Patent Publication Number: US-10786703-B1

Title: Convertible rowing apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/633,897, filed on Feb. 22, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to a convertible rowing apparatus for both indoor and outdoor use. 
     Indoor stationary rowing machines have become popular as a means to exercise and promote cardiovascular and muscular health and well-being. Indoor stationary rowing machines typically provide resistance through the rotation of vanes or blades either passing through water or air. The vanes/blades are typically rotated by the user pulling in a backward direction on a handle attached to a chain while sitting on a sliding chair or seat positioned on a longitudinal support member. The chain is operatively connected to means that cause rotation of the vanes/blades. The chain retracts to its starting position as the user glides forward on the seat. Indoor stationary rowing machines are not easily converted for use outdoors due to their construction and resistance mechanisms. 
     Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding have also become popular for recreational use and as a way to exercise outdoors on bodies of water. Kayaks and stand up paddle boards (SUP) achieve movement through the water by physical manipulation and use of a single paddle. The kayak paddle includes a pole with teardrop-shaped blades at each end. The SUP paddle includes an elongated pole with a hand grasp at one end and a teardrop-shaped blade at the other. To propel the kayak, the paddler sits in a forward-facing position holding the pole with both hands and then manipulates the paddle at an angle for insertion of one of the teardrop-shaped blades into the water with the pulling of the blade in a backward direction. The paddler would then perform the same maneuver with the other blade. To propel the SUP, the paddler stands on the board with one hand holding the hand grasp end and the other hand holding the pole at its middle section. The blade is then placed in the water and pulled in a backward direction. The paddler would then perform the same maneuver on the other side of the SUP by switching hands. Paddling a kayak or SUP does not substantially involve the use of the paddler&#39;s legs to create motion. 
     The paddling motion for kayaks and SUPs is distinct from the rowing motion of indoor stationary rowing machines. The rowing motion of indoor stationary rowing machines is more akin to the rowing motion associated with the rowing of a rowboat in which the user sits in a backward facing direction from the bow of the boat, holds the ends of two oars in each of the rower&#39;s hands, angles the other ends of the oars toward the bow of the boat, places the other ends of the oars in the water, and pulls the other ends of the oars towards the stern of the boat thereby causing the boat to move forward. Unfortunately, rowing a rowboat is problematic because the rower sits with his or her back to the bow and cannot readily see where the boat is headed. Also, coordinating the simultaneous rowing of two oars at one time is difficult. Rowing involves working out the whole body, including the legs. 
     There is a need in the exercise and outdoor sporting industries to replicate the biomechanics of human movement associated with rowing an indoor rowing machine for outdoor fitness and sport equipment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present disclosure to simulate the biomechanics of human movement associated with rowing an indoor rowing machine for fitness equipment used in the outdoors. 
     It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide an indoor rowing machine that is convertible for outdoor use. 
     It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide an indoor rowing machine that is convertible for use with a watercraft. 
     It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide an indoor rowing machine that is convertible for use with a SUP or kayak. 
     It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide an indoor rowing machine that may be installed on a kayak or SUP. 
     These objects and others are achieved by the rowing apparatus of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the rowing apparatus may include a longitudinal support member having a front end, a rear end, an upper side, a bottom side, a first side interconnecting the upper and bottom sides, and a second side interconnecting the upper and bottom sides. The apparatus may also include a seat operatively affixed to the longitudinal support member and configured for sliding movement along a length of the longitudinal support member. The apparatus may also include a foot rest assembly adjustably affixed to the longitudinal support member. The apparatus may also include a tubular member having first and second ends, the first end operatively affixed to the front end of the longitudinal support member, the second end terminating above the longitudinal support member. The apparatus may also include a first pulley assembly operatively connected to the rear end of the longitudinal support member. The apparatus may also include a second pulley assembly operatively connected by a second pulley frame assembly to the rear end of the longitudinal support member. The apparatus may also include a paddle assembly rotationally positioned on a shaft and operatively associated with the second pulley assembly. The apparatus may also include a pull string having a first end external to the second end of the tubular member and connected to a handle, the pull string extending through the tubular member with the second end operatively connected to the first pulley assembly. The apparatus may also include a paddle string having a first end operatively connected to the second pulley assembly and a second end operatively connected to a biasing means. The apparatus may also include one or more mounting brackets extending from the bottom side of the support member, the one or more mounting brackets configured for attachment to a watercraft for use of the apparatus on a body of water or to one or more support legs for use of the apparatus on a rigid surface. 
