ROWING
"Internally, you experience rowing as a graphic microcosm of life - solitude, learning, work, rest, nourishment, sharing and ultimately challenge."
ROWING 101
Rowing is a method of propelling a boat by using oars that are connected to it. This connection provides a mechanical advantage that when combined with a sliding seat allows for maximum use of the large muscle groups of the body resulting in rowing being not only an extremely efficient method of propulsion but also an excellent form of exercise.
|
Evidence suggests that the use of oars in the way that they are used today can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Rowing at the time was used from naval warfare to commercial transport as an efficient and sometimes essential way to maneuver ships. Ancient Greek Trireme's used up to 170 rowers working in unison.
A technique emerged that used leather cushions which allowed rowers to slide over their seats in order to gain leverage by engaging the large muscles of their legs. Eventually the technique we know today emerged as arguably the most efficient way to propel a boat by human means. Using a sliding-seat a rower, while facing backwards to their direction of travel, could engage the large muscles of the legs and back and work the body harmoniously to achieve tremendous results. Organized racing began at Oxford and Cambridge in the 1820s and has been a mainstay of the Summer Olympics since 1900. The term sculling emerged to describe a rower pulling 2 oars as a further distinction over the term rowing which technically involves the pulling of only one oar, though people rarely if ever make that distinction. |
Rowing is also a term used to describe a form of exercise that uses gym equipment to some extent mirror the mechanics, effort and benefits associated with rowing a boat. The Concept 2 rowing machine has emerged as the standard for indoor rowing but other capable systems abound.
Today rowing is an activity enjoyed around the world. It can be done solo or as part of a crew. It can be done to explore or to compete, to improve ones physical and mental health or to provide a peaceful retreat . It is considered by many to be as near perfect an activity that has ever existed. |
|
|
|
|
"It's the quintessential Greek sport: harmonious, competitive, agonizing, nautical and above all intelligent. It combines Odysseus's brains and brawn and love of the sea with the tactical precision of Spartan Pikeman."
Anyone
|
A Great form of
|
Nourishes Mind,
|
While it can be done indoors, there is nothing quite like rowing on glassy water and indulging in the smooth sensation of acceleration with every silent stroke.
Where, When & How to Row
Indoor Rowing
Rowing can be done indoors, at home or in a gym through the use of rowing machines. The Concept 2 rowing machine has emerged as the gold standard and the model of choice for indoor competition in part because of how effective it is in replicating the mechanics, effort and benefits of rowing a boat but also in part due to the rising popularity of competitive indoor rowing and the inherent need for standardization. While great machines, they come with some disadvantages such as noise, size and cost to name a few.
Water based rowing machines are popular in-home alternatives as they tend to be quieter, more attractive and better mirror the mechanics of rowing on water. While nothing surpasses rowing on water indoor machines do provide a convenient way to practice year round in any weather while reaping some of the more physical benefits of this amazing sport. But rowing exclusively indoors and on machines is a little like learning how all the pieces move in CHESS but never actually playing a game. ...eventually you have to play a game. ...eventually you have to row on water. |
Joining a ClubUntil now the easiest way to row on water was to join a club surrounding yourself with other like minded people to hone your skill and compete for glory. There are many benefits to this approach such as the sense of community, the coaching and the ability to compete for glory. However there are also down sides to joining a club.
Aside from the expense, being part of a club means rowing at the same place and with the same people, day in and day out. It means rowing on someone else's time and according to someone else's rules. The focus for most clubs is competition and racing but not all who row do so to compete. The type of shells used at these clubs are long, narrow and not very stable hence the only way to get on and off is from a dock. It is because they are so "tippy" that much of club rowing is relegated to the calm waters of rivers at dawn and dusk. For people who preferred the freedom to row wherever and whenever they wanted and with whoever and for whatever reason ... well there had to be a better way. |
Building Your OwnWhile anyone can buy a rowing shell they are as big as they are expensive making them difficult to store or transport without using a trailer and are still limited to use in only the calmest of waters.
To solve this problem, some intrepid rowers undertook the mission to build their own sliding seat row boat that would allow for rowing in much rougher waters. However sliding seat rowing can be a tricky thing to adapt to traditional dinghies and sailboats. Due to the technical challenges involved, many of these designs end up foregoing the use of a sliding seat but in turn lose the ability to engage the legs and reap much of the rewards of rowing. Outside of rowing in a gym, this amazing sport was not an easy activity to take up. ... until now. |
Introducing ... Row On Air
The Rowing Revolution Has Begun
What is ROW ON AIR?
