History
Designed in the mid '80s by Yale and US National Team Rower John Duke who formed
WATERROWER Inc in 1988 in Rhode Island, in the North Eastern United States.
Today our Americas Headquarters continues to be based in Rhode Island, in the small coastal town of
Warren.
WATERROWER (UK) Ltd was formed in 1991 to market and distribute the WATERROWER® throughout Europe under
license to WATERROWER Inc. Initially with offices in Fulham, London, a 1993 agreement provided
WATERROWER (UK) Ltd with the additional right to manufacture the WATERROWER® for Europe.
Workshops were established in the idyllic stately home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, Mapperton
Manor.
IN THE UK
EUROPEAN HEADQUARTERS
In 1995 the UK offices and workshop were combined under one roof in
Ravenscourt Park, in West London, and moved to larger premises in nearby Acton in 2005.
The Acton offices remains the European Headquarters to this day.
A 1998 merger brought the two entities, WATERROWER Inc and WATERROWER (UK) Ltd under common
ownership. Today WATERROWER's Board of Directors meets in London.
EXPANDED EVEN MORE
AUSTRALIA AND ASIA
In 2000 WATERROWER Australia Pty Ltd was formed, to service Australasia and
the Asian Region on the way to creating a global network of offices to service our markets and
customers.
Today WATERROWER® has over 250 staff in 15 global offices while manufacturing all our products in
the Warren facility.
OUR Story
THE BEST OF BOTH
Peter King, CEO WATERROWER | Dominik Kuprecht, CEO NOHRD
Peter King, CEO WATERROWER | Dominik Kuprecht, CEO NOHRD
WATERROWER offers an incredibly realistic rowing experience, captivating users of all
fitness levels.
NOHRD provides a complete gym experience with an innovative selection of strength and cardio equipment.
Crafted exclusively in our production facilities in the USA and Germany, WATERROWER | NOHRD creates a
beautifully designed, cohesive fitness range – for everyone, for every space.
WATERROWER
THE ORIGINAL
In 1988, John Duke, an engineer from Yale University and a candidate for the US National Rowing
Team, invented the WaterRower.
Duke’s design was guided by two principles: to replicate the experience of rowing on water, making
the sound, resistance, and physiological benefits accessible to a wider audience, and to create a
piece of “fitness furniture” that blends seamlessly into living spaces as a preferred piece of art
or furniture while serving as a fitness device.
This inspiration drew from the simple elegance of Shaker furniture, known for beauty and
practicality. Central to this vision was the use of wood. Over the last 35+ years, we’ve maintained
this philosophy, developing what is widely considered the most realistic experience of simulating
on-water rowing – right in the comfort of your home or studio.
NOHRD
CARDIO, STRENGTH & WELLNESS
The NOHRD fitness equipment range was introduced in 2008 by Dominik Kuprecht, Managing Director of
WATERROWER Germany.
This product line was developed to meet the growing demand from WATERROWER customers for additional
fitness equipment with the same beautifully designed, functional approach. The result was the NOHRD
range, which now encompasses cardio, strength, and wellness equipment. Following the same concept
set forth by WATERROWER inventor John Duke, NOHRD’s approach to the innovation process is equally as
unique.
While other manufacturers conform to conventional forms and styles catering to the commercial gym
market, NOHRD takes a unique stance, consistently demonstrating how fitness equipment can seamlessly
combine top-tier functionality with captivating aesthetic appeal to enrich your overall workout
experience.
WATERROWER | NOHRD
Our vision
The fusion of design, quality, innovation, and sustainability from both brands enables
us to design fitness equipment that’s not only functional and durable but also aesthetically pleasing to
seamlessly fit into your interior.
Our shared vision is to provide you with the best fitness solution to help you achieve your fitness
goals.
Whether you’re searching for a rowing machine, a treadmill, or strength training equipment, our products
are meticulously designed, striking the perfect balance between functionality, quality, and aesthetic
elegance.
Timeline
Our history
1987
Patent Application
John Duke files a patent for the WaterRower water-wheel technology. WaterRower Inc. is founded in Warren, Rhode Island, USA.
1988
The First WaterRowers
The patent is granted, and the first WaterRowers are handmade in the USA.
1991
WaterRower UK
Alex Caccia establishes WaterRower UK Ltd. And begins licensed production of the WaterRowers. Peter King joins the team as managing director.
1994
WaterRower Germany
Dominik Kuprecht, Peter King’s rowing partner, establishes WaterRower Germany as a sole proprietorship in Kassel. In 1995, the company relocates to Munich.
1997
Establishment of US Production
John Duke sells his US-based WaterRower Inc. to WaterRower UK Ltd. in London, transferring global rights and patents. Production moves from England to Warren, RI, USA. Peter King becomes the CEO of WaterRower.
2002
The First Employees
Dominik Kuprecht’s German sole proprietorship becomes a GmbH (Ltd.), hiring its first employees. This marks the beginning of building a dealer distribution network in Europe.
2005
German Relocation to Nordhorn
WaterRower GmbH relocates from Munich to Nordhorn, while a sales office remains in Munich to serve Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
2007
The NOHRD Brand Emerges
Alongside distribution of the WaterRower, the first German-developed piece of equipment (WaterWorkx) prompts the creation of the NOHRD brand. In the same year, Peter King acquires 100% ownership of WaterRower (UK & USA). Together, these two manufacturing entities, operating out of USA and UK (Peter King) and Germany (Dominik Kuprecht, with the NOHRD line) play pivotal roles in supplying the global market. As part of their international expansion, WaterRower’s existing distribution offices in key regions, including France, Italy, Spain, Benelux, Australia, and China, incorporate the growing NOHRD product range. Subsequently, they expand their presence to Taiwan, Scandinavia, and further establish an independent distribution company in Austria, solidifying their worldwide reach.
2011
New Manufacturing Facility in Nordhorn
WaterRower GmbH constructs its first production and office facility in Nordhorn, covering 1500 sqm. This facility expands to more than 9000 sqm in the following years.
2011
New Products
Products like WallBars, SwingBells, and WaterGrinder are introduced, followed by the award-winning SlimBeam (2013) and TriaTrainer (2015).
2016
NOHRD Arena
A 400 sqm fitness studio, the NOHRD Arena, opens at the company premises.
2017
Expansion of Product Line
Additional products, including the NOHRD Bike (2017), and the NOHRD Wall Compact (2020), are launched.
2020
Expansion of Production Facilities
Both the US and German facilities expand their factories.
2021
Construction of New Logistics Center
A new 1800 sqm logistics facility is built at the Nordhorn site.
2023
Co-Branding
Both companies engage in the re-brand initiative under the joint name „WATERROWER | NOHRD”, while independently furthering their product lines.
2023
Expanding the Product Line
New products, including the NOHRD WeightPlates and the NOHRD SquatRack, are launched.
2023
Dubai Sales Office
Introduction of a sales office in the Middle East, with a showroom and warehouse.
2023
Nordhorn Sawmill
Planning and preparation for the company’s own sawmill at a second location in Nordhorn.