Wow! I try the new Float Rower

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.
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So of course I accepted and headed off to LA Design in Berkhamsted in leafy Hertfordshire in the UK.. 

A boy with a new toy - me on the new Float Rower

So you may be wondering why it's called the Float Rower? Well thanks to F1 technology the whole machine tilts both left and right up to an angle of 10 degrees, bringing a whole new dimension to indoor rowing - not to mention make it much closer to the sensation of rowing on water.

For rowing clubs this will be a huge plus (more on this later), but even if you never intend to get out on the river, the Float Rower works more muscles as your body adjusts to cope with the roll.

​My glutes noticed and I spent only a few minutes on it! ​

The whole machine tilts!

​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.

Separate handles add a new challenge

​Another innovation is the use of two flywheels and separate handles - as far as I know this is the only air rowing machine that has this feature.

When you combine this with the tilt you get a totally unique experience on the Float Rower compared to anything else on the market.

The monitor breaks down the stats for both left and right telling you whether you're pulling more on one side.

This would be particularly useful for putting together a crew for a boat, but not such an issue for an indoor rower - although if you're rowing several thousand metres a day it does make sense to train yourself to pull evenly!

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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/