| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WaterRower Natural Check Discounted Price | L:82.25" W:22.25" H:20" | 700 lbs | 66.5 lbs | Water | Frame: 5 years Parts: 3 years |
Rowing machines that feature a water resistance system are the ones that provide the most natural rowing feel. They’re great for users of all levels, providing an excellent aerobic workout, and leading to surprising results in terms of weight loss.
Currently, one of the best selling models is the WaterRower Natural. This particular water rowing machine was actually featured in the Netflix show “House of Cards”, as the training machine of the lead actor Kevin Spacey. So, needless to say, if you’re looking for quality in a water resistance rower, this particular model is the first one to put on your checklist.
Anyway, here’s what the WaterRower Natural Indoor Rowing Machine can do for you.
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 82.25L x 22.25W x 20H inches (209L x 57W x 51H cm)
- Product weight: 66.5 lbs (30.5 kg) w/o water; 103.5 lb (47 kg) w/ water
- Supported weight: 700 lbs (317 kg)
- Frame: Wood (Ash)
- Footrests: With straps
- Resistance type: Water
- Progress tracking computer: S4
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 3 years
There’s a lot more to be said regarding this WaterRower model than this generic outline of the main specs though. Therefore, here are all the additional details that you should know about each of the main parts of this WaterRower machine.
Frame
To begin with, the frame of this machine is wood-made, with a very sleek and “warm” finish, reminding of an actual boat. It’s actually available in various types of wood, including ash, walnut and cherry. There isn’t much difference within the sturdiness and durability of each type of wood. They’re all hard woods, and choosing one type is only a matter of personal taste. The model presented here, and appearing in the annexed photos, is an ash wood model.
The frame is coated with Danish oil, which results in a very smooth finish, without being glossy or slippery, considerably increasing its liquid resistance. Since it’s a wood frame, it absorbs shock and vibration much better than a metallic frame, also being lighter.
When it comes its footprint, the WaterRower Natural takes quite a bit of space length-wise, being 82.25 (209 cm long). It also requires at least 20″ (51 cm) clearance at the back, and about 12″ (30.5 cm) on each side, to ensure a safe training. Therefore, make sure you have the required available space for it, before purchasing. On the other hand, when not in use the machine can be stored vertically, this way occupying 20 x 22.25 x 82.25 inches (51 x 57 x 209 cm) (L x W x H).
The frame features rubber feet to ensure maximum stability and to prevent any damage to the flooring, if the machine will be placed directly on the floor. Also, the front end features transport wheels, to facilitate the relocation and storage of the machine.
Being quite a long machine, this water rower can accommodate pretty tall users, with an inseam up to 37″ (94 cm). In general, users up 6’6″-6’7″ (198 – 201 cm) tall should not have any difficulties training on this machine. As for the supported user weight, you shouldn’t worry about it. This rower is rated to support users up to 700 lbs (317 kg). 
The seat of this WaterRower is not consistently cushioned. However, it does have a contoured design, to adapt better to the user, to eliminate the numbness effect, and to facilitate the rowing motion. It supplies a horizontal glide, simulating a natural rowing stroke. The footrests are oversized, accommodating feet of any size. They’re also equipped with straps, to prevent feet from slipping and to help the user achieve a correct rowing motion.
The handle of the rower is pretty simple, with rubber foam grips, to absorb perspiration, ensure a good grip, and prevent palm sores or blisters to occur, in case of prolonged rowing sessions. Handle comes attached to a very solid nylon strap, material similar to the one used in automobile seatbelts.
Water tank
Just as in any water rowing machine, this model includes a water tank, with quite a sizeable WaterFlywheel, consisting in two paddles, enclosed in a tank. This water flywheel is designed to emulate the dynamics of a boat moving through water. Therefore, this machine renders a very natural rowing feel with every stroke. The resistance adjusts naturally, just as when rowing a real boat: the harder you pull, the more resistance. 
