FrontRower™ Rowing System

The FrontRower™ forward facing rowing system (rig) is a new type of rowing system optimized for comfort, efficiency, and ease of use. It's a drop-in rowing rig designed for use in touring type rowboats and canoes. The rig includes frame, seat, and oars.

Patented FrontRower™ rowing system.

The FrontRower™ system is based on a non-conventional type of oar having the oarlock on the end rather than in the middle of the oar. This moves your boat in the direction you are facing when you pull on the handle. It also has a longer arc radius than the same length conventional oar, giving you increased mechanical advantage.

The FrontRower™ has many other features giving you the following advantages:

You travel forward, so you can see where you are going.

You can use your arms and legs, so you can generate lots of power and get good exercise.

It uses moving pedals to develop leg power more efficiently than a sliding seat.

You can row it hands free—for photography, bird watching, fishing or just plain ease of use.

It has a big comfortable seat with a backrest.

It's easy to use—the oars lift, dip, and feather automatically.

It has ergonomically correct handles which reduce stress on wrists and elbows.

Here's how it works

You sit in a comfortable seat with a backrest. You can adjust the seat fore and aft (like a car seat) for different size people.

There are two pedals in front of you, each independent from the other, and each one is connected to it's own oar by ropes and pulleys.

To start out, you just push these pedals forward for the power stroke and then pull them back for the return stroke, using your legs for power in smooth steady strokes. You don't need to use your hands—the oars lift, feather, return to the front, and dip automatically.

To add upper body power, you lightly grip the "handshake position" handles and follow the motion of the oars produced by your legs, adding pressure with your finger tips as you pull rearward with your hands. You pull with your hands at the same time you push forward with your feet.

To use only upper body power, you take your feet off the pedals and use only the handles for power.

To turn you take longer strokes on one side.

Be sure to take a look at the video clips on our video page.

For drawings showing FrontRower installations, see Drawing Downloads page.