How To Increase Resistance On Water Rowing Machine

If you own a water rower, you know it provides a smooth, natural feel. But you might be wondering how to increase resistance on water rowing machine to make your workouts more challenging. The good news is that it’s usually very simple. A few small adjustments can make a big difference in the intensity of your rowing session.

This guide will walk you through all the practical ways to get more from your machine. We’ll cover everything from basic technique to physical modifications. You’ll learn how to make each stroke more powerful and effective.

First, it’s important to understand how a water rower works. The resistance comes from a paddle spinning inside a tank of water. When you pull harder, the paddle meets more water resistance. This means the machine responds directly to your effort. To increase the feel of resistance, you essentially need to make the paddle work harder.

There are two main ways to do this. You can change how you row, or you can change the machine itself. Often, the best results come from combining both approaches. Let’s start with the easiest fixes that don’t require any tools.

Adjust Your Rowing Technique for More Power

Before touching the machine, look at your form. A stronger, more deliberate stroke creates more resistance. The water will naturally push back harder against a faster paddle.

Focus on the Drive Phase: Push with your legs explosively. Your legs are your strongest muscles. Use them to initiate the pull, then follow through with your core and arms.
Control the Recovery: Slow down the return. Don’t just collapse forward quickly. A controlled, steady recovery phase makes the next stroke more powerful and increases overall workout density.
Increase Your Stroke Rate: Rowing at a higher strokes-per-minute (SPM) rate keeps the water turbulent. This can make each subsequent stroke feel heavier, as the paddle is constantly moving against churning water.
Pull Harder, Not Just Faster: Concentrate on applying maximum force at the beginning of each stroke. Imagine you’re trying to accelerate the flywheel instantly. This mental cue can lead to a more powerful physical output.

Simple Machine Adjustments You Can Make

If refining your technique isn’t enough, you can physically alter the water tank. These are the most common and effective methods. Always refer to your specific model’s manual first, but the principles are generally the same across brands.

1. Add More Water to the Tank

This is the most straightforward way to increase resistance. More water in the tank means the paddle has more mass to move. It’s like trying to run in a pool filled to your waist versus your ankles.

Locate the fill cap on top of the water tank. It’s usually clearly marked.
Use a clean jug or a hose to add water. Distilled or filtered water is best to prevent mineral buildup.
Add small amounts at a time—about 1/4 to 1/2 a cup. The difference from just a little bit of water can be surprising.
Row for a minute to let the water settle and the air bubbles escape.
Repeat until you reach your desired resistance level. Do not exceed the maximum fill line indicated on the tank.

2. Check and Adjust the Tank Seal

The plastic tank has a seal or bung at the end. If this is loose, air can enter the tank. This reduces resistance because the paddle can spin more freely. A tight seal ensures the paddle works against only water, not air pockets.

Simply ensure the end cap is screwed on tightly. Don’t over-tighten it, as you could strip the threads. Just make sure it’s snug. If the seal is old or damaged, contact the manufacturer for a replacement part.

3. Consider Water Rowing Machine Add-Ons

Some companies sell aftermarket upgrades. These are less common but can be effective for serious rowers.

Performance Paddles: These are shaped differently than stock paddles. They are designed to catch more water with each stroke, creating a heavier feel.
Magnetic Add-Ons: Rare, but some systems add a magnetic brake to the flywheel. This combines water and magnetic resistance for an extremely high maximum load.

Before buying add-ons, ensure they are compatible with your specific model. They can be an investment, but they offer a permanent solution for those who need very high resistance levels.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Resistance

Sometimes, the problem isn’t a lack of resistance, but something that’s unintentionally reducing it. Avoiding these errors can make your workout feel harder instantly.

Underfilling the Tank: If the water level is below the minimum line, resistance will feel very light. Always keep it between the min and max marks.
Ignoring Air Bubbles: After moving the rower, air can get trapped. Row gently for a few minutes to let the system “burp” and the bubbles rise to the top.
Inconsistent Stroke: A jerky, uneven stroke won’t maintain steady water momentum. This makes the resistance feel inconsistent and often lighter than it could be.
Relying Only on Arms: This is a major technique flaw. You lose the power of your legs, which are essential for driving the hardest strokes possible.

Training Tips to Maximize Your Workout

Once you’ve adjusted your machine, use these workout structures to take advantage of the increased resistance. They will help you build strength and endurance effectively.

Power Interval Sprints

This builds raw strength. Set a timer for 20 seconds of maximum effort rowing, followed by 40 seconds of slow, recovery rowing. Repeat this for 10-15 rounds. Focus on making each stroke in the 20-second sprint as powerful as you can.

Low Rate, High Force Pieces

Set the monitor to show your stroke rate. Aim to keep it low, around 18-24 strokes per minute. The challenge is to make each single stroke so powerful that you maintain your speed. This teaches you how to apply force, not just speed.

Progressive Overload

Just like weightlifting, you need to gradually increase the challenge. Each week, try to add one more interval to your sprint workout, or add 5 minutes to your steady-state row. This ensures you are continously improving.

Maintenance for Consistent Resistance

A well-maintained machine performs predictably. Simple upkeep ensures the resistance feels the same every time you row.

Use Water Treatment: Add a few drops of chlorine-free water purifier to the tank every 6 months. This prevents algae and bacterial growth, which can gunk up the paddle and tank.
Clean the Tank: Once a year, consider draining and cleaning the tank with a mild soap solution. Rinse thoroughly before refilling. This removes any biofilm or sediment.
Inspect the Chain/Belt: Ensure the handle’s connection to the flywheel is clean and moves smoothly. A sticky chain can make the stroke feel uneven.
Listen for Sounds: Unusual sloshing or grinding noises could indicate a problem with the paddle or bearings. Address these quickly to avoid further damage.

FAQ: Your Water Rower Resistance Questions

Can I use salt water to increase resistance?
No. Do not use salt water. It will corrode the metal parts inside the tank very quickly. It can also promote algae. Stick to fresh, distilled, or filtered water.

Why does my rower feel easier sometimes?
Temperature affects water viscosity. Warmer water is slightly thinner, which might make it feel a tiny bit easier. Air bubbles are a more likely culprit though. Row for a few minutes to let things settle.

Is more water always better?
Not necessarily. Filling to the maximum line gives the highest resistance, but it may be too heavy for technique work or longer sessions. Find a level that suits your various workout needs.

How do I make a water rower harder?
As covered, add water, tighten the seal, and focus on a powerful leg drive. Combining these is the best way to create a more challenging workout on your water resistance rower.

My machine feels too hard now, what should I do?
You can simply remove a little water using a siphon or pump. Take out small amounts and test until it feels right. Remember, you can always adjust it based on how you feel that day.

Increasing the challenge on your water rower is largely about understanding the relationship between you and the machine. By fine-tuning your technique and making smart adjustments to the water level, you can create a much more demanding workout. Start with one change at a time, see how it feels, and build from there. This way, you can ensure your fitness continues to grow alongside your skills on the rower.