Row On Air is a revolutionary rowing system that goes onto almost any inflatable or rigid kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board. It offers both traditional rear facing rowing as well as an innovative forward facing system that is a marvel of engineering and ingenuity.
|
Row on Air was first introduced as part of the XCAT Multi-Function Sailing Rowing Catamaran which won the 2017 SAIL Magazine Boat of the Year in the day sailor category.
It is perhaps the only catamaran sailboat that provides a fully functioning sliding seat rowing experience on a catamaran sailing platform making it incredibly stable so you can row with friends and family even i choppy water conditions, something no other boat can do quite so well. As if that were not enough, they also engineered a forward facing sliding seat rowing system that allows for blade feathering. As far as we know this patented system is the first and only one of its kind in the world. So while they offer an exceptional traditional, high performance rear facing sliding seat rowing system under the brand name of RowMotion, it is the forward facing system called RowVista that offers the distinct advantage of being able to see where you are going while still using efficient rowing technique! |
In 2017, Row & Sail, the company that makes the award winning XCAT, started a separate division called ROW ON AIR that created a version of their spectacular RowMotion and RowVista rowing systems so they could be used on almost any inflatable or rigid kayak, canoe or Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP). The result is a product that many feel is the best built, best engineered and most beautifully crafted non competitive rowing system in the world.
The first generation used black anodized aluminum outriggers that were as attractive as they were effective. In 2020 Row On Air began making the outriggers out of stunning Carbon Fiber resulting in a product that is lighter, stronger and somehow even more breathtaking. Designed and engineered and built in Austria, Row on Air is crafted to exacting standards using the best materials to deliver a rowing experience on par or better than traditional rowing sculls. Row On Air: 2019 and Before |
Row On Air is as stable and as portable as the boat you put it on ... so use it with an inflatable kayak and you have something incredibly stable and portable. Add the ergonomic and safety benefits of should you choose forward facing RowVista and you will see why nothing else even comes close to this incredible rowing experience.
Row On Air lets you enjoy rowing on water with almost no limitations or down side. It is strong and light making it both portable and durable. When compared to the expense of joining a club or the cost of other rowing equipment, Row On Air is perhaps the best rowing value in the world today. But when you see the quality of the materials and workmanship, and you feel the effectiveness of the design in the water for yourself, you realize that it is beyond value and borders on the ream of art. Row On Air: 2020 and Beyond |
REAR or FORWARD Facing
Classic rear facing sliding seat rowing
|
Innovative forward facing rowing with blade feathering
|
|
|
|
"Americans generally associate boats with leisure. Egyptians associate them with nothing but labour. Rowing a boat is something a fisherman is forced to do to make a living; how could such an activity bring me ... pleasure?"
FLAT or YOKE Outrigger
Ideal for flat top style Stand Up Paddle Boards
|
Ideal for Kayaks and boards with sidewalls or gunnels
|
HOOK or STRAP Connection
Row on Air branded inflatable Kayaks, SUPs and rowing boards come with Hooks at the right location to quickly secure the rowing sked.
|
Use D-Rings and glue to add mounting points onto most kinds of inflatable SUP boards or kayaks with side walls where wrap around straps are not suitable.
|
Purchase optional stainless steel straps to quickly and securely mount Row On Air onto any flat top inflatable or rigid Stand Up Paddle Board.
|
"Rowing is more than a fast boat on race day. It's a complementary experience to a young man's intellectual development... Rowing, like success, is a journey, not a destination. I tell my oarsmen to have fun, learn and, most of all, grow as individuals. The wins the losses will take care of themselves."
Rick Clother - Rowing Coach USNA
WHERE to ROW
Start rowing in calm water and gradually work your way up to more wavy conditions.
|
Humber River: Secret spot minutes from downtown. Calm winding river snakes its way through a serene valley
|
Credit River: Well known rowing spot, calm wide river, very scenic, see the occasional deer.
|
|
Cherry Beach: Eclectic Toronto Landmark. Busy spot enjoyed by kiters, sailors, swimmers, boaters and more...
|
Sir Casimir Gzowski Park: Row inside the breakwall and compete with dragon boaters in front of a volleyball lined beach.
|
"It's such a sensual sport… you are utilizing every sense you have to power your shell through the water. I can close my eyes and feel the center of my body and whether it's off balance or not, whether I'm rushing the slide, I can hear the depth of my oars in the water and can gauge how relaxed I am."
HOW to ROW"I can teach 90% of the rowing stroke in ten minutes. The other 10% will require you a lifetime of effort to learn."
Coach Robert Valerian |
|
"There is a place where cerebral and corporeal meet: they call it rowing."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a wetsuit?
