Rowing has long been recognized as the perfect aerobic pursuit, with naturally smooth and flowing movements that don’t tax the joints but do boost the heart rate.
Using the same principles that govern the dynamics of a boat in water, water rowers are outfitted with a “water flywheel” that consists of two paddles in an enclosed tank of water that provide smooth, quiet resistance, just like the paddles in an actual body of water.
As a result, the machine has no moving parts that can wear out over time (even the recoil belt and pulleys don’t require lubricating or maintaining). More significantly, the water tank and flywheel create a self-regulating resistance system that eliminates the need for a motor.
As with real rowing, when you paddle faster, the increased drag provides more resistance. When you paddle slower, the resistance is less intense. The only limit to how fast you can row is your strength and your ability to overcome drag. And unlike conventional rowing machines, which tend to be jerky and jarring, water rowers are remarkably smooth and fluid.
Having previously gone over the best rowing machines under 300 dollars, we will now go over the current best water rowing machines. With for some, their gorgeous natural wood look and water system, these machines are a stunning piece of engineering.
More important than that though, the performance matches the look, and for the price they sell at, I would expect nothing less.
If you kayak, row, or perform any similar activities on water, you will love the both energizing and calmingly meditative feeling of the water provided resistance. This system equals to a very smooth pull and release, and moving the mass of the water instead of a dialed down tension feels more natural.
In terms of durability, you are looking at top notch material, with most of the WaterRower brand machines in this reviews being able to handle up to 1000 pounds.
What to expect from this guide ?
This water rowing machine reviews buyer’s guide will go over the most valuable products you can currently get for your money, how you can use them effectively for you workouts, and with which exercises. Note that the order they are reviewed in does not mean one is considered better than the other; for each and every product, I will cite pros and cons so that you can effectively decide for yourself which one is the best for you.
Product reviews
In this article I will go over some of the best water rowing machine products currently available in terms of:
- durability/solidity
- efficiency
- features
- customer reviews
- price
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor
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The WaterRower Natural’s solid Ash wood build, finished with a honey oak stain and danish oil, is made to bear up to 1000 lbs of weight.
The WaterRower’s patented WaterFlywheel has been specifically designed to emulate the dynamics of a boat moving though water and is unsurpassed in its simulation of the physical and physiological benefits of rowing.
The motion of the water provided resistance makes for a very natural and smooth pull, superior in that regard to the popular concept 2 machines, and stowing it away once you are done with the workout is very simple with it’s small stowaway profile.
Pros
- Very durable
- Silent
- Very smooth pull and release
- Aesthetic
- Easy to store upright
Cons
- Not many apps made to connect to this rower
- Minor maintenance required
First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower – AR NewportÂ
 
Unlike most other water rowers that increase in resistance depending on how hard or fast you row, the First Degree Fitness Newport Challenge AR rowing machine features an adjustable fluid resistance technology that allows resistance change from MIN to MAX at the turn of a yellow dial located on the water tank.
The pulley and tank system deliver a smooth pull with constant tension throughout the entire range of motion. As usual this fluid resistance design allows for a very silent workout.
The whole machine can easily be stored away in a closet, taking up very little space after use.
Pros
- Durable
- Silent
- Easy assembly
- Very smooth pull and release
- Manual resistance adjustmentÂ
Cons
- The foot straps can be awkward to set up
- Heart rate monitor sold separately
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WaterRower GX Home Rowing MachineÂ
 
Brilliantly designed, this ash wood and aluminium constructed rower provides a smooth and consistent pull.
Guaranteed to give you great workouts, like most other rowers of the WaterRower brand, it also takes up minimal floor space when not being used as you can store it upright.
Although the monorail design is slightly less stable than the regular dual rail model, it’s still perfect for in-home use, and very sturdy.
Pros
- Durable
- Silent
- Aesthetic
- Easy set up
- Comes with chlorine tablets
Cons
- Very simple monitor
- Monorail instead of dual-rail
- Requires minimum maintenance
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Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine
This water resistance rowing machine by Sunny and Health is the cheapest one on our list, but by no means does it translate to a drastic loss in performance. It’s lightweight yet sturdy steel construction promises a high level of durability so that you continue to enjoy the benefits of rowing for years to come.
The slide is very smooth and the the water drive is pretty quiet especially when compared to the fan on a concept 2. Even though its not totally silent the noise is almost pleasant.
Overall a good, cheaper alternative to the other rowers on this list if you are prepared to sacrifice some quality in terms of solidity and performance.
| Size (WxHxD) | Weight | Max weight capacity | Material | Monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22.05 x 33.46 x 78.74 | 81.6 pounds | 300 pounds | Steel | Scan, time, count, calorie, total count |
Pros
- Durable
- Smooth pull and release
- Not as pricey
Cons
- Not as durable as the other water Rowers on this list
- No distance tracking on the monitor
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WaterRower Club Rowing Machine w/ S4 Monitor & Hi Rise Attachment
WaterRowers are at the top of their game with every rower they make being an undeniably high quality product and show of craftsmanship.
On top of it’s realistic real-life rowing like resistance and meditative water sounds, it features a comfortable chair that slides very smoothly, and a “Hi Rise” attachment, that elevates the rower a couple of inches of the floor, allowing for a more comfortable mount and dismount.
Although the Hi Rise attachment is a bit tricky to install, the rest of the rower is put together in a breeze.
Pros
- Very durable
- Silent
- Very smooth pull and release
- Easy to store upright
- Hi Rise attachment
Cons
- Not many apps made to connect to this rower
- Hi rise attachment a bit tricky to install
- Minor maintenance required
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Water Rower Exercise Machine by WaterRower – A1 S4 Rose with Self-Regulating ResistanceÂ
 
Durable, aesthetic, performant; you get what you pay for. One big difference with this and most other water rowers on this list is that compared to the concept 2 competition rowers, the resistance of the catch while on the WaterRower is immediate. I understand that this simulates being on the water more accurately than a Concept 2.
In terms of durability, this machine can hold 375 Pounds and benefits from an excellent customer support system, in case you ever do run into any problems.
Once again, a very smooth pull and release, easy to put together out of the box, and takes up little storage space when stored upright.
Pros
- Durable
- Silent
- Very smooth pull and release
- Aesthetic
- Easy to store upright
Cons
- Not many apps made to connect to this rower
- Minor maintenance required
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Pure Design Fitness Indoor Rowing MachineÂ
This rowing machine by Pure Design Fitness is made with a beech wood and features stable dual rails with a steel frame, making it perfect for everyday training. Also, its main body is coated a lasting powder finish while the rails have special Danish oil finish for better performance and strength.
After use, you lift the end up and it stores anywhere (takes up less than 2 square feet when stored). The whole resistance system is very quiet and soothing, and will augment in resistance the harder you row.
This machine is so easy to put together and to use. Eight bolts, add some water and use.
Overall a great machine and even better customer service.
Pros
- Durable
- Silent
- Very smooth pull and release
- Awesome customer support
- Easy to store upright
Cons
- Not many apps made to connect to this rower
- Minor maintenance required
Water Rowing Machine Reviews - Conclusion
If you love rowing, the sound of water and want as close of a real life rowing experience as possible, water rowers are the most efficient piece of equipment you can get for your home gym to perform high quality low impact workouts that will target almost your entire body in a single movement.
Resistance wise, as you increase the pace of rowing, the resistance naturally increases as well. This means that you can set your own pace and resistance in a single motion.
The quality of these machines justifies the price; along with the realistic rowing experience, you are investing in a solid piece of equipment that will last you for years to come, and provide you with means of greatly improving your fitness within your own home.