Water Rowing Machines

The most realistic of all options, fluid rowers accurately simulate on-water rowing by increasing the resistance in direct proportion to the pace at which you row. Water powered, you can adjust the amount of water in the resistance tank to increase or decrease the overall pressure and resistance. Fluid rowing machines tend to have a smaller footprint compared to air rowers.

Fluid Technology

The patented Fluid Technology variable resistance system used on certain Fluid Rowers makes ingenious use of a twin-chamber tank. Water can be transferred to and from the two chambers by means of a lever or dial operation. Water in the outer chamber provides resistance to paddles when rotated by pulling fore of the user. Any water in the inner “passive” chamber does not provide resistance. Thus the resistance can be varies through changing the water level in the outer active tank and the effort of the user.

What to Consider When Buying a Water Rowing Machine

• Your available area

  It’s imperative that the rower you buy fits comfortably into your allocated space. Measure the length, width and height of the available area. When measuring, make sure you allow extra space for getting on and off the machine. Fluid rowers store vertically to save space, so be sure to bear that in mind.

• Standard of construction

  A quality rower will feature a well-finished, solid construction with an aluminium seat rail. Dual rails are quieter than single rails, and the machine shouldn’t be unsteady when you sit on it. Another sign of a high-quality machine is a decent seat runner. To test this, move the seat to one end of the rail and tilt that end of the rower up a couple of inches. A good runner and rail will allow the seat to roll freely to the other end with minimal tilting.

• Comfort factors

  If you’re tall, it’s worth checking that you can use the machine comfortably, as a longer seat rail would be wise. The seat should feel comfortable, even after you’ve completed your workout. Some rowers have higher seats, which you may prefer, particularly if you’re tall. Make sure your feet can be comfortably secured in the footplates – many rowers come with adjustable footplates with handy straps. Lastly, the handle should feel comfortable to hold and offer good grip, even when your hands are becoming tired and sweaty.

• Quality of movement

  Look for a smooth and even feel with no jerkiness or points where resistance suddenly drops away, especially at the beginning of the stroke. Check the range of the movement – when you’re as far forward on the runner as possible) i.e. buttocks as close to the heels as possible) with your arms fully extended and holding the handle, the handle shouldn’t have reached its start position.

• Console and programmes

  Rower consoles display your workout statistics, which will include at least your speed, distance, time and calories burned. More advanced models offer additional options, such as heart rate monitoring or dedicated programmes, ideal if you want workout variety.

• Weight capacity

  We recommend choosing a rowing machine that can handle about 20kg more than your own weight to guarantee stability when you’re rowing.

• Storage and portability

  Rowers are amongst the most compact of home cardio equipment and tend to have a long, narrow footprint. Fluid rowers can be stored upright, which is useful if you’re tight for space. This is usually a very simple process for one person to do single-handedly. Rowers often come with transport wheels for easy transportation so make sure you check for these if you’re likely to be moving the machine from place to place.

Rowing Machine Add Ons

Floor mats: Place under your rower for stability and to protect your floors from wear, as well as perspiration.

Heart rate monitors and belts: some rowers offer wireless heart rate monitoring. Belts can be added for even more accurate readings. Alternatively, you can buy a heart rate monitor.

Why buy your water rowing machine from Fitness Superstore?

• You can try before you buy - and get expert advice from our in-store advisors - at any one of our 11 UK showrooms
• We offer a range of payment options, including interest free finance and buy now, pay later schemes. Payments can be spread over 6, 12, 24 or 36 months (depending on the product and finance type. You can find more information on our finance options page.
• Fastest delivery – many of our rowers are available for next day or Saturday delivery, and you can even choose you delivery date
• Delivery is free on all rowers (no delivery costs for purchases over £99) delivered to UK mainland addresses (exclusions apply). For details please see our delivery information. 
• Installation service available: All rowers do come with instruction manuals, but we do offer an installation service for selected models. For more information call us on 01604 673000.
• 14-day Price Promise: Our 14-day Price Promise guarantees that you purchase a rower at the lowest price. If you subsequently find the same like-for-like product at a lower price, we will refund 110% of the difference immediately.
• Second hand and ex-display options: As well as brand new, we also have a small selection of second hand and ex-display rowers available to purchase and pick-up from our store locations. For more information see our ex-display rowers or contact us on 01604 673000.

The most realistic of all options, fluid rowers accurately simulate on-water rowing by increasing the resistance in direct proportion to the pace at which you row. Water powered, you can adjust the amount of water in the resistance tank to increase or decrease the overall pressure and resistance. Fluid rowing machines tend to have a smaller footprint compared to air rowers.

Fluid Technology  

The patented Fluid Technology variable resistance system used on certain Fluid Rowers makes ingenious use of a twin-chamber tank. Water can be transferred to and from the two chambers by means of a lever or dial operation. Water in the outer chamber provides resistance to paddles when rotated by pulling fore of the user. Any water in the inner “passive” chamber does not provide resistance. Thus the resistance can be varies through changing the water level in the outer active tank and the effort of the user.  

What to Consider When Buying a Water Rowing Machine  

Rowing Machine Measurements

Air Rowing Machines obviously take up a larger space than other cardio machines, so it’s important to measure both your available workout space, and the rower itself, before you purchase. Make sure you allow for enough space to get on and off the rowing machine! Water Rowing Machines tend to be slightly smaller in design than Air and Magnetic Rowing Machines, and can be stored vertically to save on floor space when not in use

Standard of construction

Fluid Rowers boast an exceptional standard of construction, with a smooth and quite rail and secure, sealed water resistance tank.  

Quality of movement

Look for a smooth and even feel with no jerkiness or points where resistance suddenly drops away, especially at the beginning of the stroke. Fluid Rowers are designed to ensure you feel resistance throughout the entirety of the stroke.  

Water Resistance System

Water Rowing Machines deliver a rowing experience that’s as close to real-life rowing as possible. The sight, sound and feel of rowing on a water rowing machine makes it the perfect training platform for those serious about their cardio. The filled water tank provides constant resistance throughout the stroke (the water level can usually be raised or lowered to increase or decrease resistance), with adjustable resistance models available for those who want more control.

Rowing Machine Add Ons  

• Floor mats: Place under your rower for stability and to protect your floors from wear, as well as perspiration.
• Heart rate monitors and belts: some rowers offer wireless heart rate monitoring. Belts can be added for even more accurate readings. Alternatively, you can buy a heart rate monitor.