Indoor Adaptive Rowing
Adaptive Rowing is for anyone who has a physical, sensory or learning impairment, or other movement challenges, temporary or long-term.
Indoor adaptive rowing is possible using specially designed equipment, an adapted rowing stroke or different methods of communication.
When it comes to equipment, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, however there are a range of seating systems, additional tools and technologies available to suit different requirements.
| Indoor adaptive rowing equipment | |
|---|---|
| A fixed flat seat can be used for those who have full trunk and arm function but are unable to use a sliding seat. | Top tip for using a fixed flat seat: If you have the ability to use your legs then keep a bend in the knee to reduce tension in the hamstrings. |
| An upright fixed seat can be used for those who have no or limited trunk control. | Top tips for using an upright fixed seat: Ensure the chest strap is secure and not too tight or too lose, to allow movement when breathing. Adjust the backrest to an angle that suits you. |
| A rotating exercise handle could be used by someone who only has use of one arm but can row with the legs or without legs. | Top tips: Try not to rotate too early in the drive to keep a linear movement. |
| A general purpose gripping aid can be used by anyone with poor grip or using a rotating exercise handle. | Top tips: Make sure that the gripping aid is secure enough to not allow your grip to change. |
| Software Tools for those with a Visual Impairment | ErgData – provides additional performance statistics and offers enhanced visibility of a backlit display. Boatcoach – an equivalent app for android users. |
- Indoor adaptive rowing equipment :
- A fixed flat seat can be used for those who have full trunk and arm function but are unable to use a sliding seat.
- Top tip for using a fixed flat seat: If you have the ability to use your legs then keep a bend in the knee to reduce tension in the hamstrings.
- Indoor adaptive rowing equipment :
- An upright fixed seat can be used for those who have no or limited trunk control.
- Top tips for using an upright fixed seat: Ensure the chest strap is secure and not too tight or too lose, to allow movement when breathing. Adjust the backrest to an angle that suits you.
- Indoor adaptive rowing equipment :
- A rotating exercise handle could be used by someone who only has use of one arm but can row with the legs or without legs.
- Top tips: Try not to rotate too early in the drive to keep a linear movement.
- Indoor adaptive rowing equipment :
- A general purpose gripping aid can be used by anyone with poor grip or using a rotating exercise handle.
- Top tips: Make sure that the gripping aid is secure enough to not allow your grip to change.
How to start indoor rowing?
If you’re new to indoor rowing or are returning to rowing, follow this eight week training plan. Then checkout our 20 minute Go Row Indoor workout videos on the British Rowing YouTube channel, exercise adaptations can be found in the video description. If you want advice on how to set up an indoor rowing machine using adaptive equipment email [email protected].
Want to take your rowing to the next level?
If you would like to progress from indoor to on-water rowing, take a look at this adaptive rowing equipment page and guidance document detailing other adaptive equipment available, and find out more information here.
Adaptive Rowing Competitions
Indoor rowing competitions take place across the country every year, culminating in the British Rowing Indoor Championships (BRIC) in December. These events are open to all, with many having specific adaptive races, and some requiring classification either in advance or on the day.
To compete in on-water or indoor adaptive events you will need to be classified by British Rowing. Further information on this process can be found here.
| Indoor Adaptive Rowing Classifications |
|---|
| IAR1 Competitors are unable to use their legs, with additional limitations in one or both arms. This includes complete C-spine SCI at T2 level and above. They use a static/upright or flat seat. |
| IAR2 Competitors have no or minimal trunk function. They cannot pass the long sit test due to loss of power/stability and not chronic lower back pain, and have no lower limb function. They use a static upright seat with mandatory chest strap, due to them likely also having decreased sitting balance, with optional lap/pelvis straps. |
| IAR3 Competitors have upper limb impairment(s) (above wrist joint) and/or one leg/one arm on same side impairment. They use a sliding seat and can choose to row with a single hand grip or a D handle as required. |
| IAR4 Competitors have functional use of the trunk movement and who are unable to use the sliding seat because of significantly weakened function or mobility of the lower limbs. They can pass the long sit test but not the squat test. They use a flat seat with optional legs straps. |
| IAR5 Competitors meet the minimum impairment criteria but are not eligible for any other physical impairment class. They have functional use of their legs, trunk and arms for rowing and use the standard rowing set up (sliding seat) with hand grips allowed if grip is impaired. Competitors with a visual impairment must provide a BR/IG/FISA or IBSA sight loss form completed by an optometrist. |
| IAR6 This is the Open category for those with chronic health conditions not resulting in physical impairment, or those with physical impairments not comparable with impairments in IAR1- IAR5. They must complete a self-declaration form that is submitted for approval ahead of the event. |
| IAR7 This is the Open category for those who’s health condition does not fit any of the IAR1-IAR-6 categories. They must complete a self-declaration form that is submitted for approval ahead of the event. |
- Indoor Adaptive Rowing Classifications :
- IAR1
Competitors are unable to use their legs, with additional limitations in one or both arms. This includes complete C-spine SCI at T2 level and above. They use a static/upright or flat seat.
- Indoor Adaptive Rowing Classifications :
- IAR2
Competitors have no or minimal trunk function. They cannot pass the long sit test due to loss of power/stability and not chronic lower back pain, and have no lower limb function. They use a static upright seat with mandatory chest strap, due to them likely also having decreased sitting balance, with optional lap/pelvis straps.
- Indoor Adaptive Rowing Classifications :
- IAR3
Competitors have upper limb impairment(s) (above wrist joint) and/or one leg/one arm on same side impairment. They use a sliding seat and can choose to row with a single hand grip or a D handle as required.
- Indoor Adaptive Rowing Classifications :
- IAR4
Competitors have functional use of the trunk movement and who are unable to use the sliding seat because of significantly weakened function or mobility of the lower limbs. They can pass the long sit test but not the squat test. They use a flat seat with optional legs straps.
- Indoor Adaptive Rowing Classifications :
- IAR5
Competitors meet the minimum impairment criteria but are not eligible for any other physical impairment class. They have functional use of their legs, trunk and arms for rowing and use the standard rowing set up (sliding seat) with hand grips allowed if grip is impaired. Competitors with a visual impairment must provide a BR/IG/FISA or IBSA sight loss form completed by an optometrist.
- Indoor Adaptive Rowing Classifications :
- IAR6
This is the Open category for those with chronic health conditions not resulting in physical impairment, or those with physical impairments not comparable with impairments in IAR1- IAR5. They must complete a self-declaration form that is submitted for approval ahead of the event.
- Indoor Adaptive Rowing Classifications :
- IAR7
This is the Open category for those who’s health condition does not fit any of the IAR1-IAR-6 categories. They must complete a self-declaration form that is submitted for approval ahead of the event.
