WaterRower rowing machines

Why choose a WaterRower rowing machine?

WaterRower is an American brand that builds the original rowing machine with water resistance, designed to mimic the feel of rowing on open water as true to nature as possible. The brand is by now known for its high-quality, hand-finished wooden frames, which have even been included in the design collection of the MoMA. For you, that means a rowing machine that not only trains nicely, but also looks beautiful enough to leave in your living room. Take a look as well at the other products from WaterRower.

The defining feature is the water resistance. A paddle turns through a closed water tank, so the resistance follows the full rowing motion, from the catch to the finish. There is no dead moment and the resistance scales automatically: the harder you row, the heavier it gets. You therefore do not need a resistance button, and most models do not even need power, because the monitor is driven by your own rowing motion. Take a targeted look at our range of water-resistance rowing machines.

In addition, WaterRowers are remarkably quiet. The water tank dampens the mechanical noise, and the wooden frame absorbs vibrations where steel instead passes them on. That makes a WaterRower a serious option for apartments or for those who train early or late without disturbing the rest of the household. The wood is finished with Danish Oil, which gives the trainer a refined character that stays beautiful over the years.

Which WaterRower rowing machine suits you?

The right choice depends mainly on your interior, how you train and your budget. The situations below help you quickly find the right direction.

You value the look and want to train quietly and without power: The wooden Classic line is then the logical choice. Available in, among others, ash, oak, cherry and walnut wood, plus special versions, and working entirely without a power socket. Ideal for the living room or study.

You prefer a steel frame or a specific seat height: Then the M1 line is interesting. It has a steel frame and a choice of seat height: the LoRise sits lower and more compactly, with an easy entry that is pleasant with knee or hip complaints, and the HiRise sits higher, which makes getting up after training easier.

You train performance-oriented or ride virtual races: Then choose the Performance Ergometer. This wooden line has an extensive monitor for detailed training data and is suitable for competitions and virtual rowing.

You want a special, sleek profile: The S1 is a limited version in stainless steel, with a single monorail instead of the double rail system. A striking, compact appearance within the range.

You are instead looking for a manually adjustable or professional trainer: Do you want to set the resistance yourself via a button, then a magnetic-resistance rowing machine is more logical. For intensive club use also take a look at the professional rowing machines.

The WaterRower lines explained

Classic (wooden frame, powerless)

The core of the range: fully wooden rowing machines that work without a power socket, because the monitor is fed by your rowing motion. Available in various types of wood, from the lighter, sleek oak to the darker, richer walnut and the warm cherry wood, plus special versions such as the black-stained Shadow and the Vintage Oak. The difference between the types of wood is mainly in colour and grain, not in the rowing feel. Ideal for those who want to train quietly, powerless and with an eye for the interior.

M1 (steel frame, LoRise and HiRise)

The M1 line has a steel frame, in silver-grey or matt black, and a more technical, functional character. You choose the seat height: the LoRise is lower and more compact with an easy entry, the HiRise sits higher for easy getting up. The water resistance is identical to that of the Classic line.

Performance Ergometer (performance-oriented)

The most performance-oriented line, with an extensive monitor for detailed data such as stroke rate, power per stroke and distance, and compatible with platforms for virtual rowing and mutual competition. Here too the look of the wooden frame is preserved, in oak or walnut wood.

S1 (stainless steel, monorail)

The S1 stands out with a single stainless-steel monorail instead of the double rail system of the other lines. That gives a sleeker, more compact profile. A limited version for those deliberately looking for a distinctive, premium profile without compromising on the water resistance.

What to look out for when buying a WaterRower rowing machine?

The resistance system

WaterRower works exclusively with water resistance, which follows the full force line of your rowing stroke and scales automatically with your effort. That gives the most true-to-nature rowing feel and a fluid, shock-free motion. Do bear in mind that you do not set the resistance manually via a button; if you do want that, then magnetic resistance is a better choice.

