The FrontRower™ Forward-Facing Rowing System
Video: Forward-facing hands-optional rowing with the Frontrower™
What it is
The patented Frontrower™ forward-facing rowing system is a self-contained "drop-in" rig and includes frame, seat, oars, oarlocks and pedals. You row it facing forward, using your hands or your feet or both. It can be installed in open canoes and touring-type rowboats. It is the only rowing system that you can row with your hands or your feet or both.
What it does
It makes propelling a canoe a lot easier and better exercise (you can exercise all your major muscle groups). And it makes rowing a rowboat a lot easier and more enjoyable (you get to see where you are going).
Why you should want to use it
Because it's fun being on the water in a small boat. And because the exercise quality is great. What could be better than getting good exercise as a byproduct of having fun?
It can be fun paddling or rowing any canoe or rowboat conventionally. But with the Frontrower™ it is a very different experience. Compared to paddling, you will have much more power and control available. Compared to rowing, the forward-facing position really enhances your viewing pleasure. For either, rowing hands free is quite a luxury. And it is really easy.
You can row your boat at cruising speed using just your hands or just your feet. This exercise can be very gentle, like walking in a garden. And if you get tired, you are already sitting down. For more power and higher intensity exercise, you can do "full-body" rowing. The full-body stroke is comparable in exercise quality to sliding-seat rowing in a sculling boat or indoor rowing on an erg.
The patented Frontrower™ forward-facing rowing system is a self-contained "drop-in" rig and includes frame, seat, oars, oarlocks and pedals. You row it facing forward, using your hands or your feet or both. It can be installed in open canoes and touring-type rowboats. It is the only rowing system that you can row with your hands or your feet or both.
What it does
It makes propelling a canoe a lot easier and better exercise (you can exercise all your major muscle groups). And it makes rowing a rowboat a lot easier and more enjoyable (you get to see where you are going).
Why you should want to use it
Because it's fun being on the water in a small boat. And because the exercise quality is great. What could be better than getting good exercise as a byproduct of having fun?
It can be fun paddling or rowing any canoe or rowboat conventionally. But with the Frontrower™ it is a very different experience. Compared to paddling, you will have much more power and control available. Compared to rowing, the forward-facing position really enhances your viewing pleasure. For either, rowing hands free is quite a luxury. And it is really easy.
You can row your boat at cruising speed using just your hands or just your feet. This exercise can be very gentle, like walking in a garden. And if you get tired, you are already sitting down. For more power and higher intensity exercise, you can do "full-body" rowing. The full-body stroke is comparable in exercise quality to sliding-seat rowing in a sculling boat or indoor rowing on an erg.
Features
The Frontrower™ includes many features not found in conventional rowing systems—the froward-facing position, the ability to row hands free, automatic feathering of the oars, and a swiveling backrest. The oarlocks are mounted on a pedestal in the center of the boat. (This enables the forward-facing position with a pulling motion on the oars, and eliminates the need for outriggers). Instead of a conventional sliding seat with stationary footrests, it uses a stationary seat and moving pedals to transmit leg power to the oars. (This eliminates the energy wasting weight shifting of the sliding seat).
It rests on suction cups which act as resilient mounting feet and conform to the shape of the canoe floor. It is further held in place with two thumb screws which thread into mounting pads glued to the boat floor.
The oars snap out of the oarlock shafts for easy storage and transportation. For car-topping your boat, the rowing unit is easily removed and fits on the back seat of most 4-door cars and SUVs.
It rests on suction cups which act as resilient mounting feet and conform to the shape of the canoe floor. It is further held in place with two thumb screws which thread into mounting pads glued to the boat floor.
The oars snap out of the oarlock shafts for easy storage and transportation. For car-topping your boat, the rowing unit is easily removed and fits on the back seat of most 4-door cars and SUVs.
Benefits
Easy to use
It is very easy to row using just your feet on the pedals. The oars lift, feather, and return to the front automatically. You use your large legs muscles to power the oars with very little perceived effort. There are two pedals (one for each oar) and you steer by taking longer strokes on one side. And your hands are free for other things like taking pictures.
You can use your hands to add the power of your arms and back to your rowing stroke. The swiveling handles allow the oars to feather without any wrist rotation. Full-body power is nice when you need to go upstream or into strong headwinds or to get a higher intensity workout. But you don't need that much power to travel at typical touring speeds.
You can take your feet off the pedals and row with just your hands. So on a long trip you can switch between upper and lower body strokes using completely different sets of muscles.
The forward facing position makes everything easier and safer. No need to twist around every few strokes to see what lies ahead.
Comfortable
The comfortable padded seat has a swiveling backrest that gives support whether you are rowing or relaxing.
Powerful and Efficient
The FrontRower™ puts leg power into the rowing stroke without the efficiency losses of a sliding-seat rig. There is almost no weight shifting in the boat during the full-body stroke. This means that you can travel faster or farther with less effort than a conventional sliding-seat rig.
