Introduction
If you’re a rowing enthusiast, you might wonder if there are smartwatches for rowing to help with your training and performance. When shopping for such a device, it’s essential to know what features are best to look for in a watch you can wear specifically for rowing.
Being able to track your rowing data lets you see very clearly where you’re at in your session. It provides an excellent overview of your performance after you’re finished training.
Until very recently, rowing-specific watches weren’t a thing. Thanks to the smartwatch and fitness tracker world being so highly competitive, the need for innovation has brought light to this niche market. The watches discussed in this review are great for either indoor or outdoor rowing.
What does a good rowing watch look like?
There are plenty of wearables and smartwatches that cater specifically to active people. They’re typically for running, swimming, and general fitness. More often than not, they come with a dedicated app too.
Rowing has got some focus now. This review will look at the features that should be considered when purchasing a rowing-friendly watch.
Importance of data
Tracking your data during your rowing session gives its user an accurate overview which aids improvement. It allows for analyzing things like heart rate, strength, speed, and stroke rate. Without this information, you’re blindly going at your training without knowing where exactly improvement is needed.
Indoor rowing
Regarding indoor rowing or erging, you should be able to know your exact stroke rate and count, timing, and heart rate. You’ll be able to find an app that will connect your smartwatch to the rowing machine you’re using for the ultimate data experience.
Outdoor rowing
Regarding outdoor rowing, you will want something that offers a GPS function and tells you your heart rate, distance, and speed. Obviously, the device needs to be waterproof.
Heart Rate
Arguably an essential thing needed for tracking your training. Many sports watches come with a chest strap that needs to be worn around the body for the most accurate measurement. Luckily, companies have developed this, and you’ll likely find this feature from just the wrist wearable. They offer the same level of accuracy as their predecessor and frees your torso for movement during your ride.
GPS
This isn’t a crucial function for all sports watches, i.e., those based indoors. It is worth investing in if you’re into outdoor rowing. This means you can track your distance in the water. It’s also super-useful for directions.
Stroke rate
This is a really key feature for rowing enthusiasts as it tells you exactly how effective you are at rowing. This data tells you how to best improve or maintain your optimal performance levels. It’ll also monitor your strength.
Without further ado, let’s look at some examples of great rowing watches.
Garmin Vivioactive Heart Rate version
This is an excellent device if you’re into watches that give you more for your money. The large display is incredibly clear; great when rowing. It’s slimline, but not so much that it’ll get caught up your sleeve.
The wristband has a clasp that ensures a snug fit on your wrist. This is great when you’re aiming to row fast. It offers features like a heart rate monitor and a waterproof rating that can take water pressure up to 165ft. It’ll track your steps and distance and even has a sleep quality sensor.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Jumping straight to a much newer device, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. The Watch 4 offers advanced workout tracking that recognizes several popular activities, including rowing.
This GPS watch has a heart rate monitor, ECG monitoring, and VO2 Max readings to help manage and track your heart and lung endurance.
Furthermore, you can stay motivated by connecting to live coaching sessions on your smartphone or group challenges with your friends.
| Product | Supplier | |
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Amazon | Check Price |
| Galaxy Watch 4 | eBay | Check Price |
| Watch 4 Classic | eBay | Check Price |
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Target | Check Price |
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
While the main focus here is rowing, the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro is a premium multisport watch that will be useful for just about every sport you can imagine.
This device offers one of the most accurate heart rate monitors on the market today and provides your VO2 Max Reading to see how well your body uses oxygen when you are working out.
The plethora of navigational features will help if you are rowing outdoors, and being able to support Garmin’s rowing app means you can better track your that tells you about your stroke frequency, recovery time, stroke length, and more
If budget is no option, this is one of the best watches you could choose.
| Garmin Product | Supplier | |
| Fenix 7 | Amazon | View Offer |
| Fenix 7 | eBay | View Offer |
| Fenix 7 | Garmin | View Offer |
| Fenix 7 | Target | View Offer |
Fitbit Charge 5
Garmin doesn’t have a monopoly on the rowing watch world. Fitbit is also a strong contender, especially if you’re looking for a more discreet fitness tracker rather than the bells and whistles of a smartwatch.
The built-in GPS is useful on outdoor rowing sessions, and the integrated heart rate monitor provides Active Zone Minutes, so you know when your workout is the most productive.
While the Fitbit Charge 5 doesn’t have a dedicated rowing function, this can be added to the app. The main reason we have included it is because it is one of the best all-around fitness trackers on the market, so if you have a more varied training program than just rowing, you can be sure the Fitbit Charge 5 will not let you down.
Compare prices and choose your favorite merchant on the table below.
| Product | Supplier | |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Amazon | View Offer |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | eBay | View Offer |
| Fitbit Charge 4 | eBay | View Offer |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Fitbit | View Offer |
Conclusion
We know this is a small list of smartwatches for rowing; however, these wearables have evolved over many years, and the tech involved is still being innovated for specific sports, like rowing. Companies are in competition with one another, so the devices hitting the market are getting better all the time.
Are there alternatives?
Indeed, there are alternatives to smartwatches for rowing. With the essential features mentioned above, a keen rower might want to consider a GPS watch. Take a look at our review of the best GPS watches to help your journey to purchasing.
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