First Degree Fitness VIKING 2 V User manual

VIKING 2 V
Featuring Patented Adjustable
Fluid Resistance Technology
USER GUIDE

2

3
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Rower.
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS is proud to present the Rower as a home use product
featuring patented Adjustable Fluid Resistance.
Our solid wood frames incorporate only the highest quality American Ash which is
collected using the latest technology in sustainable harvesting from renewable
plantations.
Note that slight variations of colour are normal and part of Mother nature’s artistry.
The wood grain patterns and subtle hues of each Rower makes every unit highly
individual and designed to compliment any environment.
Follow all instructions carefully for correct assembly, tank filling, water treatment,
service and safety.
Access to our world-wide distributor and service network is available at
www.firstdegreefitness.com
Check contents of Box 1 and 2 to assure all parts are present and correct prior to
assembly.
Training With The Rower
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning
your Rower exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position and basic
rowing techniques.
3. For more detailed rowing techniques, please refer to our international website
at www.firstdegreefitness.com
1. Keep hands and fingers away from moving parts, as indicated in this manual.
2. The Rower can stand vertically for storage. Make sure a secure location is
chosen, such as the corner of a room or against a wall on an even, secure
surface.
Note: If the storage area is not level, an additional fixture is required (sold separately)
to keep the Rower stable with vertical storage position.
CAUTION

4
Safety ...................................................................................5
Assembly ...............................................................................7
Rower Box 1 & 2 Contents .......................................................8
Assembly Instructions .............................................................9
Operation Instructions ................................................................ 13
Bluetooth Auto-Adjust Monitor ................................................... 17
Detaching the Rower Belt ........................................................... 18
Reattaching the Rower Belt ........................................................ 19
Maintenance ............................................................................... 20
Troubleshooting ........................................................................... 21
Optional Fixture Installation ........................................................ 22
International Warranty ...........................................................23
Contents

5
Safety
Safety Information
• Before using this product, it is essential to read this ENTIRE operation manual and
ALL instructions. The Rower is intended for use solely in the manner described in this
manual.
• UNDERSTANDING EACH AND EVERY WARNING TO THE FULLEST IS IMPORTANT
• As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning your
Rower exercise program.
• Please be aware that any fitness regime, before being undertaken, is best preceded by
a physical checkup from a certified physician.
• Injuries to health may result from incorrect or excessive training.
• WARNING Heart rate monitoring systems may be inaccurate. Over exercise may
result in serious injury or death. If you feel faint, stop exercising immediately.
• Stop the machine immediately if any signs of excessive wearing is present on the
belts, pulleys and bungee cords. Do not use unit until said parts are repaired or
replaced.
• Do not allow children unattended access to the machine.
• The Rower can stand vertically for storage. When doing so, please follow the
instructions given in the manual.
• Please keep hands away from moving parts, as indicated by the warning label on the
mainframe of your machine.
• If any of the adjustment devices are left projecting, they could interfere with the
user’s movement.
• Do not store in freezing conditions with water in the tank as it can expand and crack
the components.
Installation
• Place on a stable, flat surface in a horizontal position during use for maximum
stability.
• Check all belts, pulleys and bungee cords regularly for signs of wear, and replace if
needed.
• Check regularly and follow all instructions for maintenance as specified in this manual.
• Replace immediately any defective parts and do not operate unit until all repairs are
complete.

6
Safety
Proper Usage
• Do not use any equipment in any way other than designed or intended by the
manufacturer. It is imperative that FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment is used
properly to avoid injury.
• Injuries may result if exercising improperly or excessively. It is recommended that all
individuals consult a physician prior to commencing an exercise program. If at any time
during exercise you feel faint, dizzy or experience pain, STOP EXERCISING and consult
your physician.
• Keep body parts (hands, feet, hair, etc.), clothing and jewelry away from moving parts
to avoid injury.
• Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position and basic rowing
techniques.
• For more detailed rowing techniques, please refer to our International website
www.firstdegreefitness.com
Inspection
• DO NOT use or permit use of any equipment that is damaged and/or has worn or broken
parts. For all FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment use only replacement parts supplied by
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS.
• Cables and belts pose an extreme liability if used when frayed. Always replace any cable
or belt at first sign of wear (consult FIRST DEGREE FITNESS if uncertain).
• EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - Preventative maintenance is the key to smooth operating
equipment as well as to keep your liability to a minimum. Equipment needs to be
inspected at regular intervals.
• Ensure that any person(s) making adjustments or performing maintenance or repair of
any kind is qualified to do so.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE OR REPAIR ANY ACCESSORY APPROVED FOR USE WITH THE
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS EQUIPMENT WHICH APPEARS TO BE DAMAGED OR WORN.
• Check all belts, pulleys and bungee cords regularly for signs of wear, and replace if needed.
• Check regularly and follow all instructions for maintenance as specified in this manual.
• Replace immediately any defective parts and do not operate unit until all repairs are
complete.
Operating Warnings
• Keep children away from the equipment. Parents or others supervising children must
provide close supervision of children if the equipment is used in the presence of children.
• Do not allow users to wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry while using equipment. It is
also recommended to have users secure long hair back and up to avoid contact with
moving parts.
• All bystanders must stay clear of all users, moving parts and attached accessories and
components while machine is in operation.
•
WARNING Do not insert fingers into tank!
• CAUTION After rowing exercise, please allow the unit to sit for 5 minutes before
standing it up for storage.
• CAUTION Do not fill past the calibration mark as indicated on the tank level sticker
or water spillage can occur.
• WARNING Never operate this rower without feet properly secured in Footstraps,
or without the sliding portion of the Slider Footplate locked into position!