     In another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the longitudinal support member may include one or more slots configured for attachment of items. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more slots may extend substantially the length of the longitudinal support member. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more slots each may have a dove-tail shape. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more slots may comprise a first slot formed in the upper side of the longitudinal support member. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more slots may comprise a second slot formed in the bottom side of the longitudinal support member. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more slots may comprise a third slot formed in the first side of the longitudinal support member. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more slots may comprise a fourth slot formed in the second side of the longitudinal support member. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the seat may include one or more wheels operatively associated within the one or more slots of the longitudinal support member. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the seat may include one or more legs extending from an underside of the seat, each of the one or more legs including a distal end, and wherein each of the one or more wheels is operatively connected to the distal end of one of the one or more legs. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the foot rest assembly may comprise a first platform and a second platform, wherein the one or more slots may comprise a first slot formed in the first side of the longitudinal support member and a second slot formed in the second side of the longitudinal support member, and wherein the first platform may be operatively affixed within the first slot and the second platform may be operatively affixed within the second slot. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the first pulley assembly may be a two-stage pulley system comprising a first pulley and a second pulley in operative arrangement, the first pulley may have a reduced diameter relative to the second pulley. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the second pulley assembly may be a two-stage pulley system comprising a first pulley and a second pulley in operative arrangement, the first pulley may have a reduced diameter relative to the second pulley. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more slots may comprise a first slot formed in the upper side of the longitudinal support member, wherein the first pulley assembly may include a first pulley frame having a proximal end operatively affixed to the first pulley assembly and a distal end operatively connected within the first slot. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the second pulley frame assembly may comprise a first frame and a second frame, each of the first and second frames having a proximal end operatively connected to the second pulley assembly and a distal end, wherein the one or more slots may comprise a first slot formed in the first side of the longitudinal support member and a second slot formed in the second side of the longitudinal support member, and wherein the distal end of the first frame may be operatively affixed within the first slot and the distal end of the second frame is operatively affixed within the second slot. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the first frame may comprise a first section and a second section, the first section may have a distal end operatively affixed within the first slot and a proximal end operatively connected to a first pivoting hinge, the second section may have a proximal end operatively connected to the first pivoting hinge and a distal end operatively connected to the second pulley assembly; wherein the second frame may comprise a first section and a second section, the first section may have a distal end operatively affixed within the second slot and a proximal end operatively connected to a second pivoting hinge, the second section may have a proximal end operatively connected to the second pivoting hinge and a distal end operatively connected to the second pulley assembly. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the paddle assembly may include a plurality of paddle vanes. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the biasing means may comprise a wire spring. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more mounting brackets may include an aperture through which a mounting strap extends for attachment of the watercraft. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more slots may comprise a first slot formed in the bottom side of the longitudinal support member, wherein each of the one or more mounting brackets may have an upper end and a lower end, the lower end may include the aperture, the upper end may be operatively affixed within the first slot. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more mounting brackets may comprise a first mounting bracket operatively positioned at the front end of the longitudinal support member and a second mounting bracket operatively positioned at the rear end of the longitudinal support member. 
     In yet another embodiment, the rowing apparatus further comprises the watercraft operatively connected to the apparatus via a securing of a first mounting strap wrapped around the watercraft and extending through the aperture of the first mounting bracket and of a second mounting strap wrapped around the watercraft and extending through the aperture of the second mounting bracket. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the one or more mounting brackets may comprise first and second mounting brackets each configured as a cross brace, the first cross brace may be operatively positioned at the front end of the longitudinal support member and the second cross brace may be operatively positioned at the rear end of the longitudinal support member, each of the first and second cross braces may include one or more recesses configured for placement of an upper end of a leg. 
     In yet another embodiment, the rowing apparatus may further comprise one or more support legs having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of each of the one or more support legs may be received within one of the one or more recesses of the first and second cross braces, and the lower end of each of the one or more support legs may be supported by the rigid surface. 