- If you plan to row in cold choppy water and there is any chance of falling in then it would be foolish to not wear a wetsuit. The thickness depends on the wind and water conditions. Wetsuits keep you warm in the water but do not work as well outside of it therefore you should wear a windbreaker shell over your wetsuit. Click HERE for a chart that shows recommended wetsuit sizing based on water temperature.
- ROA is designed, engineered and built in Austria.
- ROA is made of the highest quality Aluminum, carbon fiber and other marine grade components with exacting attention to detail. Their inflatable SUP, Skiff and Kayak are made using high grade UV resistant PVC. There are absolutely no compromises in quality materials and workmanship. For example, the Carbon components are not carbon-fiberglass composites, they are 100% carbon fiber and look like something you would find on a Ferrari. It is as beautiful to look at and touch as it is elegant to use.
- We perform demos and display at trade shows. We also rent this product. We also have brand ambassadors that would be happy to provide a demo. Contact us to make arrangements to see and use one or to become an ambassador.
- Due to the high cost of importing we do not typically allow refunds however if we do grant one the restocking fee will be very high, at least 30% or more. On a plus side we have NEVER had a customer wish to refund their purchase and we highly doubt one ever will.
- ROA comes with a 2 year warranty against manufacturer's defects.
- Most deliveries arrive 2-3 weeks after ordering. Sometimes during the heart of summer there is a lot of demand and it can take much longer so we encourage you to order as soon as possible so you will be ready once spring arrives and can maximize your time on the water.
- Let us know exactly what you want to order and where you want it shipped to, including city/town and postal code and we will get you a shipping cost.
- No, all customs and duties are included in either the purchase price or the shipping & handling price.
- Currently we are a web shop only and do not offer pickup as an option, unless the product description says shipping is included there is usually always a shipping & handling fee.
- Yes. Let us know where you want it shipped to and we will make the necessary arrangements. You may want to confirm that they are willing and able to accept the large packages.
- No, we have customers all over the world, however we cannot ship to countries where Row on Air already has a local exclusive distributor.
- Yes we currently have the exclusive rights to sell Row on Air and XCAT in Canada. However that may change as we are actively looking for dealers and Ambassadors. Once that becomes established we will have a dealer locator web page to show you where else you see or demo the products and who else you can purchase them from.
- Yes. We are open to having ambassadors and dealers represent Row on Air in your community, just Contact Us if you would like to be considered.
- Yes you can but you must declare the value and you will be charged customs, duties, brokerage fees, HST, PST and GST (depending on your point of entry) and shipping costs if you bring it on a plane. In the end it will cost less to buy it from us and have it shipped directly to you hassle free.
- Very portable. The Skid comes in 1 bag, the oars in another and the inflatable SUP in a third. The whole thing can fit in most cars with half the rear seats folded down. It is also very light and easy to carry. The heaviest part is usually the SUP which is 20-30 lbs depending on what you use.
- Row on Air takes about 10 minutes to setup and inflating your board takes about another 10 minutes. It is incredibly easy and elegant to setup. Putting it away takes even less time and effort.
- The speed depends on what you row on. The AirSkiff will be the fastest, followed by the needle nose SUPs and then the all round SUPs and kayaks. An AirSkIFF is very fast, although not as fast as a hard shell, the shell costs more, is big and difficult to store and transport, is more fragile and is far more tippy.
- A hard shell while faster is in our opinion really only meant for high performance competition. An inflatable has many advantages besides speed that make it ideal for anyone other than people who race and compete.
- Rowing is more efficient so you can typically travel faster and greater distances allowing you to explore more areas.
- It is also a total body workout as opposed to kayaking and SUP that typically only use upper body muscle groups.
- Developing the skills necessary to Stand Up Paddle in waves or rough water takes hundreds if not thousands of hours of practice so many paddlers never progress beyond a certain point and still have to get on their knees in rougher, wavier water. Rowers by contrast progress very quickly and will be performing at a high level within no time.
- Kayaks however can traverse whitewater and SUPs can catch and surf large waves whereas rowing is not necessarily suited for these scenarios even though you can catch and ride small waves.
- Ultimately getting a Row on Air system means you will also have a Kayak or SUP so you can do both activities whenever you like!
- Rowing is low impact, safe, fast and uses more muscle groups than SUP or paddling. You will see more and get a better work out. Before long you will find yourself craving your next rowing session in a way those other activities don't seem to do.
- The design of RowVista is incredible and there is almost no loss in efficiency using the gear mechanism. In fact, the gears mechanism is designed so your wrists rotate less and it is impossible to over rotate. As such RowVista will essentially be just as fast as RowMotion!
- We have found both systems to be equally reliable and have never seen or heard of a RowVista system breaking.