It is very easy to row using just your feet on the pedals. The oars lift, feather, and return to the front automatically. You use your large legs muscles to power the oars with very little perceived effort. There are two pedals (one for each oar) and you steer by taking longer strokes on one side. And your hands are free for other things like taking pictures.
You can use your hands to add the power of your arms and back to your rowing stroke. The swiveling handles allow the oars to feather without any wrist rotation. Full-body power is nice when you need to go upstream or into strong headwinds or to get a higher intensity workout. But you don't need that much power to travel at typical touring speeds.
You can take your feet off the pedals and row with just your hands. So on a long trip you can switch between upper and lower body strokes using completely different sets of muscles.
The forward facing position makes everything easier and safer. No need to twist around every few strokes to see what lies ahead.
Comfortable
The comfortable padded seat has a swiveling backrest that gives support whether you are rowing or relaxing.
Powerful and Efficient
The FrontRower™ puts leg power into the rowing stroke without the efficiency losses of a sliding-seat rig. There is almost no weight shifting in the boat during the full-body stroke. This means that you can travel faster or farther with less effort than a conventional sliding-seat rig.
Uses
Paired with an appropriate canoe or touring rowboat, the FrontRower™ is becoming the system of choice for exercise rowing, wildlife photography, birding, long distance rowing, wilderness voyaging, and adaptive rowing programs.
Daily exercise
The FrontRower™ gives you the same high-quality low-impact exercise as rear-facing sliding-seat rowing or indoor rowing on an erg. But it's easier to use, has a quicker learning curve, and is more fun than rowing in a gym. And you don't need to be athletic to use it. At low intensity levels it is easier than walking. At higher intensity levels it can be vigorous exercise for cardio and interval training. The forward-facing position makes everything easier, safer and more enjoyable.
Photography and Birding
For wildlife photography, full body rowing makes it easy to get to the location. The forward facing position lets you see the wildlife before you scare it away. The hands-free operation lets you take pictures while rowing and steering your boat with your feet. We know of several photographers who are using FrontRower™ powered canoes to get out on the water on a regular basis.
Wilderness voyaging
The FrontRower™ evolved out of the tradition of taking occasional breaks from everyday life to experience the refreshing qualities of nature. This involves slowing down and taking notice of your surroundings. Taking a trip in a small human powered boat is good way of doing this. The FrontRower™ makes it easier for you to get to more interesting places and to focus on your natural surroundings.
Adaptive rowing programs
The FrontRower™ is finding its way into adaptive rowing programs, where it allows folks with upper body disabilities (such as arm amputations) to enjoy the benefits of rowing. See Adaptive Rowing.
Distance Rowing
For solo rowing long distances in coastal or inland waters, it is hard for us to imagine using any other propulsion system. One Frontrower™ owner rowed the entire east coast of the United States, from Texas to Maine. See Bragging Rights.
Racing
The FrontRower™ is not allowed to compete in sanctioned races, because it violates the rules. But in "open" races where unconventional rigs are allowed to compete, it has proven to be capable of outperforming rear-facing sliding-seat rigs in the same boats. For example: In the 22 mile Blackburn Challenge (the largest open water rowing race on the East Coast) where unconventional systems are allowed to participate, a FrontRower™ powered rowing shell bettered the whole fleet of identical boats (men's single touring shells) using rear-facing sliding-seat rigs. See Bragging Rights.
Daily exercise
The FrontRower™ gives you the same high-quality low-impact exercise as rear-facing sliding-seat rowing or indoor rowing on an erg. But it's easier to use, has a quicker learning curve, and is more fun than rowing in a gym. And you don't need to be athletic to use it. At low intensity levels it is easier than walking. At higher intensity levels it can be vigorous exercise for cardio and interval training. The forward-facing position makes everything easier, safer and more enjoyable.
Photography and Birding
For wildlife photography, full body rowing makes it easy to get to the location. The forward facing position lets you see the wildlife before you scare it away. The hands-free operation lets you take pictures while rowing and steering your boat with your feet. We know of several photographers who are using FrontRower™ powered canoes to get out on the water on a regular basis.
Wilderness voyaging
The FrontRower™ evolved out of the tradition of taking occasional breaks from everyday life to experience the refreshing qualities of nature. This involves slowing down and taking notice of your surroundings. Taking a trip in a small human powered boat is good way of doing this. The FrontRower™ makes it easier for you to get to more interesting places and to focus on your natural surroundings.
Adaptive rowing programs
The FrontRower™ is finding its way into adaptive rowing programs, where it allows folks with upper body disabilities (such as arm amputations) to enjoy the benefits of rowing. See Adaptive Rowing.
Distance Rowing
For solo rowing long distances in coastal or inland waters, it is hard for us to imagine using any other propulsion system. One Frontrower™ owner rowed the entire east coast of the United States, from Texas to Maine. See Bragging Rights.
Racing
The FrontRower™ is not allowed to compete in sanctioned races, because it violates the rules. But in "open" races where unconventional rigs are allowed to compete, it has proven to be capable of outperforming rear-facing sliding-seat rigs in the same boats. For example: In the 22 mile Blackburn Challenge (the largest open water rowing race on the East Coast) where unconventional systems are allowed to participate, a FrontRower™ powered rowing shell bettered the whole fleet of identical boats (men's single touring shells) using rear-facing sliding-seat rigs. See Bragging Rights.
