How to Use a Kelsey Rowing Machine, Features and Workout Tips

Quick Answer

To use a Kelsey rowing machine, follow standard rowing ergometer technique: begin with legs extended, arms straight, and back engaged; drive through the legs, then pull the handle to your lower chest, and reverse the motion. However, based on publicly available information, no specific "Kelsey rowing machine" exists as a commercial product.

The term appears to be a confusion with Kelsey Pfendler, an athlete rowing solo across the Pacific Ocean. This article clarifies the distinction and provides general rowing machine guidance alongside insights from her expedition.

Key Facts

• Kelsey Pfendler is currently rowing solo from California to Hawaii, covering 2,400 miles, as of July 2026.
• As of July 4, 2026, she is 43 days into her journey, according to her Instagram account.
• The row is to raise funds for The Whale Foundation, a nonprofit organization.
• She aims to become the first American woman to complete this solo row.
• No product called "Kelsey rowing machine" is documented in available reference materials; the name likely references the athlete.
• General rowing machine technique applies to any ergometer: sequential leg, back, arm drive, followed by reverse recovery.

Who Is Kelsey Pfendler and Why Does Her Row Matter?

The Athlete Behind the Name

Kelsey Pfendler is not a rowing machine manufacturer or a brand. She is an endurance athlete currently engaged in one of the most grueling solo ocean crossings possible.

According to an Outside Online article, she is rowing a 132-square-foot boat alone for weeks, aiming to break multiple records. Her journey from California to Hawaii spans 2,400 miles of open Pacific Ocean.

As of July 4, 2026, she is 43 days into this expedition, as indicated by her Instagram post from May 31, 2026. This distinction is critical.

If you searched for a "Kelsey rowing machine" expecting a home gym product, the reference material strongly suggests the name actually points to Pfendler's athletic feat. No commercial rowing machine under the "Kelsey" brand appears in any of the provided sources.

Instead, the term has been popularized by her social media presence and fundraising campaign.

The Fundraising Mission

Pfendler is rowing solo across the mid-Pacific ocean for The Whale Foundation, according to her Facebook page. Her Instagram bio confirms this: "Currently rowing solo across the mid-Pacific ocean for @whalefoundation." The Spotfund campaign page, titled "Kelsey's Solo Pacific Row," describes it as a "life changing journey." The Whale Foundation is a nonprofit organization, though specific details about its mission are not provided in the reference content.

This is not a casual adventure. Solo ocean rowing requires months of preparation, specialized equipment, and mental fortitude.

Pfendler's goal to become the first American woman to complete this route adds historical weight to her effort. For context, only a handful of people have ever rowed solo across an ocean, and women are underrepresented in these records.

How to Use a Rowing Machine General Principles

Proper Technique for Any Ergometer

Since no specific "Kelsey rowing machine" exists, this section provides evidence-based guidance applicable to any standard rowing ergometer—whether from Concept2, WaterRower, or other brands. The rowing stroke consists of four phases: catch, drive, finish, and recovery.

Catch Position: At the start, your shins are vertical, arms are extended forward, and your shoulders are relaxed. The handle is held with an overhand grip, about shoulder-width apart.

Your back is straight, not rounded. Drive Phase: Push through your legs first—this generates about 60% of the power.

As your legs extend, lean your torso back slightly (from about 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock on a clock face), then pull the handle to your lower chest. The sequence is: legs, body swing, arms.

Finish: At the end of the drive, your legs are straight, your torso is leaning back about 10-15 degrees, and the handle is at your sternum. Your elbows are bent and drawn back past your ribs.

Recovery: Extend your arms first, then lean your torso forward, and finally bend your knees to slide back to the catch position. This reverse order ensures smooth, efficient movement.

Common mistakes include bending your arms too early (which wastes power), rounding your back (risk of injury), and rushing the recovery. Aim for a 1:2 ratio of drive time to recovery time—drive explosively, recover deliberately.