7
Assembly
Live area and Training area
Note: Rower is not suitable for therapeutic purposes.
The live area shall be not less than 60cm (23.62”) greater than the training area in the directions from
which the equipment is accessed. The live area must also include the area for emergency dismount.
Product Highlights
Durable belt drive
with active re-
coil system Ergonomic handle design
Seat FrameSecure heel capture
Transport Wheels
Product Specifications
Product Class: HC
Braking System: Speed Independent
Product Net Weight: 32.7kg (72.09lbs)
Product Gross Weight: 38.2kg (84.22lbs)
Minimum Safe Operating Surface Area: 333cm (131.09”) x 172cm (67.71”)
Dimensions: 2135mm (84.06”) Length x 520mm (20.47”) Width x 580mm (22.83”) Height
Maximum User Weight: 150kg (330lbs)
Compact Footprint: 2135mm x 550mm or upright 550mm x 540mm
Patented twin tank design

8
Rower Box 1 & 2 Contents
Box 2 Contents
Box 1 Contents
Item Qty. Description Item Qty. Description
1 1 Mainframe 13 4 M6x15mm Bolt
2 2 Left / Right Side Rail 14 8 M8x45mm Bolt
3 1 Footboard 15 2 M6x65mm Bolt
4 1 Rower Seat 16 1 5mm Allen Key
5 1 Rear Brace 17 1 6mm Allen Key
6 2 Footplate 18 1 13mm Spanner
7 1 Bungee Hook Mount 19 1 D Cell Duracell Battery
8 2 Transport Wheel Assembly 20 4 Water Treatment Tablet
9 1 Rower Handle Bar Catch 21 1 Siphon
10 16 M8 Washer 22 1 User Guide
11 8 Standard Nut Optional Equipment (Not Included)
12 8 M8 Nylock Nut 23 1 Optional Stand (not included)

9
Assembly Instructions
STEP 1 Rear Brace Assembly and Left/Right Side Rails
a) Start with the Rear Brace and on the underside you will
find a Pre-installed bolt.From the hardware kit, take
the Bungee Hook Mount and install it onto the Rear
Brace as shown. Note the orientation of the Brace and
hook must be correct in order to hold the end of the
Bungee Shock Cord as depicted by the arrow in the
illustration, which points toward the front of rower.
2
b) Next, connect the Side Rail Left and Side Rail Right[2]
using 4x M6x15mm Bolts[10] and Rear Brace[5].
DO NOT TIGHTEN.
Tip: Bumpstops facing inside of rail for correct assembly
orientation.
c) Once the Rear Brace and Side Rails are assembled,
mount the Transport Wheel Assembly[8] onto the
Left/Right Side Rails[2].
Note: One washer on outside and one washer on the
inside of the side rail.
REQUIRED
Side Rail Left / Right [2]
Rear Brace [5]
Bungee Hook Mount [7]
Transport Wheel Assembly [8]
4x M6x15mm Bolts [10]
WARNING
Rotate Rear Brace to correct
orientation before assembly
onto Side Rails
WARNING
Note Transport wheels must
be mounted on the outside of
Side Rails As shown on the
right.
Do not over tighten the
Transport Wheel Axle as it
may inhibit Transport Wheel
rotation.
Side Rail Right
Side Rail Left Rear Brace
M6x15mm Bolts
Bumpstop
M8 x 60mm Bolt
Transport Wheel
M8 Washer
M8 Washer
Transport Wheel Assembly
M8 Nylock Nut
Towards Front of Rower
Rear Brace (Underside)
Bungee Hook Mount
Pre-installed Bolt