     In yet another embodiment, the rowing apparatus may further comprise a container having an interior, the interior filled with a fluid, wherein the paddle assembly may be operatively positioned within the interior of the container. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the container may have a removable lid. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the apparatus further comprises one or more pontoon assemblies detachably connected to the longitudinal support member on either or both of the first and second sides thereof. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the paddle assembly comprises a plurality of interchangeable paddle vanes. The size and/or shape of the plurality of paddle vanes that are used with the rowing apparatus results in a variable resistance when the plurality of paddle vanes are rotated in the fluid. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the amount of fluid within the interior of the container when the apparatus is configured for indoor use provides a variable resistance to the paddle assembly when rotated. 
     In yet another embodiment of the rowing apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a shaft and a ratchet assembly operatively associated with the shaft. The second pulley assembly and the paddle assembly may be operatively associated with the shaft. The ratchet assembly may permit the second pulley assembly to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction by compression of the biasing means without rotation of the shaft to cause a rewinding of the paddle string and the pull string. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the indoor/outdoor rowing machine configured for adaptation to a watercraft. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the embodiment of the indoor/outdoor rowing machine configured for adaptation to a watercraft with a rower in the extended pull position. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the embodiment of the indoor/outdoor rowing machine shown in  FIG. 2  with the rower in the start pull position. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the embodiment of the indoor/outdoor rowing machine configured for adaptation to a watercraft. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the indoor/outdoor rowing machine configured for adaptation to a watercraft. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial rear view of the embodiment of the indoor/outdoor rowing machine configured for adaptation to a watercraft. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the indoor/outdoor rowing machine taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the indoor/outdoor rowing machine configured for adaptation as an indoor rowing machine. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the indoor/outdoor rowing machine configured for adaptation to a watercraft with attached pontoon accessories. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     With reference to the Figures where like elements have been given like numerical designation to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure, and particularly with reference to the embodiment of the indoor/outdoor rowing apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , apparatus  100  is shown operatively affixed to watercraft  200 . It is to be understood that watercraft  200  may be any type of vessel capable of transport on a body of water. For example, watercraft  200  may be a SUP, kayak, canoe, or pirogue. Apparatus  100  may be detachably connected to watercraft  200 . Apparatus  100  may include longitudinal support member  1  that acts as a main brace to permit attachment of items thereto. Member  1  may include upper side  102 , bottom side  104 , left side  106 , and right side  108 . Each of sides  106 ,  108  interconnect upper and bottom sides  102 ,  104 . Member  1  may also include front end  110  and rear end  112 . Member  1  may be made of aluminum or other metal. Alternatively, member  1  may be made of hardened plastic or like material. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 and 7 , member  1  may include slot  24  formed by upper side  102 . Slot  24  may be configured in many shapes so as to retain in sliding relationship items that may be permanently or detachably affixed to member  1 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , slot  24  is dovetail shaped. Slot  24  may extend partially or completely along the length of member  1 . Similarly, each of the bottom side  104  and left and right sides  106 ,  108  may include respective slots  114 ,  116 ,  118  as seen in  FIG. 7 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1-5 , apparatus  100  may include seat  2 . Seat  2  may be operatively connected to member  1  in sliding arrangement. Seat  2  may be operatively positioned on or spatially above upper side  102 . Seat  2  may be configured to slide partly or entirely along member  1 . Seat  2  may be slidably affixed to and partially contained within slot  24 . Alternatively, seat  2  may be slidably affixed to and partially contained within slots  116  and  118 . For example, seat  2  may include one or more legs  120  extending downward from seat  2 . Each distal end of leg  120  has wheel  3  rotationally affixed thereto. Wheel  3  may be operatively connected or positioned within one or both slots  116 ,  118  thereby permitting seat  2  to move in a forward and backward direction relative to member  1 . Seat  2  may be configured with (i) two legs  120  and two wheels  3 , with one leg  120  and one wheel assembly  3  on each of the sides of seat  2  (e.g., the left and right sides) or (ii) four legs  120  and four wheels  3 , with two legs  120  and two wheel assemblies  3  on each side of seat  2  (the left and rights sides). It is to be understood that the number of legs  120  and wheels  3  and their placement about seat  2  may vary depending on operational parameters. Seat  2  may be configured to accommodate the buttocks of the rower using apparatus  100 . For example, seat  2  may include an upper contoured surface profiled to accommodate the rower&#39;s buttocks when seated upon seat  2 . Seat  2  may also have a back-rest. Seat  2  may be constructed of any durable material such as metal or hard plastic. Seat  2  may contain a cushioning member on its upper surface. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , items may be operatively connected about member  1  by fasteners  25 . Fasteners  25  may interlock within slots  24 ,  114 ,  116 , and/or  118 . Fasteners  25  may be fixedly connected to member  1  so that the item remains stationary relative to member  1 . Fasteners  25  may also be detachably connected to member  1  so that the item may be removed from or repositioned about member  1 . Fasteners  25  may be configured to mate with slots  24 ,  114 ,  116  and  118  and be bolted, wedged, or otherwise fixed stationary therewithin. Fastener  25  may include a part or portion that has an outer contour configured for accommodation within the inner profile defining slots  24 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118 . Fasteners  25  may be constructed of any durable material such as metal or hard plastic. Fasteners  25  may contain bores through which bolts or other retaining members are placed in order to secure items via fasteners  25  to support member  1 . 
