You don't need water to improve your rowing.

There is nothing like a rowing shell to give you instant feedback on your technique and conditioning. But once the water thickens up, your opportunities narrow. Here's how to maintain progress without migrating south.

Indoor rowing machines, or ergometers, are excellent tools for building and reinforcing good rowing technique if you can't get on the water. Several manufacturers build good ones, and the electronic metrics on many give you an accurate idea both of your level of conditioning and the smoothness of your technique. Many health clubs include ergs in their equipment lineup, and the purchase prices are usually reasonable enough to have your own personal one. An added plus is the series of indoor rowing regattas where rowers can compete among themselves. The machines are linked electronically to project images of boat racing on an LED.

But beware. It is far easier to develop bad habits like rushing your slide, loosing your glide and shortening your stroke without the tactile feedback you get on the water. It helps to have a trained set of eyes on your erg technique, ever if they are in the mirror. Remember, muscle memory can be your friend or it can add to the list of challenges once spring comes.