NOHRD History - From WaterRower to a German Fitness Brand
OUR STORY
TWO BRANDS. A SHARED HISTORY.
Peter King, WaterRower | Dominik Kuprecht, NOHRD
Peter King, WaterRower | Dominik Kuprecht, NOHRD
WaterRower and NOHRD are two distinct fitness brands connected by a long-standing partnership and a shared appreciation for functional design, natural materials and enduring quality.
WaterRower began with the idea of recreating the experience of rowing on water, while NOHRD was later established in Germany to develop a broader range of premium cardio, strength and wellness equipment.
Together, the two brands offer complementary approaches to fitness while retaining their individual identities and product heritage.
WATERROWER
THE ORIGINAL
In 1988, John Duke, an engineer from Yale University and a candidate for the US National Rowing Team, invented the WaterRower.
His design followed two central ideas: to recreate the experience of rowing on water, including its sound, resistance and physiological benefits, and to create a piece of fitness equipment that could become a natural part of a living environment.
Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of Shaker furniture, wood became a defining material of the WaterRower. Over the decades, the concept has continued to combine realistic water resistance with distinctive design.
NOHRD
A GERMAN FITNESS BRAND
The NOHRD brand emerged in Germany in 2007 following the development of WaterWorkx, the first fitness product developed by WaterRower Germany.
The NOHRD fitness equipment range was introduced by Dominik Kuprecht and expanded from 2008 onwards.
NOHRD was created to extend the idea of beautifully designed, functional fitness equipment beyond rowing. Today, the brand encompasses cardio, strength and wellness equipment developed with a focus on performance, natural materials and timeless design.
Rather than following the conventional visual language of commercial gym equipment, NOHRD explores how high-performance fitness equipment can also become an integral part of sophisticated interiors.
NOHRD & WATERROWER
Two brands. A shared vision.
NOHRD and WaterRower remain distinct fitness brands with their own product identities and histories.
Their long-standing partnership brings together a shared commitment to design, quality, innovation and durable fitness equipment.
In 2023, the brands began a closer co-branding initiative under the joint presentation “WATERROWER | NOHRD”, while continuing to develop their respective product ranges independently.
Together, their complementary product portfolios cover rowing, cardio, strength and wellness training for homes, hospitality, wellness and professional fitness environments.
NOHRD & WATERROWER
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 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, Rhode Island, USA. Peter King becomes CEO of WaterRower.
2002
The First Employees
Dominik Kuprecht’s German sole proprietorship becomes a GmbH and hires its first employees. This marks the beginning of the development of a dealer distribution network in Europe.
2005
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 Is Created
Alongside the distribution of WaterRower, the development of WaterWorkx – the first fitness product developed in Germany – leads to the creation of the NOHRD brand.
NOHRD establishes a distinct identity for fitness equipment developed in Germany and forms the foundation for a growing portfolio of cardio, strength and wellness products.
In the same year, Peter King acquires 100% ownership of WaterRower UK and USA. The WaterRower and NOHRD organizations continue their close international cooperation, with existing distribution operations introducing the growing NOHRD range into additional markets.
2011
New Manufacturing Facility in Nordhorn
WaterRower GmbH constructs its first production and office facility in Nordhorn, covering 1,500 sqm. The facility expands to more than 9,000 sqm over the following years.
2011
New NOHRD Products
Products including WallBars, SwingBells and WaterGrinder are introduced, followed by the award-winning SlimBeam in 2013 and TriaTrainer in 2015.
2016
NOHRD Arena
The 400 sqm NOHRD Arena fitness studio opens at the company premises in Nordhorn.
2017
Expansion of the NOHRD Product Line
Additional products are introduced, including the NOHRD Bike in 2017 and the NOHRD Wall Compact in 2020.
2020
Expansion of Production Facilities
The production facilities in both the USA and Germany are expanded.
2021
New Logistics Center
A new 1,800 sqm logistics facility is built at the Nordhorn site.
2023
Closer Co-Branding
WaterRower and NOHRD begin a closer co-branding initiative under the joint presentation “WATERROWER | NOHRD”. The two remain distinct fitness brands and continue to develop their respective product ranges independently.
2023
Expanding the NOHRD Product Line
New products, including the NOHRD WeightPlates and NOHRD SquatRack, are launched.
2023
Dubai Sales Office
A sales office with showroom and warehouse is established in the Middle East.
2023
Nordhorn Sawmill
Planning and preparation begin for the company’s own sawmill at a second location in Nordhorn.