Setting Up the Machine

Most rowing machines allow you to adjust the damper setting (air resistance) or water level (water resistance). For general fitness, set the damper to 3-5 on a Concept2, which simulates rowing a boat with average drag.

Higher settings require more power but can increase injury risk if form breaks down. The foot straps should be snug across the widest part of your feet, with your heels flat.

Monitor placement should allow you to see metrics like strokes per minute (SPM), distance, and calories burned without craning your neck. Many modern machines also connect to apps like ErgData or Zwift for structured workouts.

Why This Confusion Matters for Rowing Enthusiasts

The Rise of Solo Ocean Rowing in Popular Culture

The search for a "Kelsey rowing machine" reflects a broader trend: elite endurance athletes gaining mainstream attention and inadvertently becoming associated with the equipment they use. Pfendler's journey has generated significant social media engagement—her Facebook page reports over 1.7 million likes and 2.6 million talking about this as of the reference date.

This level of interest can cause product searches to mix athlete names with generic terms. For rowing machine buyers, this means you should verify brands before purchasing.

If a seller claims to offer a "Kelsey rowing machine," it is likely a mislabeled product or a limited edition collaboration. No evidence in the provided sources supports such a product's existence.

Always check manufacturer websites and authorized dealers.

How Pfendler's Journey Relates to Indoor Rowing

Pfendler rows a 132-square-foot boat—essentially a floating cabin with oars. This is fundamentally different from indoor rowing machines, which simulate the motion but lack the environmental variables of waves, wind, and isolation.

However, many ocean rowers train extensively on ergometers before expeditions because they build the specific muscular endurance and cardiovascular base needed. If you are inspired by Pfendler's story to start rowing, begin with indoor machines.

They are safer, more accessible, and allow you to track progress precisely. Once you master the technique, you might explore on-water rowing in shells or even consider long-distance challenges—though few will match the scale of her Pacific crossing.

What to Look for When Buying a Rowing Machine

Since no "Kelsey" brand exists, focus on established names. The four main types are:

• Air rowers: Use a fan for resistance (e.g., Concept2 Model D). Best for performance tracking and durability.
• Water rowers: Use a water flywheel for smooth, quiet resistance (e.g., WaterRower). More aesthetic and quieter.
• Magnetic rowers: Use magnets for resistance. Very quiet but may not feel as realistic.
• Hydraulic rowers: Use pistons. Compact but often less smooth.

Key factors include: maximum user weight, monitor features (distance, pace, heart rate connectivity), storage footprint, and warranty. For serious training, a Concept2 is the gold standard used by competitive rowers worldwide.

For home use with space constraints, a water or magnetic rower may suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there actually a product called a "Kelsey rowing machine"?

Based on all available reference material, no. The term appears to be a confusion with Kelsey Pfendler, the solo ocean rower.

No commercial rowing machine under that name is documented in the provided sources. If you encounter such a listing, verify its origin carefully.

How long has Kelsey Pfendler been rowing on her current trip?

As of July 4, 2026, she is 43 days into her journey. Her Instagram post from May 31, 2026, shows her early progress, and she began approximately in late May 2026.

The exact start date is not specified in the reference content.

What is The Whale Foundation?

According to Pfendler's Instagram and Facebook profiles, she is rowing to raise funds for The Whale Foundation. The reference material does not provide further details about the organization's mission or programs.

For accurate information, consult their official website or Pfendler's fundraising page.

Can I train for ocean rowing on an indoor machine?

Yes, indoor rowing machines are excellent for building the endurance and strength needed for ocean rowing. However, they cannot replicate the balance, weather exposure, or psychological challenges of open water.

Pfendler likely used ergometers in her preparation, but her expedition also required specialized boat handling and survival training.

How do I find legitimate rowing machine brands?

Stick to well-known manufacturers: Concept2, WaterRower, Stamina, Sunny Health & Fitness, and NordicTrack. Check official websites or authorized retailers like Amazon, Rogue Fitness, or local fitness equipment stores.

Avoid brands with no track record or suspicious naming patterns.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.