Are you looking to buy the best water rowing machine in the UK? This article has you covered!
We know how difficult it is to sift through hundreds of online reviews and that’s why we’ve decided to compile a list of the best 15 you can find online.
Using a rowing machine is excellent for burning calories, and it’s a great way to do a full body workout even if you’re a complete beginner to exercise.
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What is a water rowing machine?
Before we jump straight into our water rowing machine review guide, let us quickly explain what exactly a water resistance rowing machine is and how it works.
A water rowing machine has a large water tank either at the front of the machine or underneath. This water tank acts as a resistance as you pull the handle back to row.
The machine will create a stronger resistance the harder you row, so you can be rest assured you’re up for a tough workout.
Using this type of machine will create a similar experience to racing against someone else on the water.
The big debate of a water vs air rowing machine is still on many people’s minds when they look to buy a rowing machine for their home gym, but what is the main difference?
The main difference between the two is the noise levels, the air rowing machine produces a loud “whoosh” every time you perform a stroke which can be an issue if you’re trying to workout in the early hours of the morning!
Meanwhile, the water resistance rower machine does make noise but is far quieter and a lot more soothing compared to the air rower.
Best Water Rowing Machines (UK)
#1 – WaterRower Classic with S4 Performance Monitor
Price: £1275.00
This company is the market leader and even has a partnership with British Rowing, the governing body for both indoor and outdoor rowing in Great Britain. This shows their reputation within the industry.
Widely regarded as the best water rowing machine in the UK, the WaterRower Classic demonstrates years of positive progression built on top of the WaterRower Original Series quality.
Over time, WaterRower has evolved its products while staying true to the quality foundations laid by The Original in 1988.
This means offering rowers a durable and visually pleasing product that can effectively simulate the conditions of rowing on the water in the comfort of your own home, and the WaterRower Classic offers these features, with three decades worth of innovation included.
The machine’s core is the WaterFlywheel, which controls the stroke feel and mimics the water rowing.
You can add more water into the tank to simulate rowing a heavier mass and remove water to simulate rowing a lighter mass. This makes it a useful training machine for both children and adults alike.
The machine’s body features a natural hardwood design that is a staple of WaterRower’s products. When not in use, the flywheel acts as an anchor that lets you safely store your indoor water rowing machine upright.
The machine’s interface is the S4 Performance Monitor and can display stats such as distance, duration, heart rate, intensity, and much more.
You’ll find the WaterRower Classic available in a range of hardwood finishes such as Ash, Cherry, Oak, and Walnut.
If you want to buy a rowing machine that uses water, you can’t go wrong with the brand that started them all, WaterRower.
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#2 – Skandika Water Rowing Machine Nemo IV
Price: £799.00
If you want the best stroke ‘feel’ while you row indoors, then you may want to invest in the Nemo IV series of water rowing machines by Skandika.
Their unique water tank technology means that their water tank is held 45 degrees rather than parallel to the floor. Therefore the paddles have more vertical movement through the water, thus mirroring water more closely than other water rowing machine models.
On top of their innovative water tank design, the machine also comes with a large Bluetooth ready LCD display capable of showing all relevant training data and streaming content to watch while you exercise.
The train rail features Skandika’s double rail technology, increasing durability and making it suitable for people with longer legs, supported by a frame length of 2 meters.
As is typical with most water resistance rowing machines of this length, the rail can lift so the equipment can be stored vertically, freeing up plenty of space when the equipment is not used. It is also easy to transport due to the wheels attached under the water tank, so you don’t have to constantly position your equipment.
Skandika has one of the best mid-range water rowing products with the Nemo IV, and you won’t regret it if you opt for this option.
#3 – Stil-Fit Rower Flow One
Price: from £2349.00
Winner of the iF Design Award 2020, the Flow One results from a partnership between Stil-Fit and WaterRower. With parts borrowed from WaterRower UK, you can be sure that this rowing machine will be top-class and reliable.
As you may have guessed by the price, some unmatched features on the Flow One, such as the Flow X touch screen display and an upholstered seat.
The Flow X comes with several built-in training programmes such as sprints or virtual opponent races to challenge you to bring your best with every workout.
The Flow One also comes with a POLAR heart rate receiver, compatible with all chest straps at a frequency of 5kHz, so you can accurately and effortlessly monitor your heart rate during exercise.