"It's a first-class rig, ingeniously put together, for serious rowers."
- WoodenBoat Magazine
- WoodenBoat Magazine
Mechanics of the Frontrower™
The Frontrower's Oars
To obtain forward motion while pulling on the oars, we reversed the position of the oarlock and the handle (technically converting them from class 2 to class 3 levers). This gives you the same mechanical advantage but with a shorter oar which moves in the opposite direction. (The oars are shorter by the overhanging handle length.) They swing the same arc as the longer 9-1/2 ft. sculling oars, and the boat travels the same distance per stroke. This makes it handy for "hybrid rowing" which is using a rear-facing sliding-seat rig and a FrontRower™ rig in the same boat.
Inboard Oarlock Position
The FrontRower™ has the oarlocks mounted on a pedestal in the middle of the boat. The need for outriggers on narrow-hulled boats has been eliminated. This makes it easy to bring your boat up close alongside a dock or another boat.
Pedals for Leg Power
The FrontRower™ system uses moving pedals to develop leg power. There are two pedals, each independent from the other, and each connected to it's own oar by ropes and pulleys. The ropes travel under the seat then up and forward to the oars. The ropes pull the oars from behind, in the same direction that you would pull with your hands.
There are several advantages to using moving pedals (rather than a sliding seat) to develop leg power.
Inboard Oarlock Position
The FrontRower™ has the oarlocks mounted on a pedestal in the middle of the boat. The need for outriggers on narrow-hulled boats has been eliminated. This makes it easy to bring your boat up close alongside a dock or another boat.
Pedals for Leg Power
The FrontRower™ system uses moving pedals to develop leg power. There are two pedals, each independent from the other, and each connected to it's own oar by ropes and pulleys. The ropes travel under the seat then up and forward to the oars. The ropes pull the oars from behind, in the same direction that you would pull with your hands.
There are several advantages to using moving pedals (rather than a sliding seat) to develop leg power.
- It is more efficient, because it minimizes moving mass and weight shifting during the stroke. This is about 19% more efficient than conventional sliding-seat rowing in a touring type boat.
- It enables hands-free rowing, because the oars can be operated by the pedals. (Conventional rowing requires your hands on the oars for operation.) And the pedals are independent from each other, so you can steer by taking longer strokes on one side.
- It reduces strain on your back. Leg power goes through the ropes (not through your back and arms) to get to the oars.
Frontrower™ Specifications
FrontRower Specifications:
Frame material: solid cherry hardwood
Wood finish: spar urethane varnish
Overall frame length: 52” std. unit, 55" tall option
Overall operating length: 61" std. unit, 64" tall option
Height: 24 ¾” floor to top of oarlock std unit, 25-¾" tall option
Width at seat: 17”
Width at pedals: 17”
Oar length: 83” pivot to tip
Breakdown oar length: 60 ½”
Oar shaft material: hard-coat anodized aluminum
Blade surface area: 89 square inches
Weight: approximately 25 pounds
Boat requirements:
The FrontRower rowing system is designed to fit in mono hulled boats with an open cockpit area (such as open type canoes).
The maximum beam at the gunwales should be 37" or less*.
The maximum depth at midpoint should be 14" or less.
Overall length is not restricted, but for solo rowing boat lengths between 14 and 17 feet work best.
The cockpit area should have it's floor at or below water level.
The cockpit area should be in the center of the boat and must be at least 60" long and 30" wide (26" wide for narrow cockpit option).
Operator size limits:
Maximum operator height: 6'-2" (6'-5" for tall option)
* May fit wider boats depending on depth and shape of boat. See Boats for the Frontrower.
Frame material: solid cherry hardwood
Wood finish: spar urethane varnish
Overall frame length: 52” std. unit, 55" tall option
Overall operating length: 61" std. unit, 64" tall option
Height: 24 ¾” floor to top of oarlock std unit, 25-¾" tall option
Width at seat: 17”
Width at pedals: 17”
Oar length: 83” pivot to tip
Breakdown oar length: 60 ½”
Oar shaft material: hard-coat anodized aluminum
Blade surface area: 89 square inches
Weight: approximately 25 pounds
Boat requirements:
The FrontRower rowing system is designed to fit in mono hulled boats with an open cockpit area (such as open type canoes).
The maximum beam at the gunwales should be 37" or less*.
The maximum depth at midpoint should be 14" or less.
Overall length is not restricted, but for solo rowing boat lengths between 14 and 17 feet work best.
The cockpit area should have it's floor at or below water level.
The cockpit area should be in the center of the boat and must be at least 60" long and 30" wide (26" wide for narrow cockpit option).
Operator size limits:
Maximum operator height: 6'-2" (6'-5" for tall option)
* May fit wider boats depending on depth and shape of boat. See Boats for the Frontrower.