WaterRower S4 series Owner's Manual - page 4

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MAINTENANCE

START UP MAINTENANCE

During the first weeks of use, the wood in your WaterRower will adjust to the temperature 

and humidity of the environment. During this period it is strongly advised that you GENTLY 

tighten all the connecting bolts with the Allen key stored under the rear spacer. Please be 

careful not to overtighten any of these bolts.  

Additionally, as the drive and recoil belts loosen up with use, it may be necessary to tighten 

the bungee cord. To do this, leave the handle in the full forward position and adjust the 

bungee/recoil belt buckle to provide a little more tension. It may be necessary to tighten 

to perform these two simple start up procedures once or twice over the first month of use. 

Please refer to Adjusting the Recoil video at:  

www.waterrowerservice.com/videos.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Periodic maintenance is required to maintain the condition of the water in the tank. We 

strongly ADVISE USING MUNICIPAL TAP WATER which contains treatments to keep it free 

from bacteria and algae, etc. The water must be refreshed periodically by adding a water 

purification tablet provided. The purification tablet degrades by exposure to light: this may 

vary from 6 months in direct sunlight to 2 years in an artificially lit environment. Generally 

we suggest adding one purification tablet every six months.

If water discoloration occurs, add a purification tablet immediately. If the water does not 

clear, we recommend emptying the tank, flushing it out with clean water, refilling and adding 

a purification tablet. NEVER USE POOL CHLORINE OR CHLORINE BLEACH in the tank as this 

will irreparably damage the polycarbonate tank. The use of an alternative purification option 

in the tank beyond the approved WaterRower product could void the warranty.

MAINTAINING AND CLEANING

To maintain the appearance and integrity of your WaterRower it is necessary to keep the 

machine clean. It is particularly important to ensure that there is no dust build up in the 

clutch and belt mechanism between the top and bottom decks. Dust can be removed by 

using a cloth or vacuum cleaner. 

The surface of the rails must be kept clean to prevent dust and dirt from deteriorating the 

seat wheels; the rails can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth.

The surface of the tank can be cleaned, however, please ensure you read the instructions for 

any cleaning fluids prior to use.  

DO NOT USE METHYLATED SPIRITS, CHLORATES, BLEACH OR AMMONIA BASED FLUIDS 

WHEN CLEANING ANY PART OF YOUR WATERROWER. The use of improper cleaning products 

could void the warranty.

MAINTAINING THE WOOD

The natural wood WaterRowers are finished with Danish oil which gives a deep penetrating 

finish to the hardwood frame. Other than occasional dusting or polishing, the wood requires 

no maintenance. If you are the owner of an Oxbridge WaterRower, you will notice that 

Cherry wood is photosensitive and will develop a wonderful dark patina color over time. The 

use and/or storage of the WaterRower in inclement weather, including but not limited, to 

extreme temperatures and moisture could void the warranty.

STORAGE OF YOUR WATERROWER

Your WaterRower can be stored upright. Lift the rear spacer end, pull the WaterRower 

towards you and use the momentum to stand it in an upright position. When storing the 

WaterRower, please ensure the seat is in the forward position (close to the footboard). When 

stored upright the WaterRower is stable and it only takes the space of a chair. 

USING YOUR WATERROWER

The Rowing Action uses 84% of your muscle mass; from the tips of the fingers holding 

the handle/oars, to the balls of the feet connected to the footboard/boat, all the muscles 

between these 2 points contribute to the Rowing Action. 

The Rowing Action is comprised of both fast (drive phase) and slow (recovery phase) 

movements. It is important to combine these 2 movements into a rhythm in order to create 

a smooth, flowing, unhurried Rowing Action. The diagrams below show 3 basic movements 

of the rowing action. 

CATCH POSITION 

Sitting tall, arms straight reaching forward, 

shoulders relaxed, head up, eyes looking  

forward, legs compressed and shins vertical

. 

DRIVE PHASE 

Drive back with the legs, arms hang off the 

handle and only begin to bend once handle 

is above the knees, torso is strong with good 

posture and body angle opens up slowly as you 

drive the legs. 

RELEASE POSITION 

Legs straight, handle drawn to chest, sitting 

back just past the vertical, torso firm, shoulders 

relaxed, head up and eyes looking forward.

Allow yourself the first few rowing sessions to practice the correct positions and phases as 

well as the correct ratio and rhythm of the rowing action. With regular rowing, the technique 

will become easier and you will soon experience the physiological benefits of rowing. 

Please visit 

www.HowToRow.com to learn more about the phases and positions of the 

rowing technique.