An ergonomic handle and adjustable footrest combine with a comfortable seat, positioned quite high, to make for the optimal, trouble-free workout. As well as this, the seat is designed to make minimal contact with the rails, and when considering water rowing machines are already very peaceful and quiet machines, you are left with a machine that is zen-like in its design.
This award winning rowing machine has some of the best reviews from fitness and design companies, and for a good reason, it is a stunning piece of kit to look at and would be the envy of any workout space.
#4 – CZXFitness Rowing Machine Water Tank
Price: From £599.00
Next up on our list of the best water rowing machines on the market is a product by CZXFitness.
CZXFitness was established over 10 years ago and has sold thousands of water driven rowing machines around the globe.
This machine has a high-tech LCD screen that displays the following information:
- Time
- Distance
- Strokes
- Calories burned
This helps you to see your workout’s progress easily as well as to know exactly how far you are from beating your personal bests.
As for the frame of the machine, you have the option between classic wood or oak solid wood.
The latter is slightly more expensive as it offers ultimate stability and durability to support all of your rowing-based workouts.
For this reason, CZXFitness’ water rowing machine is slightly heavier compared with others on the market weighing 68.3 lbs / 30.9kg.
However, with that comes a higher weight capacity of 397 lbs / 180kg.
The range also has impressive reviews with 100% of reviewers awarding the range 5-stars which is why we believe it to be one of the best water rowing products available.
#5 – JLL Aqua 1 Water Powered Rowing Machine
Price: £489.99
The JLL Aqua 1 water powered rowing machine is designed to replicate the sensation of being out on the water in a moving rowing boat with a super smooth resistance.
With this in mind, the machine’s high-tech simulation will provide your body with the physiological benefits of outdoor rowing that other machines don’t offer.
The screen’s rowing display details the following information:
- Time
- Calories burned
- Distance
- Strokes
- Strokes per minute
- Total strokes
- Pulse
There are also 5 manual programs to choose from that can allow you to enhance your workout regime and put your fitness to the ultimate test.
As for the rowing machine’s design, it features a double-wheeled sliding mechanism with a soft leather and foam seat to provide maximum comfort.
It also has an ergonomic handlebar as well as super secure and adjustable footplates to remain as stable as possible when riding.
Priced at £489.99, this is one of the cheapest rowing machine water wheels on the market and so perfect for those that want a great quality machine while on a budget.
#6 – Xterra ERG600W Water Rowing Machine
Price: £599.00
Another one of the cheaper water rowing machine models on our list is the Xterra ERG600W. This is one of the best options on our list, packing some great-quality features that offer great value for money.
The 2 meter long solid steel frame features dual aluminium slide rails to ensure a smooth pull action, making your home workout as enjoyable as possible. The frame can also be stored vertically when you want to put it away.
It also comes with some admirable features such as a specialised ergonomic handle, contoured seat, and adjustable flex pedals to ensure your equipment is the right fit for you.
The display comes in the form of a 5.5 inch LCD monitor. You can use this to check on your workout data and monitor your heart rate with a compatible heart rate monitor (sold separately).
As well as this, you can also programme settings to make your workout more entertaining if you need that little bit of motivation. These settings include the option to race against the computer mode and several other countdown features.
Inside the water tank, you’ll find the durable, multi-bladed Xterra impeller. By filling the tank up to any designated 6 fill lines, you can adjust your workout’s feel.
Honestly, this indoor water rowing machine wouldn’t look out of place in a commercial gym setting, and it would be perfectly suitable for any home gym too.
#7 – Bluefin Blade Aqua Machine
Price: £899.00
If you’re after foldable water rowing machines, this next option is for you.
This machine is built with a ‘lift and fold’ system which allows you to store the rowing machine whenever not in use.
It’s crafted from American ashwood which is a highly durable and sustainable material and so is the perfect option for sustainability-conscious individuals on the lookout for top-quality machines.
This water rowing machine has a Dual Chamber Tank system and an adjustable resistance to allow users to row as though actually navigating the waters.
The legs of the machine have top-quality anti-slip grip pads as well as secure foot pedals to allow for a super safe rowing experience.
The machine is also compatible with the ‘Kinomap’ app to truly take your workout to the next level.
The app includes a collection of workout videos, classes, and coaching clips to keep motivation levels high and to allow for constant progression.
You can use the app on a mobile phone, tablet, or smart TV, a feature that other water rowing machines don’t offer.