Wood or steel

The Classic and the Performance Ergometer have a wooden frame, the M1 a steel frame and the S1 a frame of stainless steel. Wood dampens vibrations best and fits nicely in a living space; steel gives a more technical, sportier character. Choose on the basis of your interior and your preference.

Space and storage

A WaterRower is relatively narrow (around 56 cm), but does require length for the rails (about 210 to 220 cm). Most models you can put away upright after training, which saves a lot of space. Note: WaterRowers are not foldable. Are you looking for a fully foldable rowing machine, then another type suits you better.

Monitor, apps and accessories

The Classic monitor shows your basic data and works without power. Do you want more data or connectivity, then you can extend it with accessories such as the Bluetooth module or the SmartRow kit, or you choose the Performance Ergometer. Do you link with apps or virtual-rowing platforms, then the full functions of those may require a paid subscription; the rowing machine itself works perfectly well without. WaterRower moreover has an ample range of rowing machine accessories, from tablet holders to a maintenance set.

Our advice: First choose on frame and look, wood or steel, and then determine whether you need extensive data. Do you want to train quietly, powerless and with an eye for your interior, then a Classic is an excellent choice. Do you have a preference for steel or a specific seat height, then the M1 is more logical, and do you work structured with data or virtual races, then the Performance Ergometer is the designated line. Are you in doubt, then come and view and try the trainers side by side in our showroom.

Who is a WaterRower rowing machine suitable for?

A WaterRower suits a broad group of sportspeople who want to train full-body and low impact:

• Home sportspeople with an eye for interior who want a beautiful, wooden rowing machine that may stay in view.
• People who want to lose weight or improve their fitness with an effective, calorie-rich full-body workout.
• Sportspeople with sensitive joints who want to train low impact without shock load.
• Apartment dwellers who want to train quietly and without disturbing the neighbours.
• Performance-oriented rowers who work with data or ride virtual races, with the Performance Ergometer.

Less logical is a WaterRower for intensive commercial use with many users per day, or if you insist on setting the resistance manually or are looking for a fully foldable rowing machine. For home use and a light club environment, WaterRower instead offers a unique combination of rowing feel, quietness and design.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a WaterRower rowing machine but are you not yet quite sure which line best suits your wishes and needs? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 85 773 00 57, send an email or visit our fitness store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about WaterRower rowing machines

Which WaterRower is suitable for beginners?

The Classic line is the logical choice for most beginners. The water-resistance system requires no setting: your rowing intensity determines the resistance. Those who have no need for extensive training data can start perfectly well with a Classic in the type of wood that looks nicest to them.

What is the difference between the Classic and the Performance Ergometer?

The rowing feel and the water resistance are identical. The difference is in the monitor: the Performance Ergometer is equipped for detailed performance data and compatible with virtual-rowing platforms. For those who do not work with that, the Performance Ergometer adds little on top of the Classic.

What is the difference between LoRise and HiRise on the M1?

The LoRise has a lower seat position, which makes the entry easier, for example with knee or hip complaints. The HiRise has a higher seat position, which makes getting up after training easier. The rowing feel and the resistance are the same on both.

Does a WaterRower need power?

Most WaterRower versions, including the entire Classic line, do not need a power socket. The monitor is driven by your rowing motion itself. Only versions with more extensive monitors or certain accessories may use a power supply.

Which muscles do you train on a rowing machine?

Rowing is a real full-body workout. About 60% of the motion comes from your legs, around 30% from your back and about 10% from your arms. In addition your abdominal and shoulder muscles work along. This lets you train almost all your large muscle groups and your fitness at the same time in one flowing motion, which makes rowing excellent for losing weight.

Does a WaterRower fit in an ordinary living room?

Usually yes. A WaterRower is narrow (around 56 cm), but requires length for the rails (about 210 to 220 cm). Most Classic and M1 versions you can put away upright after training, so it takes up little space. Measure your space carefully in advance, and feel free to come and view the trainer in our showroom in Volkel.