       FIGS. 1-3 and 5  shows apparatus  100  with foot rest  4  operatively positioned on member  1 . Two foot rests  4  may be provided, with one of the rests  4  operatively connected to member  1  on left side  104  (not shown) and the other rest  4  operatively connected to member  1  on right side  106 . Each rest  4  may be affixed to fastener  25 , which in turn is operatively positioned within respective slots  116 ,  118  to detachably affix rests  4  to member  1 . Rests  4  are configured to receive the foot (or shoe) of the user of apparatus  100  when seated upon seat  2  during use of apparatus  100  and to provide a stationary platform from which the user may project in a rearward direction relative to member  1  by sliding on seat  2  when the user&#39;s legs are extended. The position of rests  4  about member  1  may be selectively adjusted by releasing fasteners  25 , repositioning rests  4 , and re-tightening fasteners  25 . Foot rests  4  may be constructed of any durable material such as metal or hard plastic. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 7 , apparatus  100  may include one or more cross braces  5  extending from the bottom side  104  of member  1 . Each cross brace  5  may be configured for detachably securing to watercraft  200 . Each cross brace  5  may be configured to be adjustable to affix to watercraft  200  at differing locations so that the user (the “rower”) is properly located in the best position on member  1  relative to watercraft  200 . The upper end of each cross brace  5  may be configured for accommodation within slot  114  of member  1  and fastened thereto by any means such as one or more fasteners  25 . The lower end of each cross brace  5  may be configured with an aperture  122 . Each cross brace  5  may be detachably affixed to watercraft  200  by tiedown strap  6  to hold apparatus  100  to watercraft  200  by strapping underneath watercraft  200  and passing through aperture  122 . Cross braces  5  may be formed of any durable material such as metal or hard plastic. Strap  6  may be any form or type of retaining means such as a woven strap, rope, cord, and the like. 
     The maximum length of pull on the rowing machine handle  8  may be between the range of 30 inches to 60 inches, or approximately 48 inches. 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , apparatus  100  may include tubing  7  operatively extending from front end  110  of member  1 . Tubing  7  may be C-shaped. Tubing  7  may be used to direct the pull toward the rower for operation of apparatus  100 . Tubing  7  may be lined with a material to resist abrasion and may be attached to member  1  by placement of an end portion of tubing  7  within one or both of slots  24 ,  114  and fastened therewithin. Handle  8  may be attached to pull rope or cord  9  (e.g., pull string  9 ) at its first end. Pull rope or cord  9  extends through tubing  7 . The second end of pull rope or cord  9  may be attached to a first pulley assembly such as two-stage pulley  10 B as seen in  FIG. 5 . Tubing  7  may be formed of any durable material such as metal or hard plastic. Pull string  9  may also be in the form of a length of fishing line. The fishing line may be of sufficient strength so as to operate without breaking under the stresses incurred when apparatus  100  is used. For example, the fishing line may be capable of handling 300-400 pounds of force. An example of fishing line is braided line. Tubing  7  may also be lined with a series of ceramic guides or eyes (or with a portion of a fishing rod including ceramic guides or eyes) through which pull string  9  (e.g., fishing line) extends to provide abrasion resistance. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the pulley assembly comprising two-stage pulley  10 A,  10 B may be configured to multiply the revolutions from pulley  10 B to a second pulley system such as pulley  11 A by approximately five times. This ratio can be varied by changing the ratio of the pulley so that the 48 inch pull will produce approximately 109 revolutions of paddle assembly per cycle. If a rower maintains a two-second cycle time, the rower would produce approximately 3272 revolutions per minute. Pulleys  10 A,  10 B may be made of any durable material such as metal or hard plastic. 
