Setup: Waterrower A1 CityRow Connect Rower Owner Manual

Overview

The A1 CityRow Connect Rower is a water-resistance rowing machine designed for smooth, low-impact, full-body exercise at home. Its connected tablet supports Wi-Fi access, CityRow workouts, and guided training, while the water tank creates resistance that responds naturally to rowing speed.

This rower suits beginners who want structured instruction as well as experienced users seeking technique practice, aerobic conditioning, interval training, or a consistent indoor rowing routine.

Specifications

• Resistance system: Water-filled tank using self-regulating drag.
• Recommended tank level: Level 17 on the water-level gauge.
• Maximum tank level: Level 19.
• Tablet adjustment: Up to 30 degrees left or right from the forward-facing position.
• Assembly time: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
• Tablet power: AC adaptor connected through the tablet arm.
• Tablet connection: USB cable and pre-installed arm cables.
• Required assembly tools: Included 5 mm Allen keys and 1/8-inch Allen key for the tablet.
• Water options: Municipal tap water or distilled water.

Detailed Description

The A1 CityRow Connect Rower uses a rotating paddle inside a water tank rather than a manually selected resistance setting. Faster or more forceful strokes create greater drag, so the workout intensity is controlled by stroke rate, power per stroke, or both.

The main assemblies include the monorail with seat, rear leg and bungee, tank assembly with tablet arm, left and right sub rails, and footboard assembly. The recoil belt connects to the bungee and travels over the upper and lower pulleys at the front of the machine.

The adjustable footpads should position the straps across the ball of each foot. Correct positioning allows the heels to lift slightly as the body moves toward the front of the stroke.

Basic Rowing Technique

• Catch: Sit tall with relaxed shoulders, straight arms, vertical shins, and the legs compressed.
• Drive: Push first with the legs. Keep the arms relaxed until the handle passes the knees, then allow the torso to open gradually before drawing the handle toward the body.
• Release: Finish with straight legs, the handle near the chest, a firm torso, relaxed shoulders, and a slight backward lean.
• Keep the drive phase controlled and the recovery phase unhurried to create a smooth, repeatable rhythm.

Safety

• Consult a physician before beginning an exercise program.
• Read the operating and assembly instructions before using the rower.
• Keep hands away from the moving belt, pulley, clutch, and other moving parts while rowing.
• Warm up before exercising, cool down afterward, stretch regularly, and remain hydrated.
• Increase workout intensity, duration, and frequency gradually, and include recovery time.
• During the first weeks of use, check the connecting bolts and gently tighten them with the supplied 5 mm Allen key if needed. Do not overtighten.

Assembly and Setup

Assembling the Rower

1. Remove the wooden shipping block from the end of the monorail and attach the rear leg with the bungee facing the monorail.
2. Place the sub rails parallel to the monorail with their dolly wheels facing outward. Attach the rails to the monorail using the supplied JCB and JCN hardware, leaving the fasteners loose.
3. Position the tank assembly between the sub rails and attach its brackets using the remaining JCB and JCN hardware. Leave these fasteners loose for alignment.
4. Remove the four footboard bolts from the underside of the footboard and place the footboard on the rails. Align its holes with the threaded inserts in the tank brackets.
5. Install the handle rests with their flat surfaces parallel to the floor. Tighten carefully because overtightening can damage the slanted brackets.
6. Attach the footboard to the monorail with the clamp bar bolt, keeping it loose initially.
7. Stand the rower upright and install two footboard bolts through the footboard bracket.
8. Install the rail sub bracket bolt through the bracket and into the monorail.
9. Fit the remaining two footboard bolts through the rail sub bracket and into the footboard.
10. Tighten the rail sub bracket bolt, then firmly tighten the remaining bolts and JCN fasteners used during assembly.
11. Connect the bungee hook to the recoil belt D-ring.
12. Route the recoil belt over the upper and lower front pulleys, checking that the belt is aligned correctly.

Installing the CityRow Connect Tablet

1. Lay the rower flat and raise the tablet arm into its locked use position.
2. Slide the tablet onto the end of the arm with the speakers positioned at the bottom.
3. Secure the tablet using the supplied 1/8-inch Allen key and tablet bolt.
4. Connect the AC adaptor, USB cable, and the cables already installed in the tablet arm.

Preparing the Rower for Use

1. Lay the rower flat and move the mounting-bracket latch to the unlocked position.
2. Raise the tablet arm until it stops, support it, and lower the latch to secure it.
3. Rotate the tablet toward the rear of the rower until it clicks into the viewing position.
4. Connect the AC adaptor to a wall outlet and to the tablet arm.

Filling and Emptying the Tank

Filling

1. Remove the tank stopper located between the upper and lower decks behind the black slanted brackets.
2. Stand the rower upright.
3. Use a hose or the supplied siphon pump to add municipal tap water or distilled water.
4. Fill to the preferred level, normally Level 17, and never exceed Level 19.
5. Add one purification tablet, replace the stopper, and lay the rower flat.
6. Wipe any spilled water from the wooden surfaces immediately.

Using the Siphon to Fill

1. Turn the siphon valve clockwise to close the valve and start the flow.
2. Place a water container higher than the tank, insert the intake tube into the container, and place the siphon hose in the tank.
3. Squeeze the pump four or five times until water begins to flow.
4. Turn the valve counter-clockwise to stop the flow before the tank reaches Level 19.

