OarWorksOarWorks
Home/Rowing Machines/WaterRower Natural (Ash Wood) Water Rowing Machine
Water Rowers

WaterRower Natural (Ash Wood) Water Rowing Machine

★★★★★ 4.7/5 · 1,149 reviewsby WaterRower
9.4OUT OF 10
The OarWorks verdict

The WaterRower Natural in ash wood delivers a premium, low-impact rowing experience with realistic water resistance, elegant craftsmanship, and reliable performance tracking. It's an excellent investment for home rowers who value quiet operation, smooth stroke feel, and long-term durability over budget pricing or high-tech connectivity.

Key Features

Full Specifications

Resistance TypeWater flywheel
Frame MaterialSolid Ash Wood
MonitorS4 Performance Monitor
Folded Dimensions24 x 22 x 82 in
Weight Capacity1000 lbs

What we liked

  • Naturally smooth, self-adjusting resistance mimics real rowing on water
  • Quiet, soothing water sound instead of mechanical noise
  • Beautiful furniture-grade wood construction fits home decor
  • Durable hardwood frame with long lifespan
  • Space-saving vertical storage design
  • Smooth, consistent stroke feel reduces joint strain
  • S4 monitor tracks distance, pace, calories, and stroke rate

Worth noting

  • Higher price point than most magnetic or air rowers
  • Requires occasional water treatment tablet maintenance
  • Heavier and less portable than folding steel-frame rowers
  • No app connectivity or Bluetooth on base S4 monitor
  • Assembly required out of the box
  • Water tank visibility can show algae if untreated

The Full Review

The WaterRower Natural in ash wood delivers a premium, low-impact rowing experience with realistic water resistance, elegant craftsmanship, and reliable performance tracking.

The WaterRower Natural stands apart from typical home fitness equipment through its handcrafted solid ash wood frame, a design choice that reflects both aesthetic warmth and structural integrity. Unlike the boxy, industrial look of most rowing machines, this piece resembles a fine furniture item, finished with a hardwearing lacquer that highlights the natural grain of the wood. Its silhouette is sleek and low-profile, allowing it to blend seamlessly into a living room, home office, or studio without the visual clutter that gym equipment often brings. Despite its refined appearance, the frame is engineered to handle serious, repeated strain, making it a piece that performs as beautifully as it looks. At the heart of the WaterRower Natural is its signature water resistance mechanism, which uses an enclosed flywheel tank filled with water to mimic the authentic feel of rowing on open water. As you pull the ergonomically shaped handle, internal paddles churn the water, creating a smooth, naturally increasing resistance that responds directly to the force of your stroke. This means the harder you row, the more resistance you feel, and the gentler your pace, the smoother the glide, closely replicating the dynamics of an actual boat. The soothing sound of water swirling with each pull adds a sensory dimension that distinguishes this machine from the mechanical clunk or hydraulic hiss of other rowers, turning each workout into a calming, almost meditative experience. Beyond its craftsmanship and resistance system, the WaterRower Natural is built for serious full-body training, engaging the legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms in a single fluid motion. The seat glides effortlessly along the rail on a durable, low-friction system, while the footplates are adjustable to accommodate a range of user heights and shoe sizes for a secure, comfortable stance. A performance monitor tracks metrics such as stroke rate, distance, calories burned, and elapsed time, giving users clear feedback to guide their training progress. When not in use, the machine’s vertical storage position allows it to stand upright discreetly against a wall, conserving space while still functioning as an attractive design object—an ideal choice for those who want elite-level rowing performance without sacrificing the harmony of their living space.

View on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.