       FIG. 6  also shows second pulley assembly comprising two-stage pulley  11 A,  11 B. Pulley  11 A is approximately five times smaller than pulley  10 A so that the speed of the paddle assembly is increased by the ratio in diameter of the two opposing pulleys. Pulley  11 B may be attached to wire spring  14 . As the rower ends the power pull, the rower bends his/her knees and re-tracks to a start position. Spring  14  attached to pulley  11 B and  11 A rewinds paddle rope or cord  20  (e.g., paddle string  20 ) around pulley  11 A. This also rewinds pull rope or cord  9  around pulley  10 B. The rower is now ready for another cycle. Pulleys  11 A,  11 B may be made of any durable material such as metal or hard plastic. Paddle string  20  may also be in the form of fishing line. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , apparatus  100  may include ratchet  12  so that the ropes  9 ,  20  can be rewound without turning pedal  4  backwards. Pulleys  11 A,  11 B may both be attached to shaft  30  that is attached to panel extension  17 . While  FIG. 6  shows separation between pulleys  11 A and  11 B, it is to be understood that pulleys  11 A,  11 B may be directly adjacent one another. Ratchet  12  may be engaged when shaft  30  turns clockwise but allows pulleys  11 A,  11 B to rotate counter-clockwise by means of spring  14  thereby rewinding paddle rope or cord  20  when the rower moves forward and the spring tension is greater than the slack in rope or cord  20 . The rewinding of paddle rope or cord  20  also causes the rewinding of pull cord or rope  9 . Paddle rope or cord  20  may be used to deliver power to paddle assembly  13  by means of pulleys  10 A,  10 B and pulleys  11 A,  11 B. 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , apparatus  100  may include paddle assembly  13  operatively positioned and rotatable on both sides of pulleys  11 A,  11 B and ratchet  12 . Each paddle assembly  13  may include one or more paddles, as for example, four paddles spaced equidistant apart from each other about shaft  24 . Each paddle assembly  13  may be operatively attached to shaft  30 . Wire spring  14  may be attached to frame extension  17  and pulley  11 B. Paddle assembly  13  may be formed of any durable material such as metal or hard plastic. The size, shape and dimensions of the paddles may vary depending on operational parameters. 
     As further seen in  FIGS. 1-5 , apparatus  100  may include adjustable bracket  15  that enables each paddle assembly  13  to be rotated up to approximately 180°. This rotation allows the paddles to be adjusted to the individual craft, such as a SUP or kayak. Adjustable bracket  15 , along with bracket  16 , enables apparatus  100  to be used at home by rotating paddles 90° when the paddle assemblies  13  are operatively placed in container  23  holding water or other fluid to thereby simulate rowing when apparatus  100  is configured for indoor use (use other than on watercraft  200 ). This adjustability allows for the user to place the rowing machine (apparatus  100 ) on different types of watercraft  200  and adjust the panel depth for best performance. Bracket  16  operatively attaches paddles assembly  13  to member  1  through adjustable bracket or pivoting hinge  15  via extension frames  17 . Extension frames  17  allow the paddles assembly  13  to be moved closer to or farther away from rear end  112  of member  1  to adjust to the different watercrafts  200  being used. Extension frames  17  may be inserted in respective slots  116 ,  118  of member  1  and may be held in place by extension nut  18 . Frame  19  may hold pulleys  10 A,  10 B to member  1  using slot  24  (or alternatively slots  116 ,  118 ). Bracket  15  and extension frames  17  may be made of any durable material such as metal or hard plastic. 