The water tank has a volume higher than 19 liters. However, 19 liters is the maximum water quantity that should be added into it. Actually, adding more water into the tank can lead to the voiding of the warranty. WaterRower actually recommends that the tank shouldn’t contain more than 17 liters of water. The tank has pretty clear level markings on it. Also, the water can remain into the tank when the rower is stored in vertical position.
The tank is made of polycarbonate material, and is gray colored. The nice, blue color depicted in some of the photos of this rowing machine is actually given by water dye. There are no blue tanks available. The dye isn’t supplied with the machine. However, the box does include chlorine pills to be added to the water, to prevent the formation of algae or mold.
Performance monitor
The WaterRower Natural rowing machine comes with an S4 performance tracking monitor. It has a user-friendly interface despite the fact that it’s a pretty advanced unit. It can display all the 
values that a professional rower would want to be aware of during training. In other words, this unit will indicate intensity (or speed), watts and KCalories per hour, stroke rate, heart rate, distance covered and time spent on a training session. The unit has Interval Workout Settings for distance and intensity, as well as 9 Advanced Workout Programs.
The heart rate value is actually optional though. It requires a heart rate chest strap and a receiver box compatible with the S4 unit. Polar or ANT+ offer the required accessories for it.
Last but not least, the S4 performance monitor is PC interface capable, via a monitor cable. There are several commercially available software products such as We-Row, WebRacing, and WaterCoach Fit, that allow you to join online rowing communities, compete with others, or customize your own workout.
The console requires 4 AA-type batteries.
Assembly and Maintenance
First of all, the WaterRower Natural is shipped in two boxes, one for the rails (6 x 6 x 30 inches) and one for the water tank, console and the other parts (24 x 24 x 24 inches). The assembly part is fairly easy, actually requiring 10 main steps which should take no more than 30 minutes of your time. It basically requires you to join the two main rails together, add the seat, water tank, footboard, transport wheels, connect the bungee cord to the recoil belt and the console. The manual is supplied with the machine, providing comprehensive instructions for the assembly, along with the necessary tools. Also, in case you may be wondering, all frame pieces already have the holes drilled into them, so you just have to put the nuts in and screw them in place.
Maintenance also doesn’t require much. All you need to do is change the water in the tank every six months, and add a new chlorine pill. Since the wooden parts of the frame are finished with Danish oil, other than occasional dusting, the wood requires no maintenance. Make sure you keep the rails clean of any dirt or particles that might nick it, and keep the console away from moisture, or wipe any water or sweat droplets that might fall on it during workout.
This WaterRower rowing machine has a base warranty of one year. However, if you register the product online, on the WaterRower official website, the warranty will automatically be extended FOR FREE, at 5 years for frame, and 3 years for parts.
Pluses
Just about everything that we’ve covered regarding this indoor rower machine is actually a plus. But in case you’ve missed any of the main pluses of the WaterRower Natural model, here’s a short summary for them.
- Water rowing system, resulting in a natural feel for each rowing stroke. Resistance adjusts depending on the intensity of your training.
- Quiet exercising machine. Actually, the sound emitted by it is quite tranquil and soft.
- Smooth and warm design, reminding an actual rowing boat.
- Durable and stable frame; can support users up to 700 lbs.
- Contoured, ergonomic seat for optimal user position.
- Basically maintenance free.
- Easy to move. Stores vertically to save space.
- Advanced, yet easy to use console, telemetry enabled and PC compatible.
- Great choice for users of all levels.
- Superior quality and design, at an excellent price.
Drawbacks
Of course, even though this is a top-quality product, it does have one drawback. The footrests are non-adjustable, so in case you may not be 100% comfortable with the position offered by them, 
you’ll have to improvise.
Overall
The WaterRower Natural is one of the water rowing machines with the best price and quality ratio that you can find at the moment. It provides the training setting for users of all ages and levels, from beginner to professional. In fact, any professional rower should be pleased with the variety of training programs provided by the console of the machine. It’s an excellent choice for cardio training, muscle toning and weight loss. You can actually drop at least 1-2 pounds per week, with regular training on this rower, at a moderate pace. All in all, you will never regret investing in this particular rower.