT+ receivers and smart rowing kits that provide your existing rowing machine with app connectivity for coupling with training platforms. Heart rate sets with chest band for accurate heart rate measurement that is displayed directly on the monitor of your rowing machine. Replacement heart rate handles for contact heart rate measurement via the grip.

Comfort and ergonomics

Seat cushions that reduce pressure on the sitting surface during prolonged rowing. Backrest sets that add lumbar support to the seat. Height-raising sets that place the entire frame higher for a more ergonomic entry and more knee mobility at the end position. XL rails that extend the slide for rowers above 190cm for full leg extension at the finish stroke.

Tablet and smartphone holders

Mounting systems for tablets and smartphones directly on the monitor or frame of the rowing machine. Available as short and long holders for different model configurations and as adjustable wooden arms for the WaterRower. Keep training data, virtual rowing platforms or entertainment to hand during every session.

Maintenance and protection

Chlorine tablets for water purification in water-braked rowing machines. Complete maintenance sets with everything for periodic cleaning of tank and frame. Dust covers that protect the machine against dust and moisture during prolonged storage. Replacement water tanks for WaterRower models when the original tank is damaged or needs replacing.

Compatibility: always check before purchasing

The most critical aspect with rowing machine accessories is compatibility with your specific model. WaterRower and Fluid Rower are the two main brands in our range and each brand has its own accessories that are not always mutually interchangeable. Also within a brand there are model differences: the WaterRower Bluetooth ComModule only works with specific WaterRower monitor versions and the Fluid Rower tablet holder has separate variants for standard models and the Mega and Apollo Pro XL series.

Always check the brand and model of your rowing machine and compare that with the product specifications of the desired accessory before purchasing. If you have doubts about compatibility, contact our customer service.

What to look for when buying?

Brand and model compatibility

Rowing machine accessories are generally brand-specific and sometimes also model-specific. WaterRower accessories fit WaterRower models, Fluid Rower accessories fit Fluid Rower models. Always check the compatibility specifications before you order.

Heart rate protocol of your monitor

Heart rate bands and sets are available in analogue 5 kHz version for older monitors and in digital ANT+ or Bluetooth version for modern monitors. Check which heart rate protocol your rowing machine monitor supports before purchasing a heart rate set. An incorrect protocol results in no or unreliable heart rate display on your monitor.

User height with XL rails and height-raising sets

XL rails are intended for rowers above approximately 190cm who do not reach full leg extension on standard rails. Height-raising sets are intended for users with limited knee mobility or a lower entry requirement. Choose the elevation that suits your specific situation and check whether the set is available for your rowing machine model.

Our advice: Start with the accessories that have the greatest direct impact on your training comfort and experience. For most WaterRower and Fluid Rower users that is the combination of a heart rate set for accurate training and a tablet or smartphone holder for digital training platforms. These two additions directly noticeably improve every rowing training session. Also read our blog about buying a rowing machine for more background information about rowing machines and their possibilities.

Who are rowing machine accessories suitable for?

• WaterRower and Fluid Rower owners who want to get the maximum from their rowing machine via expansions for connectivity, comfort and maintenance.
• Tall rowers above 190cm who need XL rails for full leg extension at the finish stroke.
• Athletes who do longer rowing training sessions and are bothered by the standard seat or need extra lumbar support.
• Athletes who want to train digitally via apps such as Rowing in Motion or ErgData and want to connect their WaterRower via Bluetooth or ANT+.
• Users who want to maintain their rowing machine for a longer lifespan of the water tank and frame.

Combine your rowing machine accessories with the right fitness mats under your rowing machine for floor protection and extra stability. Also view our range of water resistance rowing machines and all rowing machines for more information about the models the accessories fit.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our fitness store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about rowing machine accessories

Are WaterRower and Fluid Rower accessories interchangeable?

No, in most cases not. WaterRower accessories are designed for the specific mounting points and monitor interfaces of WaterRower models. Fluid Rower accessories are designed for Fluid Rower models. Always check the brand compatibility of the desired accessory before ordering.

Which heart rate band works on my WaterRower?

That depends on the monitor mounted on your WaterRower. WaterRower monitors with a built-in ANT+ receiver work with the digital ANT+ heart rate set. Monitors without a built-in receiver need the external wireless receiver set. Check the specifications of your monitor or contact our customer service for the right advice.

How often do I need to add chlorine tablets to my water-braked rowing machine?

As a guideline with a WaterRower or Fluid Rower water tank add one chlorine tablet at first use and then every 3 to 6 months a new tablet depending on use and water temperature. When the water becomes cloudy or turns green it is time for a new tablet or a complete tank service with the maintenance set.

Who are XL rails intended for?

XL rails are intended for rowers taller than approximately 190cm who do not reach full leg extension during the finish stroke with standard rails. Incomplete leg extension reduces the power and effectiveness of every rowing stroke. Check whether at the finish stroke you can fully extend your legs. If that is not the case then XL rails are the solution.

What does the WaterRower SmartRow Kit do?

The SmartRow Kit is a hardware upgrade for WaterRower models that sends the training data of the rowing machine in real time via Bluetooth to compatible training apps. This makes it possible to train on platforms offering virtual rowing experiences, live coaching or extensive training analysis. An upgrade for WaterRower users who want to expand their digital training environment.