Indoor Rowing World Records: Static, Slides, and Dynamic Ergometers

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 (Originally published: September 25, 2024)

What Are Indoor Rowing Records?

Indoor rowing records represent the fastest times achieved on rowing machines (ergometers) across various distances, age categories, and weight classes. These records are officially recognized by Concept2 (the leading manufacturer of rowing machines) and World Rowing (the international governing body for the sport of rowing).

Three main ergometer types are recognized for record purposes:

  • Static - The standard setup where the machine remains stationary
  • Slides - The ergometer is mounted on slides that move, simulating boat movement
  • Dynamic - Specialized machines with moving parts that better replicate on-water rowing

Table of Contents

Open Weight Records

Open weight (sometimes called "heavyweight") has no upper weight limit for competitors.

Junior Women (Open Weight)

Distance Athlete Country Time Machine Type Year
6,000m Sarah Hubbard Australia 21:14.7 Static 2004
5,000m Isabel Bisschops Australia 17:33.4 Static 2020
2,000m Sofia Asoumanaki Greece 6:28.2 Static 2015

Junior Men (Open Weight)

Distance Athlete Country Time Machine Type Year
6,000m Miles Hudgins United States 18:44.5 Static 2022
5,000m Gennaro di Mauro Italy 15:20.3 Static 2020
2,000m Marcus Cannon Lorgen United States 5:40.6 Slides 2024

Senior Women (Open Weight)

Distance Athlete Country Time Machine Type Year
6,000m Olena Buryak Ukraine 20:17.7 Static 2016
5,000m Georgie Rowe Australia 16:54.2 Static 2020
2,000m Brooke Mooney United States 6:21.1 Static 2020

Senior Men (Open Weight)

Distance Athlete Country Time Machine Type Year
6,000m Martin Sinkovic Croatia 17:57.3 Slides 2018
5,000m Tom George Great Britain 14:53.9 Static 2022
2,000m Joshua Dunkley-Smith Australia 5:35.8 Static 2018

Lightweight Records

Lightweight rowers must meet specific weight requirements: men under 75kg/165lbs and women under 61.5kg/135lbs.

Junior Women (Lightweight)

Distance Athlete Country Time Machine Type Year
6,000m Dimitra Eleni Kontou Greece 22:30.6 Static 2024
5,000m Olivia Cheesmur Great Britain 18:33.9 Static 2024
2,000m Dimitra Eleni Kontou Greece 7:04.9 Static 2023

Junior Men (Lightweight)

Distance Athlete Country Time Machine Type Year
6,000m Drake Deuel United States 19:39.9 Slides 2017
5,000m Drake Deuel United States 16:21.5 Static 2017
2,000m Henrik Stephansen Denmark 6:06.5 Static 2007

Senior Women (Lightweight)

Distance Athlete Country Time Machine Type Year
6,000m Jennifer Casson Canada 21:44.0 Static 2020
5,000m Jackie Kiddle New Zealand 18:01.8 Static 2020
2,000m Jennifer Casson Canada 6:53.8 Static 2019

Senior Men (Lightweight)

Distance Athlete Country Time Machine Type Year
6,000m Aaron Lattimer Canada 19:16.0 Static 2019
5,000m Arno Gaus Germany 15:57.4 Static 2024
2,000m Henrik Stephansen Denmark 5:56.7 Static 2013

Record Controversies & Notable Performances

The 5,000m men's record has been the subject of particular interest over the years, with several exceptional performances across different ergometer types:

Athlete Country Time Machine Type Year Notes
Constantine Louloudis Great Britain 14:51.0 Dynamic 2015 Fastest overall (unofficial) time
Tom George Great Britain 14:53.9 Static 2022 Current official Static record
Eric Murray New Zealand 14:56.4 Slides 2015 Set in 30-39 age category
Rob Waddell New Zealand 14:58.3 Static 2009 Set in 30-39 age category
James Cracknell Great Britain 15:09.9 Static 2002 Unofficial
Lassi Karonen Sweden 15:09.3 Static 2007 Unofficial

Note: Some records set in different age categories or on different machine types are listed separately to acknowledge the fastest performances across all categories.

Major Indoor Rowing Competitions

World Indoor Rowing Championships

Previously known as the CRASH-B Sprints, this annual competition has been the premier indoor rowing event since 1982. Originally created by a group of US Olympic rowers (the "Charles River Association of Sculling Has-Beens"), it now attracts competitors from around the world.

European Indoor Rowing Championships

Established in 2003, this annual competition brings together Europe's best indoor rowers to compete across multiple categories and distances.

British Indoor Rowing Championships

One of the largest indoor rowing events globally, featuring over 2,000 competitors from beginners to Olympic champions.

Training Resources & Calculators

To improve your own indoor rowing performance, check out these helpful resources:

Equipment Reviews

Looking for the right rowing machine? Read our detailed reviews:

Additional Indoor Rowing Resources

Learn more about indoor rowing technique and mental preparation:

FAQ About Indoor Rowing Records

How are indoor rowing records verified?

Official records must be set at sanctioned events with certified equipment and qualified judges. Some competitions use the Concept2 verification system that connects directly to their performance monitor.

What's the difference between Static, Slides, and Dynamic records?

Static records are set on standard fixed ergometers, Slides records on machines mounted on sliding platforms, and Dynamic records on specialized ergometers designed to more closely simulate on-water rowing biomechanics.

How often are world records broken?

Major records typically stand for several years, though increased participation in indoor rowing has led to more frequent record-breaking in recent years, particularly in age-group categories.

What factors affect indoor rowing performance?

Performance is influenced by technique, fitness level, body type, experience, pacing strategy, and mental preparation. Elite rowers typically have exceptional aerobic capacity and power-to-weight ratios.

How do indoor rowing times compare to on-water performance?

While there's correlation between indoor and on-water speed, they're not perfectly predictive of each other. Factors like technique, boat feel, and synchronization with crew members affect on-water performance beyond raw power.

Have additions, corrections, or suggestions? Contact our Editorial Staff with updates or information.

For the most current record verification, also check Concept2's official records page and World Rowing's statistics.

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