Product · WaterRower
WaterRower Original S4: hardwood frame, water flywheel
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The Original WaterRower is the rower many people picture when they think of a wooden machine at home, and the listing describes it as the official water rowing machine of British Rowing. This version comes in a vintage oak stain with the S4 Performance Monitor. It is aimed at households that want a rower good-looking enough to stay in the living room and the gentle swoosh of water rather than a fan or magnet.
- Resistance
- Water
- Levels
- Infinitely variable
- Rail / length
- 209 cm long
- Max user
- 300 kg
- Storage
- Stands on end
- App
- S4 monitor with Bluetooth
In its favour
- The listing describes it as the official water rowing machine of British Rowing.
- The S4 Performance Monitor has Bluetooth and shows stroke rate, distance and time.
- A 300 kg weight limit gives plenty of headroom for every adult in the house.
Good to know
- At 209 cm long it needs a clear run of floor, so measure the room before ordering.
- The listing quotes the frame and parts warranty terms in two different ways, so check before buying.
Our take
The WaterFlywheel and how it rows
WaterRower's patented WaterFlywheel sits in a tank and drags against water. Resistance is described as infinitely variable: it rises as you pull harder, so there are no levels to choose. WaterRower says it is virtually silent in use apart from the sound of moving water, and the low-impact motion is pitched at anyone wanting to avoid joint strain.
A how-to-row technique guide is included, which helps beginners avoid common form mistakes.
The S4 monitor
The S4 Performance Monitor shows stroke rate, distance and calories, and the spec table also lists heart rate, speed, stroke count and time. This version adds Bluetooth for live tracking. It runs on four AA batteries, which are included.
Size, weight and warranty
Amazon lists the machine at 209 cm long, 57 cm wide and 51 cm high, and 49 kg. It stands on end for storage and has transport wheels, but tipping a machine that heavy takes some care. The user limit is stated as 300 kg in the bullets (the spec field says 700 lb), well above anything a household is likely to need.
Warranty terms are written two ways: the bullets say three years on the frame and five on parts, while the spec table reverses them. Check with the seller. WaterRower says the machines have been handmade in the USA for over 30 years.
Against the Performance model and the Dripex
The WaterRower Original Performance adds PowerPulley tracking and a folding tablet arm for third-party apps including Peloton and EXR. The Dripex RW625 brings water resistance in a lighter rubberwood frame that folds, with a 125 cm rail and a shorter warranty. The Original S4 is the choice for a classic finish and long-proven design.
Verdict
Choose the Original S4 in vintage oak if you want a classic water rower that looks at home in a living room and have 209 cm of floor for it. If you want deeper app integration, pick the WaterRower Original Performance, and if folding storage matters, the Dripex RW625 is the lighter option.
Compared with alternatives in: Best rowing machines for home in the UK, Best water rowing machines, WaterRower models compared: Oxbridge, Original, Performance and Hybrid
Amazon listing title: WaterRower Original Series Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor