Rowing with a sliding seat system is not easy. As a result, people new to the sport are often disillusioned, feeling it is awkward, challenging and exhausting. Sometimes, if rowing a rowing shell, they may even fall into the water adding further insult to injury.
The fact is sliding seat rowing is actually very elegant, smooth efficient and Zen-like. And almost everyone of an average fitness level can row a boat proficiently. Knowledge and practice are all that's required to become a capable rower. The beauty of sliding seat rowing is while you can become proficient in a few days, it will take months before you're a true master, offering a continued learning experience and quest for perfection.