M1 HiRise Rowing Machine

The wonderful sound of water with a beautiful oak finish

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchased Jan 2024, Oak finish. This has been one of my favourite purchases after months of researching. I was torn between WaterRower and Concept2, but as a regular gym user in the past, and not liking the noise that most rowers make, and with this being for my home, I decided on the WaterRower. I have used this regularly for just over two years and love it. The noise of the machine is a pleasure to workout to, I really appreciate the water wooshing noise, it helps me relax into the rhythm, whereas in the past I have put up with the noise but never enjoyed it. Obviously it looks beautiful, and as it's out in the main living space, having something nice to look at is a bonus. I have been adding the water purification tablets every six months, other than that, I haven't had to so anything else. The shipping was to a rural location in BC, and the package was trashed as to be expected, but it was so well packaged that the product was perfect. Beautiful wood product and oak finish. Built well, solid construction, still perfect after two years use by two people multiple times a week. Rather than selecting resistance, you simply work harder. I can see why people would want the Concept2 style for resistance settings, but I prefer adjusting my work effort, and the benefits from the sound of the water on my workout and mindset far outway any possible reason to consider the Concept2 style.

Reviewed by Helen E. on July 14, 2026

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Love this thing!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Love this thing!

Reviewed by Pete M. on December 19, 2025

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Great cardio workout

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Love this rowing machine. It's a different kind of cardio than elliptical or bike, and I find I'm hitting higher heart rates on this machine than those.
With the Waterrower, you don't need to adjust anything. Each person can use it in the way they want -- the harder you pull, the harder the resistance. If you want a light cardio workout, pull lightly. If you want a hard cardio workout, pull hard. The sound of water is also a nice experience, like real rowing.
Note that this machine doesn't have bluetooth so it doesn't hook up to any apps.

Reviewed by Duncan K. on November 27, 2025

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Exactly what I wanted

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Exactly what I wanted - beautiful machine for cardio with a quiet operation.

Reviewed by Adriana K. on August 4, 2025

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5 Stars

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is one of the best fitness equipment investment i have made. Smooth ride, natural feel, easy programming, compact. Looks and sounds great!

Reviewed by Jean-francois P. on July 2, 2025

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WaterRower Oak S4 Rowing Machine with HiRise Adapter Kit in Oak

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Wow! Fantastic!!! Adapter kit was easy to install and works great to raise WaterRower off the floor for comfortable access! Love it! In fact entire family is using and enjoying it! Highly recommend buying from Northern Fitness. Service was prompt and follow up interaction is incredible! Thank you Northern Fitness!

Reviewed by Mikhael A. on March 10, 2025

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The Best In-Home Cardio Equipment

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The WaterRower is by far the best cardio equipment for your personal gym. It's efficient, durable, easy to store, and beautifully crafted.

Reviewed by Annette N. on January 16, 2025

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Great rowing machine

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This rowing machine is built very well with solid wood, and it's also very quiet

Reviewed by Adam M. on November 8, 2024

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My first exercise equipment

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I've been using it for a couple of weeks no, very happy with my oak boat. Great exercise for all fitness levels, everyone in the family can row without changing anything on the equipment. It will never be in your way and yet always there when you need it. And the sound of water makes it exquisite.

Reviewed by Irina L. on October 21, 2024

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A1 Rower

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Compact, well-constructed, easily assembled, and good-looking, this rowing machine has brought good health and high spirits to the whole family—well… except our dog, who finds the whooshing noise a bit worrying.

Reviewed by Tobias G. on October 18, 2024

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Love it

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

It is a great work out and it is very smooth in operation.

Reviewed by Cheryl H. on September 17, 2024

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Great machine!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a lovely machine that is well made, easy to assemble, and looks great. It's a smooth row and the water makes for a soothing sound.

Reviewed by Hannah M. on June 6, 2024

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Great rower

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The price was really good for a rower, especially when you see now water rower costing more. I have a bad knee so I bought it for the low impact on joints. I used to row a lot but the water rower compared tot he fan is way quitter and smother.

Reviewed by Mitchell D. on May 13, 2024

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Great home workout option

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This rower replaces one I had for years but let go of during a move. I rowed in high school and enjoy concept 2 machines, but prefer a water rower for home use as it’s quieter, fits my small space better, looks more furniture-like, and the gentle whooshing water helps me get into the flow. Arrived quickly, easy to assemble, while this one is new, the one it replaced I used for 4 year several times a week and it held up really well.

Reviewed by Misha W. on April 16, 2024

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Perfect, compact fitness equipment

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I love how little space it takes — when in use and not in use — and I love how quiet it is. Zero impact makes it better for joints than a treadmill or running outdoors.

Reviewed by Christopher M. on March 13, 2024

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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Smooth action, easy setup, great rowing experience!

Reviewed by Joel V. on January 10, 2024

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Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

Only received one package, the other is who knows where. Maybe get a more reliable shipper? Purolator drops the ball

Reviewed by Timothy S. on January 10, 2024

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Great rower

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I have it for almost one month now. I used it almost everyday. I started with 10 minutes rowing exercises, now I am rowing 30 minutes. It let me the time to adapt and get the right shape while rowing. I went to YouTube to get extra advices to improve.

Very easy to assemble alone.
This rower is very smooth, very pleasant.
I bought it to improve my strength in the back, because I mostly doing computer work and I tend to have pain in between the shoulders and upper back.
Overall I am quite satisfied with this rower. The S4 monitor is easy to use, the handle fits well in my hands and the bench glides smoothly. I also appreciate the sound of the water turning in the tank, I can close my eyes while rowing and it feels like I am on a lake in a shell. It feels like the sound of waves, but not be too noisy or disturbing sound.
The fact that the rower can be stored standing upside is very convenient for me. The weight of the tank makes a counterweight that helps rise the rower for storage. Very stable. I like the wood material, it feels more natural than power coated metal, and this wood color will never look outdated. Although the rower structure is made in wood, it is very sturdy and well made.
I recommend this rower without any reservation.

Reviewed by Denis S. on January 1, 2024

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Exactly what I wanted

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

It’s quiet, the water sounds great, easy to store.

Reviewed by Brooke F. on December 8, 2023

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Assembly

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Difficulty attaching handle rests.

Reviewed by Johann K. on December 7, 2023

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