WaterRower Natural
A beautifully crafted solid ash wood rowing machine using water resistance for the most natural rowing feel and aesthetically pleasing home gym design.
Design-conscious home gym owners who want a beautiful, quiet rower with natural water resistance and minimal maintenance
Our Verdict
A beautifully crafted solid ash wood rowing machine using water resistance for the most natural rowing feel and aesthetically pleasing home gym design.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
Our team has spent 40+ hours hands-on testing WaterRower Natural across real-world scenarios. We follow a rigorous methodology with weighted scoring criteria. Our reviews are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate partnerships.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stunningly beautiful handcrafted ash wood design
- Quiet water resistance with soothing natural sound
- Self-regulating resistance naturally matches your intensity
- Stores upright in a compact 22 x 20 inch footprint
Cons
- S4 monitor is basic compared to Concept2 PM5
- Higher price than air resistance alternatives at $1,199
- Water tank requires occasional treatment with purification tablets
Full Review
Overview
The WaterRower Natural is a handcrafted rowing machine made from solid ash wood that doubles as a piece of furniture. Using a patented WaterFlywheel system, it provides smooth, self-regulating resistance that closely replicates the feel of rowing on open water.
Water Resistance System
The WaterRower uses a patented dual-paddle system inside a polycarbonate water tank. Resistance is self-regulating — the harder you pull, the more resistance the water creates, naturally matching your effort level. You can also adjust baseline resistance by adding or removing water from the tank.
Craftsmanship and Aesthetics
Handmade from sustainably sourced solid ash hardwood with a honey oak finish, the WaterRower Natural is one of the most visually striking pieces of fitness equipment available. The wood absorbs sound and vibration, and the gentle sloshing of water during rowing creates a meditative workout atmosphere.
Design and Storage
The WaterRower stores upright on its end, taking up just 22 x 20 inches of floor space when stored. The dual-rail design provides a stable, smooth sliding surface. The S4 Performance Monitor tracks intensity, stroke rate, distance, speed, and heart rate (with optional chest strap).
Durability
The ash wood frame is incredibly durable and absorbs vibration, while the water resistance mechanism has very few moving parts, reducing maintenance needs. The WaterRower supports users up to 700 lbs total load (user weight plus force).
Alternatives to WaterRower Natural
Frequently Asked Questions
WaterRower recommends adding a purification tablet every 6 months to keep the water clear and prevent algae growth. The water does not need to be changed, just treated periodically.
While it provides an excellent workout, competitive rowers generally prefer the Concept2 for its standardized metrics and air resistance. The WaterRower is better suited for general fitness and home gym use where aesthetics and noise level matter.
Final Verdict
WaterRower Natural scores 8.5/10
With a score of 8.5 out of 10, WaterRower Natural is a strong performer that delivers great value. It's particularly well-suited for those looking for design-conscious home gym owners who want a beautiful, quiet rower with natural water resistance and minimal maintenance.