WaterRower SmartRow: Features Explained

The WaterRower SmartRow is a $300 upgrade that transforms your rowing machine into a precise performance tracker. Unlike standard monitors, it directly measures force and stroke length for accurate data, regardless of water level or bungee tension. Key features include:

• Real-time metrics: Power (Watts), stroke length, peak force, and more.
• Heart rate tracking: Compatible with Bluetooth straps and smartwatches.
• SmartRow app: Tracks workouts, offers a "Beat My Personal Best" mode, and syncs with Strava and Apple Health.
• Battery life: Up to 150 hours on three AA batteries.
• Compatibility: Works with Original, Hybrid, A1, and M1 WaterRower models.

SmartRow ensures consistent results, making it ideal for athletes who want detailed insights and performance benchmarks. Installation takes about an hour, and the app adds advanced features like force curves and interval training options.

SmartRow; the ultimate performance ergometer

What is the SmartRow System?

The SmartRow system transforms your WaterRower by swapping out its first pulley for a sensor that directly measures absolute force and stroke length. This precise method allows it to calculate your power output in Watts with impressive accuracy.

What makes SmartRow stand out is its ability to deliver consistent results, no matter the water level in your tank or the tension of the recoil bungee. Unlike traditional monitors, which can produce varying readings based on these factors, SmartRow eliminates these inconsistencies by measuring force right at the pulley.

"The electronics inside the pulley measures the force and stroke length to calculate the power. This is independent of the water level in your tank, the tightness of the recoil bungee or your stroke frequency." – SmartRow FAQ

The system is powered by three AA batteries, which can last for at least 150 hours of rowing time when using 2,600mAh alkaline batteries. It activates with every stroke and conserves power by automatically shutting off after one minute without a Bluetooth connection. A red LED on the pulley conveniently signals when the batteries need replacing.

SmartRow also includes automatic calibration, ensuring it adjusts for factors like temperature shifts or wear on the recoil bungee. Since it operates independently of the WaterRower’s S4 monitor, all data is sent wirelessly via Bluetooth, offering a seamless experience.

Up next, we’ll dive into the essential metrics that SmartRow captures with precision.

Key Metrics Measured by SmartRow

Real-Time Performance Data

SmartRow provides a detailed breakdown of your rowing performance with a variety of metrics that cover every stroke. It measures power in Watts per stroke, calculated using the pulley’s force and displacement sensors, alongside stroke length in centimeters, peak force in Newtons, and work in Joules for each stroke.

Other key stats include stroke rate, split time per 500 meters, distance, and calories burned, with speed options displayed as meters/second, kilometers/hour, or calories/hour. If you switch to Advanced mode, you’ll unlock additional insights like average power, stroke count, and average split time over your entire session.

One standout feature is the system’s accuracy. SmartRow uses a mathematical boat model – an industry standard for calculating distance – ensuring your results can be compared with over 50,000 SmartRow users worldwide. Plus, the app generates a force curve for each stroke, giving you a visual analysis of how you’re applying power during the drive phase. This helps you fine-tune your technique for better efficiency.

Heart Rate Integration

SmartRow doesn’t stop at mechanical stats – it also tracks your cardiovascular performance. The system is compatible with Bluetooth heart rate straps using the Bluetooth LE protocol (sold separately). Popular options include the Polar H7, H10, and OH1, all known for their reliable heart rate tracking during workouts. Your real-time heart rate, displayed in beats per minute, is integrated directly into the app.

Prefer wrist-based monitoring? SmartRow supports certain smartwatches via Bluetooth, such as the Apple Watch (beta), Garmin Fenix 7, and Polar Grit X Pro. However, chest straps remain the most accurate option. Beyond basic heart rate data, the app calculates advanced metrics like Watt/beat (average power divided by average heart rate) and Watt/kg (average power divided by body weight), offering a deeper understanding of your cardiovascular efficiency and power-to-weight ratio.

SmartRow App Features

The SmartRow app takes precise performance measurements and turns them into tools that can help you make the most of every workout.

Customizable Workout Displays

Tailor your workout screen to show the metrics that matter most to you: power (Watts), average power, calories, stroke count, speed formats, and split time. Speed can be displayed in meters per second, kilometers per hour, or split time per 500 meters. If you enable Advanced Mode, you’ll also see stroke length (in centimeters) and peak force (in Newtons).

The Pace Boat feature is a visual guide to help you stay on target. A 100-meter circle turns green when you’re ahead and red when you’re falling behind, making it easier to stick to your interval training or hit specific split times.

For real-time stroke analysis, the Force Curve mode overlays the force curve from your previous stroke. This side-by-side visualization helps you fine-tune your technique and maintain consistent power.

And that’s not all – tracking your progress over time is seamless with the app’s detailed workout history.

Workout History and Personal Bests

Your workout data is automatically saved to the cloud, making it accessible across devices. The app records everything from basic stats like distance and time to more detailed metrics, such as Watts per kilogram and Watts per beat.

Want to push yourself? Use the "Beat My Personal Best" mode to race against your top performance for a selected distance. During these challenges, the app provides live updates to show whether you’re ahead or behind your record. You can also design custom interval workouts based on time, distance, calories, or stroke count, helping you zero in on specific training objectives.

Third-Party App Integrations

SmartRow makes it simple to sync your training data with other platforms. It connects directly with Strava and Apple Health for automatic data sharing. For apps like Garmin Connect or Training Peaks, you can manually export your data as .tcx or .csv files from the SmartRow website.

