As someone familiar with the sport, it was important for me to take a step back and forget my prior experience and approach the machine as a beginner would. In my testing, I focued on three factors: ease of use, performance and engagement and quality and design.
- Ease of use: After nearly a decade away from the sport, I’m as beginner as it gets, so I wanted to make sure the erg was easy-to-use and as unintimidating as possible. Are there resources that will walk someone through the machine for the first time, explain the proper technique and break down the metrics, such as split, strokes per minute (I’ll refer to this as SPM), meters, calories burned, heart rate, etc.?
- Performance and engagement: With nearly 5,000 live and on-demand workout classes taught by world-class athletes and Olympians, I wanted to ensure that there were comprehensive classes for every level of athlete that can hold my attention and keep me accountable. So, whatever your mood, workout goals or level, whether you need to be taught the fundamentals and basics of the stroke or you’re looking to race like an Olympian, I wanted to see if this erg could accommodate.
- Quality and design: Can this compact machine stand-up to professional ergs preferred by Olympians? As sleek and alluring as these modern features seem, I wanted to make sure they enhance the user’s experience without sacrificing on quality or safety.
Over the course of three months, I hopped on the erg regularly as a quick form of cardio. My first go at the machine was horribly rough. I attempted a 15-minute class with target intervals running from 20 to 26 SPM. I probably should have started with a five- or ten-minute beginner class, because boy I did not anticipate what time away could do to me. I had to stop multiple times to catch my breath and recuperate. Despite being out of practice, I was amazed (and thankful) that I basically had my own personal trainer to guide me through the exercise with words of encouragement and explainers. Without the visual of the water and motivation, I know I would have quit as soon as I felt the fatigue set in.
I’m always able to find classes that suit my needs since the screen face is *very* easy to use. Despite a catalog of over 5,000 immersive workouts, sifting through the content is surprisingly approachable. Whether you’re on a time crunch, destination hunt, instructor kick or climbing your way up the competency levels, the home display has it all laid out for you. I usually opt for the time preferences, but it’s really astonishing how I can choose to row in Newport Back Bay one second, on the River Thames the next and finish it off Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. There are also a slew of instructional videos on the basics of the stroke, proper movement and correct form, plus plenty of options for more experienced rowers to engage in challenging tests with higher SPM.
Speaking of strokes, the Hydrow Wave rower is designed with the brand’s patented electromagnetic drag system, which—in layman’s terms—is their ingenious way of attempting to replicate the feeling of being on the water. I find it nearly impossible to compare any erg to the feeling of being on the water, though I will give it kudos for boasting a smooth drive and recovery (aka the back-and-forth movement) and having a solid drag (resistance) slightly resembling water. I also wouldn’t categorize it as whisper thin, as the company claims, though it is noticeably more quiet than other models I’ve tried.
Another key feature that I love is the leadership board and badges, which reminds me of being on a Peloton. I use this as motivation, hoping to climb the ranks by adding more power in my drive through my legs, or not at all on days when I just want to row in peace. Overall, it’s built with a solid and durable frame that’s supportive and sleek. It took me awhile to get used to rope-like drag attachment, as I’m used to a chain, but its high-quality make is undeniable.
