Indoor Rowing
Indoor rowing is a great way to keep fit, and it is also an excellent introduction to the sport of rowing. You do not need a boat or access to the water to take part. Indoor rowing, often called “erging”, is open to everyone, whatever their sport or level of experience.
Two-time world champion, dual Olympian and Olympic medallist Chris Morgan (Adelaide University Boat Club) began his rowing career by winning an ergometer challenge at Adelaide University’s Open Week. He then learnt to row through one of the university’s programs and went on to represent Australia many times.
Pictured: Jed Altschwager
Book the Indoor Rowing Room
Please sanitise the machines when you have finished.
Riggers Coaching Course
Learn how to deliver indoor rowing sessions to young people and adults.
- Videos on correct technique and games to play on the machines
- Rowing Australia Indoor Rowing accreditation
- Cost: $100
More information
Schools indoor rowing – Riggers program
RIGGERS Rowing Programs is a partnership between Rowing Australia and Sport Australia (SA) to deliver Sporting Schools, an Australian Government initiative to encourage more children to participate in sports.
With the extension of Sporting Schools until the end of 2024, primary and secondary schools are eligible to apply for funding to conduct sports activities before, during, or after school. Rowing Australia’s Riggers programs offer students aged 7-13 the chance to experience the fun of rowing in a safe and healthy environment while developing team-building skills, leadership, and cooperation.
The Riggers Indoor Rowing Program is an innovative youth engagement program that introduces primary school students in Years 3 to 6 and secondary students in Year 7 and 8 to the sport of rowing using quality Indoor Rowing machines with fun activity cards to follow and progress through. The program consists of 4 x 45 minute sessions that help students learn how to row by having fun and playing games while keeping participants engaged and safe. Each session progresses into the next, and the program can be adapted to the needs, abilities, and progress of the group. The program can be delivered by existing qualified coaches or by teachers who complete Rowing Australia’s online accreditation course. Watch the video below to learn more about the Riggers Indoor Rowing Program.
The basics of the rowing stroke
The stroke has two parts: the drive (work) and the recovery (rest). The recovery is the reverse of the drive and should flow smoothly.
- Catch: arms straight, head neutral, shoulders level and relaxed, lean forward from the hips, shins vertical.
- Finish: legs extended, lean back slightly supported by your core, handle held lightly below the ribs, shoulders and wrists relaxed and flat.
- Recovery: extend the arms, lean forward from the hips, let the knees bend and slide the seat forward gradually back to the catch.
With practice, you can match your breathing to the rhythm of the stroke.