Smartwatches have been well-known among people with active lifestyles. These devices help them to monitor their daily activities as well as their health. From a simple smartwatch, it has been continuously innovated to cater to the needs of the users. It was just recently when companies started to create smartwatches for rowing. Rowers need to monitor their rowing data to improve their performance. Some of the data they need to focus on include stroke rate, heart rate, and speed. Although not all smartwatches can do that, a few of them can be helpful on your next training.
Smartwatches for Rowing
Nowadays, you will see different types of smartwatches according to where and when you will use them. Most of them are for running, hiking, and skiing. Also, some are specifically manufactured based on who will use them. That is why there are smartwatches for kids and smartwatches for women, and being added to the list of users are the rowers. There are specific attributes that a smartwatch should have to be accommodating to the rowers. On top of this list are a heart tracker, GPS, waterproofing, and compatibility for rowing apps. Here are some of the smartwatches available in the market that have these features.
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro is included in the latest series of watches produced by Garmin. This brand is known for having one of the best rowing watches. The Fenix 6 Pro is an upgraded version of the Fenix 5 series. Aside from monitoring your heart rate with precision, it has Pulse Ox, which measures the oxygen levels in your body. It is 10 ATM water-resistant, which means it can resist the pressure of a water column of 100 meters.
This is advantageous for you, especially when rowing outdoors or getting involved in activities that are more prone to getting wet, like swimming. When it comes to navigation, it does have not only GPS but also GLONASS and Galileo. There are rumors that Garmin Fenix 7 will be released in 2021, which is another smartwatch for rowing to look out for.
Garmin Vivoactive HR GPS
Purchasing the latest series of Garmin watches may leave you with a heartbreaking balance on your bank account. Thus, the Garmin Vivoactive HR GPS will be a good alternative for that. It has a heart rate sensor that not only works when you are on the move but even at night while you are sleeping. Just like its name, it is equipped with GPS that is useful for tracking your location. Most of all, it is compatible with Garmin’s rowing app to substitute for expensive and newer ones. Another thing to love about it is the distinct design among other Garmin models.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
Rowing is a sport that is not just for men. Some women participate in this kind of activity. While most of the designs of smartwatches for rowing are masculine-looking, there are a few that can complement the female rowing team. One of which is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. It has a very stylish design that is why it is one of the ideal smartwatches for women.
One aspect that separates it from other models is the LTE SIM facility. It can serve as your smartphone when on the go. It also has a heart rate sensor, GPS, and a pre-installed Samsung Health app that keeps you on track. Although it can be used outdoors, it is more advisable to use it for rowing indoors or with rowing machines because it can only withstand a pressure of 5 bar. You do not need to take it off when washing hands, showering, and bathing, but it is not suitable for water sports.
Other brands of smartwatches for rowing include Apple, Polar, and Fitbit. If you do not want to have problems connecting with iOS devices, you might buy the smartwatch with the same kind. Among the Apple watches, series 4 & 6 have the most features that will be useful for rowers. Still, Apple watches can be a little costly. That is why there is Polar M400 and Fitbit Charge 4 to keep you on the budget. Fitbit Charge 4 was not initially made for the sport, but its functions are helpful for some rowers. On the other hand, Polar M400 is one of the most accurate when monitoring your heart rate despite the more affordable price. When it comes to choosing smartwatches for rowing, the expensive one can indeed get you further, but a cheap one can also take you places.