How The FrontRower Works

You sit in a fixed seat with a backrest. 

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.

If you find this a little hard to follow, check out the video clips.