These innovative features are why we think the Bluefin Blade is one of the best water resistance rowing machines in the UK and is one you ought to consider when shopping around.
#8 – Marcy Pro NS-6023RW Hydro Water Rowing Machine
Price: £599.89
A solid contender for a budget pick of the list, the Marcy Pro NS-6023RW rowing machine with water resistance settings has everything you’ll need to get a great workout from a rowing machine.
This water tank rowing machine is known for its exceptional stroke to feel. With six different resistance settings for you to choose from, you can personalise your workout to meet your needs and gradually increase the intensity if you want to improve your strength over time.
The Marcy Pro comes with a sleek aluminium rail, offering the user a smooth drive and pull, and has a one-way bearing system that makes the rowing movements feel more natural and efficient.
A comfortable PU seat helps promote an enjoyable exercise environment. On top of this, slip resistant handles mean you won’t have to worry about injuries like calluses on your hands which is definitely a bonus!
When finished with your workout, simply lift the rail and wheel the machine away, returning all your available floor space.
#9 – Cardiostrong Baltic Pro Rowing Machine
Price: £799.00
If you want a contemporary looking water rowing machine for your workout space, rather than opting for some of the other wooden or more classic looking machines on the market, take a look at Cardiostrong’s Baltic Pro rowing machine that also comes with a choice of two different coloured water tanks!
The water tank, available in either red or blue, is angled and offers the user the ability to alter the level of resistance by six levels. You can simulate the rowing experience of different water types and have a relaxing water feel or a tougher, more intense water feel that you can change depending on your needs.
This water driven rowing machine comes with 18 pre-loaded programmes on the display that you can use to measure your workout data and set yourself challenges such as long distance or interval races. This can be the best way to get that fire burning in your belly when you need a little bit of motivation to push yourself further.
Having a choice is always a great thing to have, and to be able to choose what colour your rowing machine will be for a product that will be a big part of your workout space, is a superb feature that shouldn’t be as uncommon as it is.
#10 – Sunny Health and Fitness Store’s Water Tank Rowing Machine
Price: £326.86
The Sunny Health and Fitness Store crafts some of the best gym machines and equipment and their water tank rowing machine is no exception.
The water tank includes 16 Hydro Blades to mimic the dynamic movements of competitive rowing while offering a steady and smooth experience with each stroke.
The non-slip HD handlebar is sweat-resistant and wide enough to accommodate different width of hands and so is suitable for all.
The moulded padded seat is designed to be comfortable and functional thanks to the slight dip in the seat.
Sunny Health and Fitness have opted for a high-tech LCD system that shows the following information about your workout:
- Total time
- 500m time
- Strokes per minute
- Total strokes
- Calories
- Temperature… just to name a few
With that, this water rowing machine’s design allows for easy storage.
It’s made from high-density non-marking rubber wheels to allow you to pick up and roll the machine up against a wall whenever not in use.
All of these features combined show that this is a great water rowing machine for sale for a very reasonable price.
At under £330, you’ll struggle to find a rowing machine that boasts the same features for a cheaper price.
#11 – WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine
Price: £849.00
If you have your heart set on this brand and want to buy a water rowing machine without spending a small fortune, one of the more affordable models is the WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine.
As was made popular by the WaterRower Original Series, the A1 is another indoor water rowing machine with a wooden frame. Specifically, it uses a solid ash construction that looks great and offers brilliant structural quality.
The chain is made of a lightweight single aluminium rail and pulls the paddle attached to the excellent WaterFlywheel.
Where the A1 gets its name from is the display monitor. The A1 monitor is designed to be simple and easy to use, sacrificing some of the more in depth performance features for a quick and reliable display of the basics instead.
Like other water rowing machines, the A1 is quiet when in use, producing a slight water splashing sound that can actually be very relaxing!
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If you’re planning on taking rowing more seriously or even challenging yourself to a triathlon, take a look at the following articles to see what you may need for your next competition:
- 15 Best Swimming Trackers To Help Track Your Data
- Ironman & Triathlon Distances Explained
- 17 Best Women’s Triathlon Suits
#12 – Capital Sports’ Rowlympic Water Rowing Machine
Price: £579.99
Next on our list of the best water resistance rowing machines is a product by Capital Sports.
This range combines high-quality design with a natural rowing experience in order to help you achieve optimal results from your workout.
The training resistance of the rowing bench is regulated by both the water and your own effort. This means that the higher the level of the water tank, the higher the resistance.