- Oarboard is a great Canadian company that manufactures a sliding feet rowing system. In our opinion the quality of materials, engineering and workmanship is higher with Row on Air. The seat on Row on Air is also more padded and we feel more comfortable so you can row longer and farther.
- Other rowing systems such as Oarboard feature sliding feet instead of a sliding seat and have a very different rowing feel. Row on Air uses a sliding seat which offers the same feel as traditional, Olympic and competitive rowing shells as well as those found on rowing machines.
- Over the years some forms of sliding feet systems were developed that offered a mechanical advantage to sliding seat systems and were subsequently banned from competition. However there is no evidence that Oarboard is faster, nor do they make any claim to be faster, than traditional sliding seat rowing systems.
- Oarboard does however feel that their sliding system reduces the "hobby horse" affect that can happen with sliding seat system, but in our experience we have not noticed this hobby horse affect with Row on Air.
- Oarboard will not work on Kayaks or Canoes or anything with sidewalls. They will only work on inflatable SUPs and paddle boards whereas Row on Air Can work on many Kayaks and Canoes.
- Last but not least, Row on Air is the only system in the world that offers both traditional rear facing rowing and forward facing rowing with blade feathering. RowVista is patented all over the world and is only available from us.
- RowVista solves a thousand year old problem of being able to row facing forwards while still using efficient blade feathering technique. The engineering that goes into RowVista is exceptional and the difference in cost becomes evident on first use.
- Being able to face forwards is a huge safety benefit. It is also ergonomically speaking more comfortable as you will not have to constantly look over your shoulder to see where you are going and will result in less neck and muscle strain. In our opinion it also makes rowing that much more enjoyable.
- We appreciate your referrals and with everyone that you send our way that buys a rowing system we will send you a VISA gift card or $50 e-transfer as our way of saying thank you.
- Yes we do, to inquire please Contact Us and thank you for your service and sacrifice.
- Because you are on a more stable base like a big wide iSUP, learning to row is easier using Row on Air than on a conventional hard shell.
- Row on Air does not sell a SUP big enough to support two rowing systems however some other manufacturers do. Red Paddle for example sells a 22 foot long Dragon Board that can be used to support 2 rowers.
- To use Row on Air on any Kayak or Canoe the rowing skid has to be positioned no deeper than about 8 inches from the top of the side rails and you will need to glue on some D-Rings to attach the UniHook fasteners.
- Pretty much, as long as it has enough buoyancy. SUPs most certainly do but not all windsurf boards are designed for buoyancy. For this scenario Row on Air will be fastened using UniStrap unless you glue on some D-Rings in which case you can use UniHook. Rigid shell SUPs and Windsurfers are more delicate than inflatable so you should avoid over tightening the straps. We recommend inflatables for their toughness, durability and portability.
- Anything in the water will create drag however we find it to be very minimal. But if you want the fastest speed possible then you should use UniHook.
- Yes as long as they are long enough and not too wide. However we recommend the straps that either come with UniStrap or can be purchased in addition to UniHook as they are of exceptionally high quality and will resist corrosion even in the most extreme cases.
- Yes it is possible to order both RowMotion and RowVista with just one single rowing skid. Contact us if you wold like to arrange this.
- Yes but you will still need to purchase the rowing skid and outrigger.
- XCAT RowMotion Oars will work no problem as the width can be adjusted.
- XCAT Row Vista handles however are a few centimeters longer to accommodate the greater width of the XCAT. Therefore, you can either make due with the difference or order different handles for use on one or the other.
- If you are purchasing both XCAT and Row on Air and only want one RowVista then we recommend Row on Air's version of RowVista as the shorter handles will be less consequential on the XCAT.
- Yes. Many people ask us about this. If you buy the RowVista from XCAT it comes with a mounting plate that you can attach it to your boat's gunnels. However, you will need to make sure your gunnels are sufficiently re-enforced to handle the stress and rigors of the rowing system. The thrust of RowVista generates a lot of force and needs to be mounted on a solid base.
- Yes everything is UV resistant however we strongly recommend avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible as it will reduce the life of your inflatables. Use of a cover is recommended. In the winter it should be stored indoors.
- None, however we do suggest a UV liquid be rubbed on your inflatable every now and again to maximize its life especially if you leave it outdoors a lot. RowVista and the gear mechanism do not require any kind of regular maintenance or lubrication but should be cleaned every now and again.
- Yes. There may be extra fees for doing so but it is no different than transporting a bike or set of golf clubs or other sporting equipment. Best of all there are no hazardous materials to worry about.
"The single sculler, alone on the river at dawn, or spotlighted in his lane during a race, is the most romantic, the most quixotic figure in all rowing."