One reason to engage in indoor rowing is to avoid the need to contend with the weather.  Rowing outdoors places you out in wind and precipitation as well as sunshine and heat. You have to take into account the limits of daylight, possible thunderstorms and other weather events when scheduling your outdoor row.

When you row indoors, you avoid having to deal with all of these additional challenges (in addition to the technique challenges of holding two oars while balancing in a narrow boat that weighs less than you do).

On the other hand, if circumstances permit, rowing outdoors can add a layer of interest and reward to your exercise.  You may enjoy becoming more attuned to the weather. You may see interesting forms of wildlife, from herons to eagles and muskrats to deer. You may also learn more about the parts of your community that use the river. You may learn more about the commerce of your area if you row in an industrial waterway. I have been passed on the river by everything from fishermen with trolling motors to jet skiers, pontoon boats and, on one occasion, an amphibious airplane that came in for a landing next to me, as well as other rowers.

Many rowers will remark on how lucky they are to be able to spend the time they have rowing out in the open air along the waterways that form expanded parks for those of us able to use them.

Do you have interesting tales of what you have seen along the lake or river you row on?  Share it at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or through "contact us" at the top of the page.