Indoor rowing and SEN

None of the children had ever been rowing before and two of the older ones displayed such an aptitude for it that it is highly likely that they will try it again. Not only was the experience a huge boost to the children's self esteem and confidence, but it was a perfect bonding opportunity for the group and helped to form the strong ties that will hold this supportive group together for many years to come.

Kay Carpenter, Play Service Coordinator, Richard House Children's Hospice

Concept2 indoor rowers are a fantastic way for children with a wide range of disabilities (physical, learning and sensory) to safely enjoy one of the most complete all-round physical activities there is.

Indoor rowing is increasingly popular in SEN schools across the UK, and it's an effective way to engage children in physical activity and teach them a variety of core skills. For rowers who need more support, see our page on adaptive rowing too.

Adapt2Row seating for the Concept2 indoor rower

The Adapt2Row seating system was designed by Simon Goodey of UK Adaptive Rowing. It's a modular system, so you can put together the support each user needs, and both seats fit easily onto the indoor rower to make the seating more stable and help with trunk balance where it's needed.

Support seats

There are two seats, both made from glass fibre with a polished gel coat and available in a range of colours. It's advisable to use either seat with padding to prevent pressure sores.

The Complementary Support Seat is designed for users who need more support than the standard Concept2 seat gives, including elderly people and people with learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, dyspraxia and incomplete or low-level spinal cord injury.

The Postural Support Seat is designed for users with physical and neuromuscular impairments who need a high degree of postural support, including people with spinal cord injuries, amputees, and people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. It's a larger bucket-style seat, generally used by people who transfer from a wheelchair, and it can be clamped in position to make the transfer stable. Lumbar and lap straps are available, and we strongly recommend using the seat with padding to prevent pressure sores.

Monorails

If you have Adapt2Row seats, or are thinking of buying them, an extra monorail section is worth considering. With your Adapt2Row seat permanently attached to the extra monorail, you can swap the indoor rower between its regular and adapted set-ups in a matter of seconds.

The monorails come complete with rear leg, seat frame and rollers, but without the standard seat, and are available for the Model D and Model E indoor rowers. Make sure you buy the right monorail for your model of rower so that the connection works.

Adapt2Row frame

The Adapt2Row frame turns a Concept2 indoor rower into a rowing machine suitable for wheelchair users in under 60 seconds, without tools. It can be used with almost all types of wheelchair and needs minimal assembly.

For prices, or to order seats, monorails or the frame, contact Indoor Sport Services. Indoor Sport Services and Simon Goodey can both give advice on the seats and accessories before you buy.

SkiErg

The Concept2 SkiErg is a ski ergometer and training tool that builds strength and endurance.

• It builds ski-specific strength in the upper body, core and legs.
• It gives a quality aerobic workout.
• It encourages proper, effective Nordic skiing technique.
• It has a smooth pull with a quick return, adjustable handle straps and a Performance Monitor.
• Its air-resistance flywheel means that the harder you pull, the more resistance you feel, so users control the intensity.

RowPro software

RowPro is 3D computer software for indoor rowing, made by Digital Rowing for use with Concept2 indoor rowers. Schools can use it at every level, from encouraging and inspiring disengaged pupils to training the gifted and talented. Think of it like a Swiss Army knife for indoor rowing, packed with tools to help with every part of school rowing. Find out more at digitalrowing.com.

ErgChatter

ErgChatter is a simple, free piece of software that gives your Performance Monitor a voice. It was designed with vision-impaired rowers in mind, and announces your performance data at regular intervals as you row. It runs on Windows with PM3 and PM4 monitors, and Concept2 no longer updates or supports it.