       FIG. 8  shows apparatus  100  in home or indoor mode. Support legs  22  may be inserted into cross braces  5  and bolted or fastened into place. The height allows extension arm  16  to rotate downward into container  23  so that water or fluid placed in container  23  will simulate rowing on watercraft  200 . Container  23  may have a lid to prevent water or fluid from splashing out. Support legs  22  may be made of any durable material such as metal or hard plastic. Container  23  also may be made of any durable material sufficient to retain fluid therein. Such material may include metal or plastic. Cross braces  5  may be configured as a single square-shaped extension protruding downward from bottom side  104  of support member  1  and contain a recess for placement of the upper end of a support leg  22  therein. Alternatively, cross braces  5  may be configured to have L-shaped extension arms that terminate at ends configured to receive the upper end of a support leg  22 . Alternatively, each support leg  22  may be made integral with respective cross-brace  5 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 9 , apparatus  100  may include one or more pontoon assemblies  300  as accessories when apparatus  100  is configured for use on watercraft  200 .  FIG. 9  shows apparatus  100  configured with two pontoon assemblies  300 , detachably affixed to support member  1  on each of its sides (i.e., left and right sides). It is to be understood that one pontoon assembly  300  could be detachably affixed to support member  1 . Pontoon assemblies  300  are designed to provide an additional stability, if necessary, when apparatus  100  is configured for adaptation to watercraft  200 . Pontoon assemblies  300  may include flotation module  302 ,  304  that may be permanently or detachably affixed to extension arm  306 ,  308  at one end. The other end of extension arms  306 ,  308  may be permanently or detachably affixed to cross brace  305 , which in turn may be detachably affixed within one of slots  114 ,  116 , or  118  of support member  1 . As for example, cross brace  305  may be detachably affixed within groove  114  of support member  1  and secured thereto by a fastening means, such as fastener  25 . 
     To operate apparatus  100 , the rower would configure apparatus  100  in either the indoor or outdoor configuration. If configured for use outdoors, the rower would connect watercraft  200  to support member  1  via cross braces  5  and straps  6  so that support member  1  is securely fixed to the upper side of watercraft  200  with front end  110  positioned at or near the front of watercraft  200  and with rear end  112  positioned at or near the rear of watercraft  200 . Support member  1  should be positioned on watercraft  200  such that paddle assemblies  30  extend outward from the rear of watercraft  200  and are positioned on or within the body of water at a predetermined level. The depth of paddle assemblies  13  in the water may be set by adjustment of bracket  16  and pivoting connection of adjustable bracket  15 . With the rower sitting on seat  2  as shown in  FIG. 3 , the rower is positioned closer to front end  110  of support member  1  with his or her knees bent and hands grasping handle  8 . The rower is in the start pull position. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the rower has extended his legs thereby pushing his or her torso and seat  2  in a backward direction towards rear end  112  of support member  1  as well as pulling his arms closer to his torso, which cause pull string  9  to be pulled thereby causing rotation of pulley assemblies  10 A,  10 B, and  11 A,  11 B to rotate shaft  30  producing rotation of paddles assemblies  13 . Rotation of paddle assemblies  13  will produce propulsion causing watercraft  200 , with rower aboard, to move in a forward direction. Once full pull of pull string  9  is achieved, the rower then slides forward back into the pull start position as shown in  FIG. 3 . The slack created in pull string  9  is taken up by operation of ratchet  12  and spring  14 . The rower can then engage in another rowing motion to move watercraft  200  forward by rotation of paddle assemblies  13  as discussed above. 
     After use in the outdoor mode, the rower may convert apparatus  100  for indoor use by removing watercraft  200  from support member  1  and attaching support legs  22  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The rower would also place paddle assemblies  13  within container  23  that holds water or other fluid in order to provide resistance during the rowing operation. In the indoor configuration, the rower undertakes the same rowing motion as discussed above. 
     The rower can vary the resistance of the rowing force necessary to rotate paddles  300  in a variety of ways. For example, the rower may change the length and width of the paddles comprising paddle assemblies  13  and use a short or narrow paddle, which will change stroke efficiencies. In the indoor mode, the rower can add less or more water or fluid to container  23  in order to also vary resistance. 
     While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims when accorded a full range of equivalence, many variations and modifications naturally occurring to those skilled in the art from a perusal hereof.