If you want to broadcast live performance data, the app supports Bluetooth connections with external platforms like EXR, Kinomap, Zwift, Bitgym, Regatta, ImersU, Holofit, and ErgZone. Just open the SmartRow app on your smartphone, launch the third-party app on another device (like a tablet or Apple TV), and activate the broadcasting feature before starting your session.

"SmartRow tracks my workout data and pushes it to Apple Health and Strava." – Verified User, Apple App Store

The SmartRow app is available for free on iOS and Android. It currently holds a 3.8 out of 5-star rating on the Apple App Store, based on 74 reviews.

Compatibility and Installation

Supported WaterRower Models

The SmartRow system is designed to work with several WaterRower models, including the WaterRower Original (wooden Series 3 and 4 dual rail), WaterRower Hybrid, A1 monorail, and M1 models. If you own an M1 model, you’ll need the specific M1 SmartRow version due to its unique mounting bracket.

However, the system does not work with the WaterRower Pure VR3 or S1 models. Be sure to confirm your WaterRower model before making a purchase.

Installation Process

Installing SmartRow involves replacing the standard first pulley with a precision "PowerPulley." The process typically takes 45 minutes to an hour and requires the following tools:

• Allen keys (3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm)
• A 1/2 inch box or socket wrench

The kit includes a phone holder, but you’ll need to provide three AA batteries (2500mAh recommended) to power the system, which lasts for about 50 hours of rowing. When installing, ensure the battery cable is positioned on the left side when you’re seated – this confirms the correct alignment.

For detailed instructions, the SmartRow app offers step-by-step guidance in its "Tutorials" section. Additionally, official installation videos can be found on the WaterRower service website. Once everything is set up, pull a single stroke to activate the system. Two blinking blue LEDs indicate that it’s searching for a Bluetooth connection, while a solid blue light confirms the connection is established. If you see a red LED, it’s time to replace the batteries.

This straightforward process ensures you’re ready to experience SmartRow’s advanced monitoring capabilities, which go beyond standard systems.

SmartRow vs. Standard WaterRower Monitoring

The SmartRow system takes a different approach to measuring performance compared to standard WaterRower monitors. Instead of relying on paddle rotation in the water tank, like the S4 monitor does, SmartRow uses direct force and stroke length measurements via a replacement pulley. This setup allows it to calculate power output more precisely.

One of the standout features of SmartRow is its independence from water volume. Unlike standard monitors, which can be affected by the amount of water in the tank, SmartRow ensures consistent results regardless of water level. This means you can adjust the water to your liking without worrying about skewing your performance stats.

SmartRow also includes automatic calibration to account for factors like recoil bungee wear and temperature changes. Standard systems, on the other hand, lack this feature, which can lead to a gradual decline in accuracy over time. Additionally, SmartRow connects directly to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, powered by three AA batteries that last for at least 50 hours of use. By contrast, standard monitors require an optional ComModule for Bluetooth connectivity.

Here’s a quick look at how the two systems compare:

The SmartRow system clearly delivers a more advanced and detailed performance analysis. Its ability to provide precise force curves, power-to-weight ratios, and other metrics makes it a valuable upgrade for serious athletes.

"SmartRow is an intelligent power meter that provides a highly precise measurement of your WaterRower performance… [it] will turn your WaterRower into a lab-grade ergometer" – WaterRower Australia

For $300.00, SmartRow transforms your WaterRower into a professional-grade training device, offering unparalleled accuracy and insights.

Conclusion

The SmartRow system brings a new level of precision and functionality to your WaterRower, making it an impressive upgrade for those serious about their rowing performance.

For $300.00, the SmartRow transforms your rowing machine into a highly accurate ergometer. By directly measuring force and stroke length, it eliminates inconsistencies caused by water levels or bungee tension, ensuring your workout data remains consistent over time and even across different machines.

One standout feature is the real-time force curve, which shows how power is distributed throughout each stroke. This helps you identify and fix inefficiencies in your technique. On top of that, advanced metrics like Watt/kg and Watt/beat provide deeper insights into your cardiovascular performance and power output.

"SmartRow instantly transforms your rowing machine into a modern and precise ergometer." – SmartRow for WaterRower

The system is self-calibrating, adjusting for bungee wear and temperature changes, so you can focus on your workout without worrying about accuracy. With built-in Bluetooth, batteries that last at least 150 hours, and a 24-month warranty, it’s designed for convenience and reliability.

Whether you’re fine-tuning your technique, training for a competition, or comparing stats with a global community, SmartRow offers the precision and insights that dedicated rowers need.

FAQs

Will SmartRow work with my specific WaterRower model?

SmartRow works with all Series 3 and Series 4 dual-rail wooden WaterRower models, as well as the A1 and M1 models. However, it does not support the S1 model.

Do I need the S4 monitor or a ComModule for SmartRow to work?

To connect SmartRow to your WaterRower, you’ll need the ComModule. This module adds Bluetooth functionality, allowing SmartRow to seamlessly transmit your performance data to your device. Without the ComModule, the S4 monitor on its own can’t support SmartRow.

What devices and heart-rate sensors can SmartRow connect to?

SmartRow works wirelessly with both iOS and Android devices. It also pairs with compatible heart-rate sensors, allowing for smooth integration to enhance your workout experience.

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