10
Assembly Instructions
STEP 2 Mounting Rower Seat and Upper Mainframe
REQUIRED
Left/Right Side Rails [2]
Rower Seat [4]
To install the rower seat, spread the Left/Right Side Rails[2]
slightly and drop the Rower Seat[4] into the track.
Note Seat indentation must face rearward.
Seat Indentation
Left/Right Side Rails
Rower Seat
2
REQUIRED
Mainframe [1]
8x M8 Washers [10]
4x M8 Standard Nuts [11]
4x Nyloc Nuts [12]
4x M8x45mm Bolts [14]
STEP 3
Next, install the Mainframe[1] onto the Side Rail Assembly
as shown. You will need 4x M8x45mm Bolts[14], 8x M8
Washers[10], 4x M8 Standard Nuts[11] and 4x M8
Nyloc Nuts[12].
Secure but DO NOT TIGHTEN. You will find that the lower
bracket bolts can be difficult to access. You can tighten
these bolts completely with the rower standing in the
Vertical position easily once the footboard has been
mounted, so for the moment, simply align and loosely thread
lower bolts/nuts.
Bolt Assembly Close Up
M8 Standard Nut
M8x45mm Bolt
M8 Washer
M8 Nyloc Nut
CAUTION
Nyloc nuts must be outside
the standard nut and washer
to properly secure assembly.
Note: Clean wheels and
tracks weekly with a soft dry
cloth in order to decrease
the rate of wear on both
wheels and track.
Nyloc
Nuts
Nyloc Nuts must be
outside the standard nut
and washer to properly
secure assembly.
Nyloc
Nuts

11
Assembly Instructions
STEP 4 Attaching Footboard o Mainframe
REQUIRED
Footboard [3]
Footplate [6]
Rower Handle Bar Catch [9]
8x M8 Washers [10]
4 x M8 Standard Nuts [11]
4 x M8 Nyloc Nuts [12]
4 x M8x45mm Bolts [14]
2 x M6x65mm Bolts [15]
a) First, undo the Rower Handle and move forward. Then,
install the Footboard[3] onto the Mainframe using the
Rower Handle Bar Catch[9], 2x M6x65mm Bolts[15]
for the top of the Footboard, and 4x M8x45mm Bolts[14],
8x M8 Washers[10] , 4x M8 Standard Nuts[11], 4x M8
Nyloc Nuts[12] for the Lower Footboard to side rail
assembly. Tighten all assembly bolts once Footboard has
been installed. Note the lower bolts are much easier to
tighten with the rower standing in the vertical position.
Lift slightly
Handle Bar Catch
M6x65mm Bolts
b) Next, install Footplate[6] onto the Footboard[3] by sliding
under the footplate frames.
Tip: When inserting footplates, lift the front of the footplate
slightly.
Bolt Assembly Close Up
M8 Standard Nut
M8x45mm Bolt
M8 Washer
M8 Nyloc Nut

12
Assembly Instructions
Tighten Frame
Bolts securely
once rower is
standing. Cut Bungee Tie wrap only after Bungee hook is
properly connected to Rear Brace.
Once the Bungee Cord is attached to the Rear
Brace, tighten the bolts holding the Footboard,
the Mainframe to Side Rail Bolts as they are
easier to access from the vertical position.
Lower the Rower back to the Horizontal position
and test for proper bungee recoil.
Check Seat Rollers/Runners for dirt or debris
before sitting on the rower seat. Small objects
captured between the seat rollers and runners
can damage the wheels or running surface.
Check runners for debris prior to each use and
clean regularly.
Note: The Rower Frame Bolts require periodic
checking for tightness. Do this at the end of
the first month of use and again after every
12 months
Choose a suitable location when standing the
product for storage.
The Rower frame can be polished with any high
grade furniture polish to further highlight the
rich luster of the wood finish.
Install supplied 2x AA Duracell battery and
check computer function. Details regarding
can be found in the Computer section of this
manual.
Choose a flat, level surface on which to use your
Rower, to avoid rocking and potential premature
wear.
Pull Bungee Cord and Hook Bungee End onto
the Bungee Hook Mount[7] as shown.
Do not cut Bungee
tie wrap before
Bungee cord is
attached to rear
of rower as shown
here.
STEP 5 Attach Bungee Cord And Tighten Frame

