Since starting this website in 2010 I reckon I've tried and reviewed just over 60 of the 70 plus rowing machines here. And, if I'm being totally honest, many are quite dull with just a few standing out and making an instant impression. But that all changed last Tuesday. Out of the blue, I received an invitation from Anthony Hamilton (father of Lewis Hamilton the F1 World Champion) and designer of the new Float Rower - well you just can't say no can you. So of course I accepted and headed off to LA Design in Berkhamsted in leafy Hertfordshire in the UK..
LA Design are currently working on the tech behind the monitor. They're planning to add all kinds of new features you don't often see on rowing machines. One that caught my attention is footage of real rivers! I've seen this on exercise bikes and the odd treadmill but never rowers - it's got my vote. Online racing against other users any where in the world is another - one that's popular with Concept2 users. For rowing clubs, the ability to record and compare the performance or rowers could help to build the most effective crew, even down to the best seat on the boat before getting onto the water!
Of course the majority of home users of rowing machines never get any where near the water, but that shouldn't be a reason to not welcome the arrival of the Float Rower. This really does take the humble ergo to the next level in my view. It's also a lot of fun! The extra sideways movement makes it a completely different experience to everything else on the market. Of course, with all the innovations and new technology involved it will come at a price. LA Design tell me it's going to retail at around £ 3,000. But trust me, once you experience a few minutes on this beauty you too will be saving the pennies :0) There'll be an announcement some time early in 2017 about the product launch. You can find more information and see a video of the machine in action on their website at www.floatrower.com/
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AuthorRoy Palmer is an athletics coach, teacher of The Alexander Technique and a rowing fanatic. Archives
August 2020
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