All of Capital Sports’ water rowing machines feature a minicomputer with an LCD display where you can track your progress over time.
As for the design, the 4-step adjustable footrests ensure a super secure grip when rowing.
Then, once your workout is complete, you can stow the machine vertically thanks to the floor rollers. This allows you to keep your gym space tidy and organised whenever not in use.
When shopping around for the best water rowing machine for sale, reviews can often influence which you go for.
Capital Sports’ range has a 100% 5-star track record with reviewers enjoying the smooth feel the water-resistance creates as well as the storage possibilities.
This goes to show that this range is well worth considering on your search for a water rowing machine to enhance your workout regime.
#13 – Topiom Wooden Rowing Machine
Price: £699.99
For a cheaper alternative to the top of the line products, this wooden water filled rowing machine is a fantastic choice.
Just like with expensive brands, using the Topiom Rowing Machine will give you a low-impact full body workout without applying pressure to any joints.
Therefore, you can craft a workout schedule that promotes calorie loss and focuses on all major muscle groups while reducing your risk of injury compared to other cardiovascular exercises.
At just over 2 meters long, this water rowing machine will be suitable for most people.
If you are struggling for space to store your machine, don’t worry, as when not in use you can easily stand the Topiom Water Rowing machine upright.
A Bluetooth enabled V2 LCD monitor comes with the product and acts as an interface for your rowing machine that can be linked to your phone for in-depth statistics and workouts plans.
The Topiom water rowing machine arrives in two deliveries, one with the water tank and the other for the rest of the frame. You will then have to assemble the product yourself, but this process is relatively straightforward, and there are videos on the internet to help you with this.
The frame comes in three different wooden colour options like some other water rowing machines, offering a classy design that’s also solid and stable.
This product has some of the best water rowing machine reviews on Amazon, and when combined with the fair pricing, it makes for a product that is easy to recommend.
#14 – Origin Storm Rower Water Driven Rowing Machine
Price: £699.99
Origin Storm offers one of the best water rowing products on the market and is a brand that understands the need for a robust and high-performing machine for home gym spaces.
The durable nickel-plated chain mechanism allows for a smooth experience that accurately replicates on-water rowing.
It offers an adjustable low to high dual handlebar that is wider in design compared with others on the market to accommodate all types of users.
With that, the adjustable footrests help to find the optimal fit for each rower.
The machine comes with a series of programs that allow you to put your fitness to the test and challenge your friends and family.
The presented time, distance, and burned calorie data are super accurate to ensure that you get the most out of your workout and see optimal results.
Rowing is a fantastic way to get a truly rigorous workout in a low-impact way and so is especially useful for those that experience uncomfortable feelings in the hips, knees, and ankles.
If this is you, why not get your hands on one of the best water resistance rowing machines in the UK?
We’re sure that it can truly transform your workout and allow you to see some incredible results.
#15 – FluidRower E316 Evolution Series Full Commercial Fluid Rower
Price: £1075.00
If you want to spare no expense on your indoor rowing machine with water rather than air, then it would be hard to find one that comes with such high quality features like those found in the FluidRower E316.
One of the biggest features of this water rowing machine is the adjustable resistance lever. While other machines have water tanks that can be filled or emptied to meet certain levels, the FluidRower E316 comes with a lever that you can use to switch between 16 different fluid resistance levels instantly!
The water tank is also stored diagonally and features patented technology concerning the machine’s variable fluid resistance technology, offering one of the best water stroke feels of all available water rowing machines.
The included Interactive Performance Monitor capable of showing all your workout stats and training progress. It also has a USB port that can be used to access the internet where you can compete in online races from the comfort of your own home!
On top of all the big parts like a water tank and display monitor, there’s been no expense spared on the smaller parts either. The handle is a Dyneema ergonomic handle. The footplates include an Advanced Heel Cradle.
The belt drive has a patented Direct Drive System to offer you the smoothest pull possible. All of this adds up to a supremely comfortable product that is a pleasure to use.
You’ll be spoiling yourself with a product as good as this, but go on, you deserve it!
Before You Go!
Well, there you have it, the best 15 water rowing machines you can find online! We hope you found our article useful to help purchase your next piece of equipment!
Whichever one you choose, we’re sure you will find it will last for years to come! This kind of product is an investment for sure, and it will definitely impress your friends and family when you invite them round to your home gym!
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