Aqua Elite Water Rowing Machine FAQ

The AquaElite is Sportstech’s premium water rowing machine—and sets new standards. It is made of fine solid wood, features elegant leather handles and brings state-of-the-art technology right into your living room with its 21.5" HD touchscreen. This lets you enjoy the full Sportstech Live experience at home—with guided workouts, stunning landscape videos, recipes and your favorite streaming services.

Yes, an internet connection is required to register for the Sportstech Live app. Unfortunately, the machine cannot be used without logging in to the app.

The maximum user weight for the Aqua Elite water rowing machine is 150 kg.

Please note: the same manual applies to both the 10.1″ and 21.5″ models. The standard Aqua Elite manual always applies to both display versions; there is no separate manual for the 10.1″ display.

Yes, the AquaElite’s 21.5" screen rotates 330°. This also makes it easy to do other exercises that don’t involve rowing.

The AquaElite provides a comprehensive full-body workout. Rowing engages almost all muscle groups, allowing you to effectively improve your strength, endurance and coordination.

Yes, the machine can be folded and stored with water in the tank, as long as the water level does not exceed the maximum mark on the tank. This applies to both display versions (10.1" and 21.5").

How to fold the AquaElite:

1. Open the locking latch.
2. Slide the seat all the way back.
3. Slowly lift the machine by the center rail. The front end is heavier. The display remains securely attached.

Our tip: If you won’t be using the machine for an extended period or will be away for more than a few days, we recommend draining the water from the tank as a precaution.

The maximum user height for the AquaElite is 1.90 m.

The rail is 109 cm long.

Yes, the machine can be stored vertically without folding it.

The seat is 28 cm high.

The water tank holds 15 liters.

Assembly is user-friendly, and instructions are included. You can also find an assembly video online.

The AquaElite offers three ways to adjust the resistance. You can adjust it using the amount of water in the tank, your individual rowing stroke and the control for the 2-chamber system.

The water tank’s resistance is based on a two-chamber system that transfers water between the active and passive chambers. By turning the dial, you can simulate natural water resistance and adjust it from a light workout to competition-level conditions.

Display models are a cost-effective option for high-quality products, offered at a reduced price. These used products have either been tested by prospective customers or displayed in stores. Display models have minor signs of use, but have been carefully inspected for both technical condition and appearance.

The “tension knob” on the AquaElite is the dial marked 1–4 on the water tank. It sets the rowing machine’s base resistance. Many users assume it is faulty, even though it is working correctly.

The water tank contains two chambers. Turning the tension knob moves water between the active and passive chambers. The more water in the active chamber (level 4), the higher the base resistance. At level 1, the base resistance is correspondingly lower.

The knob clicks into four settings. Turn it clockwise to increase the resistance or counterclockwise to decrease it. Ideally, set your desired level before starting your workout.

The machine also uses dynamic water resistance: the faster and harder you pull, the higher the resistance—similar to a real rowing boat. As a result, the difference between settings is often barely noticeable when rowing slowly.

Important: The tension knob only changes how the water is distributed in the tank. The total amount of water separately affects the maximum resistance available. A higher water level means more resistance overall.