Emptying

1. Lay the rower flat and place a bucket on the floor.
2. Put the siphon intake tube into the tank and the outlet hose into the bucket.
3. Turn the valve clockwise and squeeze the pump four or five times to begin draining.
4. Turn the valve counter-clockwise to stop the flow when the tank is empty or at the desired level.

Tablet Operation

Starting the Tablet

1. Press and briefly hold the Power button at the lower-right corner of the tablet.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to Wi-Fi.
3. Sign in to the account and open the workout area.

An active CityRow app subscription is required for CityRow workout content.

Adjusting the Viewing Angle

Hold both sides of the tablet behind the screen and gently pull it toward you to unlock the viewing mechanism. The tablet can rotate up to 30 degrees in either direction for floor-based exercises or a more comfortable rowing view.

To return the tablet to its forward-facing position, rotate it to the center and gently push it toward the front of the rower until it locks. For workouts that alternate between rowing and floor exercises, unlock the tablet before beginning the class.

Turning the Tablet Off

Press and hold the Power button until the screen turns black. Turning the tablet off after a workout allows it to check for software updates when it is switched on again.

Storage

1. Rotate the tablet upward toward the front of the rower until it clicks into the storage position with the screen facing up.
2. Support the tablet arm, lift the latch to unlock it, and lower the arm until its internal magnets meet the hardware on the tank’s top deck.
3. Slide the seat toward the footboard.
4. Lift the rear leg and pull the rower toward you, using its momentum to stand it upright.

When stored upright, the rower is stable and occupies approximately the floor space of a chair. Store it indoors and protect it from extreme temperatures and moisture.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Water Treatment

Use municipal tap water or distilled water in the tank. Add one approved purification tablet approximately every three to six months. The tablet may need replacement sooner when the rower is exposed to direct sunlight, and discolored water should be treated promptly.

If the water does not clear, empty and flush the tank with clean water, refill it, and add a purification tablet. Never use pool chlorine or chlorine bleach because these chemicals can damage the polycarbonate tank.

If blue tank dye is used, replace the water every six to twelve months. Do not add purification tablets to dyed water because they can remove the blue color without purifying the water.

Machine Cleaning

• Remove dust from the clutch and belt area between the upper and lower decks with a cloth, vacuum cleaner, or compressed air.
• Wipe the monorail surfaces with a damp cloth to protect the seat load wheels from dirt and dust.
• Clean the tank with mild soap and water or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Do not use chemical tank cleaners, methylated spirits, ammonia-based products, chlorates, or bleach.
• Dust or lightly polish the Danish-oil-finished hardwood as needed; the wood does not require routine refinishing.

Troubleshooting

Recoil Belt Is Too Tight or Too Loose

If the bungee resists the handle at the back of the stroke, the recoil belt is too tight. If slack appears during recovery, it is too loose.

1. Place the handle fully forward against the front riser.
2. Unclip the recoil belt from the bungee.
3. Adjust the ladder-lock buckle.
4. Shorten the belt to increase tension or lengthen it to reduce tension.

Tablet Does Not Record Rowing Data

Check that the tablet and sensor connectors are secure and that the wiring is intact. If necessary, check the sensor disk on top of the clutch because it may have shifted during shipping.

Paddle Does Not Rotate Smoothly

Loosen the tank bolts and retighten them evenly. Misalignment around the tank assembly can affect paddle movement.

Fasteners Keep Loosening

Use the supplied 5 mm Allen keys to retighten loose bolts, JCNs, and JCBs. If the hardware continues to loosen, a small amount of medium-strength threadlocker may help secure it.

Training Guidance

Set a clear goal before creating a routine. Effective objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Calendar reminders, workout records, coached classes, and planned recovery days can help maintain consistency.

• For weight maintenance, lower-intensity sessions over longer durations can support steady energy expenditure.
• For aerobic conditioning, moderate intensity over medium or long sessions supports cardiovascular and endurance development.
• For anaerobic or interval work, use short periods of high intensity followed by adequate recovery.
• Monitor intensity with heart-rate data when appropriate, stay hydrated, and vary workouts to reduce overuse and improve adherence.

Warranty

The limited warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the initial shipment date for the rower. The warranty can be upgraded to three years for most components and five years for the structural frame when the product is registered within the first year of purchase. Touchscreen electronics, electronic accessories, rechargeable batteries, and replacement parts have separate one-year or 90-day coverage periods as specified in the warranty terms.

Coverage applies only to the original purchaser and is not transferable. Warranty service requires the defective product or component to be properly packed and returned with shipping paid in advance. Repair or replacement is determined by the warranty provider.

Warranty coverage may be voided by improper assembly, use beyond the rower’s design, overfilling the tank, unapproved water-treatment products, improper cleaning chemicals, outdoor or harsh-environment storage, unauthorized modifications, misuse, accidents, or neglected maintenance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Natural water resistance automatically responds to rowing effort.
• Full-body, low-impact exercise with a smooth rowing feel.
• Adjustable tablet supports guided CityRow workouts and floor exercises.
• Upright storage reduces the machine’s floor footprint.
• Hardwood construction and a repairable, maintainable design.

Cons

• Assembly requires careful alignment and several installation steps.
• Tank water requires periodic purification and replacement.
• The tablet requires external power and Wi-Fi setup.
• Improper tank filling, cleaning, or storage can damage the machine and affect warranty coverage.