WaterRower S4 series Owner's Manual - page 3
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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on becoming a WaterRower owner.
Rowing is universally recognized as the perfect aerobic exercise − smooth, low impact,
rhythmic and whole-body − unrivalled for its physiological benefits and aesthetic pleasures.
Rowing, indoors or outdoors, at any exercise level of intensity, requires a
greater exercise expenditure than any other aerobic activity. Calories are
burned in relation to the number of muscles used and the intensity and
duration of the exercise. Rowing with a sliding seat uses a very large muscle
mass since the upper, lower and trunk muscles are used vigorously.
-Dr. C Everett Koop- Former US Surgeon General
While most rowing machines imitate the action of rowing, they do so mechanically, and
therefore lack the natural dynamics experienced when a boat and crew glide down a river.
At WaterRower, we have focused on replicating the physical dynamics of rowing, with the
knowledge that this will achieve all of its physiological benefits, as well as much of the
aesthetic pleasure.
To maximize the enjoyment from using your WaterRower we recommend that you follow
our suggestions on rowing technique and training programs. We hope that some of the
discussion points in this manual will improve your knowledge about exercise in general, so
that you are better able to fulfill your specific exercise objectives.
Your WaterRower has been carefully hand-crafted to give you years of trouble-free use. You
will notice that each WaterRower is unique due to the variance in color and grain that occurs
naturally in genuine hardwood. We recommend that you closely follow the assembly details
provided, particularly by assembling the machine in the correct sequence, and adhering to
the suggested maintenance schedule.
We hope you enjoy using your WaterRower for many years to come!
OWNER’S MANUAL
SAFETY
We recommend consulting a physician before starting out with an exercise program.
Please read all instructions before using the WaterRower. Additional information on getting
started, rowing technique and rowing training advice can be found at:
www.HowToRow.com.
WARNING
: Please keep hands away from moving parts when rowing machine is in use.
For further information on safety tips, please refer to
www.waterrower.com/safety.
OPERATION
The WaterRower is unique in using the effect of drag to provide an exercise which is entirely
self paced. Because drag is linked to speed, a crew rowing down a river chooses its intensity
of exercise simply by altering the pace at which they row: the faster the boat travels the
greater the drag and the harder the crew must work. There is a similar effect in swimming.
By replicating these dynamics the WaterRower does not require adjustment to increase
resistance: if a more intensive workout is required, simply row faster and harder, and the
WaterRower will respond accordingly.
WATER LEVEL
The amount of water in the Tank simulates the weight of the Boat and Crew as it glides
down the river. Changing the Water Level does not change the resistance, it simply
changes the mass which the user is trying to move. Increasing the Water Level simulates a
heavier boat and crew mass, similarly reducing the Water Level simulates a lighter boat and
crew mass.
The Water Level is adjusted according to one’s personal preference or user type; the
intensity is altered simply by moving the chosen mass faster or slower. A level gauge is
positioned on the side of the the tank. Overfilling the tank could impact the warranty
coverage. Do not fill above the maximum level.
NOTE - Fill the tank with ordinary municipal water. Municipal water contains additives which
will deter the growth of algae. If municipal water is unavailable, use distilled water (do
not use well water). Unless using blue dye, add the purification tablet supplied with your
WaterRower. (For further information, refer to the section on Preventative Maintenance for
advice on Water Treatment).
FOOTPAD POSITION
The footpad has been designed to be adjusted for maximum
comfort. The foot strap is designed to cross the foot at the
pivot point of the toes (the ball of the foot). This should enable
the heel to be raised off the footboard as the user comes
forward with each stroke. The footpad can be easily adjusted to
accommodate different foot positions. The standard footboard
model requires pressing the Button between the Foot Straps to
move the footpad up or down.
Note: Do not tighten footboard
assembly bolts