We accepted that it would be judged by rowers not in comparison to other rowing machines, but in comparison to rowing on the water.
We had to innovate every step of the way, engineer solutions and accept no compromise on design to achieve our goal.
The Simulator had to be dimensionally accurate with a rowing boat, use mechanics that would be reliable and low maintenance, have ergonomics that made the machine easy and safe to use, and most importantly, have a realistic rowing feel.
The Simulator can be used in 3 ways. As a sculling machine, a stroke side rowing machine or a bow side rowing machine.
To change between each style is quick and easy to do, and can even be done during a workout, without leaving the seat.
A sculling machine |
A rowing machine |
The Simulator has been designed to bring the rowing boat and rowing machine together into a neat, safe, and easy to use land based rowing simulator.
Robust frame and excellent build quality for long term durability.
The wing rigger frame gives open and easy access on and off the machine.
Rigging span and inboard oar length measurements are set to standard dimensions which allows the rower to achieve the same reach and finish angles as they would in a boat.
The oar handles interchange to easily swap from sweep rowing to sculling.
By simply removing the locking pin, the oar handle can be feathered for both technical benefit and for rolling of the hands and wrists to relax the hands and arms during the recovery.
The adjustable oar heights allow the oars to be set up for conventional sculling left hand over right hand technique.
The purpose built flywheel and housing are integral to achieving a realistic feel and smooth stroke. The air resistance is variable and controlled by moving the vent lever position to the desired setting, which is within easy reach of the rower.
The footplate system is adjustable forward and back and the heel height can be raised or lowered to allow for comfort, correct positioning, and different leg lengths of rowers. Both of these operations are quick and easy to do.
The Oartec Training Monitor (OTM) is a performance monitor that provides a number of display and training features specific for rowing.
Features include:
Calibrated exactly to industry standards for rowing speed.
Scores are accurately comparable from machine to machine.
3 Workout Modes - Just Row, programmable Time and Distance, and custom Interval workouts.
Heart Rate Monitoring - Compatible with Polar HR chest belt and receiver.
Technique feedback - Stroke Length and Drive Ratio.
Resistance can be set to a numerical Drag Factor.
Workout Memory - previous workout recall.
USB output for connectivity to external software programs.
For more detailed information, please click here to view the Oartec Simulator Monitor Manual.
The Simulator can be folded inwards and minimized for storage when not in use. This action takes less than 30 seconds and equally in reverse. It has wheels mounted on the frame for easy relocation and can fit through doorways when folded. The Simulator can also be stored upright to use even less space.
Width Operational: 170cm / 67"
Width Folded: 65cm / 26"
Length: 230cm / 69"
Height: 70cm / 28"
Weight: 93kgs / 205lbs
Sculling Span: 160cm / 63" overall
Inboard Oar length: 88cm / 35"
Rowing Span: 84cm / 33"
Inboard Oar length: 114cm / 45"