13
INITIAL WATER TREATMENT
Add 1 x Water Treatment Tablet per full tank. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, USE A WATER
TREATMENT TABLET OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED WITH YOUR UNIT. Your unit purchase includes 4 x
Water Treatment Tablets, which is sufficient for several years of use. To purchase additional Water
Treatment Tablets, please consult your nearest regional dealer/distributor or check our website at
www.firstdegreefitness.com
The Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank, developed and patented by FIRST DEGREE FITNESS. offers a true
multi-level experience. Water is moved between the "storage" and "active" chambers of the AR Tank. Your
new Rowing Ergometer can adapt - at the turn of a dial - to the resistance preferred by each user.
Getting Started
To achieve minimum resistance, select "MIN" on the tank adjuster. It takes 10 strokes to fill the central
(storage) tank, leaving a minimal amount of water in the outer (active) tank. This process is always
required if minimum resistance is desired. Row hard at a steady pace (20 to 25 strokes per minute [SPM])
and put some effort into the stroke, ensuring that good form is maintained. You can make adjustments to
the resistance level while you row. Your AR Tank will adapt almost instantly to increases in resistance but will
take up to 10 strokes to reduce the effort required, as the central (storage) tank fills up.
Developing Your Routine
Once you have found a level that gives you the exercise required, changes can be made to SPM and to stroke
intensity to further vary your energy input. Interval training is used by most Rowers, where a period of low
intensity is combined with short intervals of high intensity. Your FDF Rowing Ergometer allows for changes
'on the fly', to achieve multi-level resistance profiles during a single workout. For more information on
exercise routines, please visit our website at www.firstdegreefitness.com
Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank
Operation Instructions
WARNING
Do not overfill the tank
beyond the maximum
indicated level of 17
liters. Refer to the
tank level decal on the
lower side of the tank.
REQUIRED
Siphon [21]
CAUTION
Resistance adjuster
must be set to LEVEL 5
to allow for accurate
filling capacity.
Tank Filling and Water Treatment Procedures
a) Remove rubber fill plug from the top of the tank.
b) Place a large bucket of water next to the rower. Position the Siphon[21]
with rigid hose in the bucket, and flexible hose in the tank.
Note: Make sure small breather valve on siphon is closed before filling.
c) Squeeze siphon to begin filling. Important: Do not overfill tank
d) When full, open the valve on the top of the siphon to allow excess water to
escape.
e) Once filling is completed follow the water treatment schedule below, then
replace the tank plug.
CAUTION
In areas where tap
water quality is
known to be poor, FDF
recommends the use of
distilled water. LEVEL 1: This setting keeps a portion of the water in reserve creating light
resistance
LEVEL 5 : This setting allows the maximum amount of water to reach the
flywheel for heaviest resistance
Siphon
Tank Plug

14
Removing/Changing Tank Water
a) Set Adjuster Knob to “1”
b) Row at least ten strokes to fill the storage reservoir as
completely as possible.
c) Remove Tank Plug.
d) Insert rigid end of siphon into the tank, and flexible hose
into a large bucket.
e) Drain tank (approx. 40% of water will remain) and then
refill following directions for Tank filling as described in
the Tank Filling section of this manual.
Note:
◎The valve on top of the siphon must be closed to allow proper drainage.
◎Water treatment will preclude the need to change tank water if the
treatment schedule is maintained. Additional Water Treatment
Tablet is required only when discoloration appears in the water.
◎Exposure to full sunlight reduces the life of the Water Treatment
Tablets. Storing the rower away from direct sunlight will extend the
time between water treatments.
◎Approximately 40% of tank water will remain. It is not possible to
completely drain the A/R tank without disassembly.
Do not use any water treatment other than the tablets supplied with this unit.
For replacement tablets, contact your local First Degree Fitness distributor.
Water treatment schedules for the FLUID ROWER will vary according to the fluid
tanks exposure to sunlight, but expect 8-12 months near a bright, sunlit window
and 2 years or more for a darker location. At the point of finding the water slightly
cloudy, add a Water Treatment Tablet.
Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation
CAUTION
It is strongly recommended that a drop cloth be used under the fluid tank whenever the tank plug
is opened for water treatment.
Operation Instructions
Siphon
Tank Plug

15
Operation Instructions
1. Sit with straight legs and back, leaning forward slightly at the hips with arms out
straight and hands level with the lower ribs. Swing back.
2. Legs and back straight, leaning slightly forward from the hips, arms out in front.
Lean and slide forward.
Note: Hands should now be around your knees, keeping legs straight.
3. Legs come forward, aiming to get the shins vertical. Back is still straight, and
posture leaning slightly forward with arms still out front. Now drive hard, this is
the CATCH.
4. Knees partially straightened so seat is now at mid-point of travel, back and arms
still straight. Maintain the stroke.
5. Knees are nearly straight, back is still straight but now leaning slightly back from
the hips. Arms straight. Now squeeze through.
6. Legs now fully extended. Back straight and leaning slightly back, now pull with the
arms so they are close to the chest, forearms horizontal and elbows close in to
the rib cage. This is the FINISH.
For more information on correct rowing technique and workout tips visit our website
www.firstdegreefitness.com/indoor-rowing-technique
Start Rowing
There are six phases to completing a rowing stroke
CAUTION Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Stop immediately if you feel faint or dizzy.

16
Operation Instructions
Adjust Footplates
The Footplate Slider accommodates most foot sizes, and is designed to keep your feet
securely in place as you row. The feet should be positioned so that the foot strap covers
the section of the foot naturally bend as row. (e.g. The board of the foot)
TO ADJUST:
Lift the top of the footplate from the mounting pegs and slide vertically between 1-6 to
suit your foot length. Secure by hooking the footplate back onto the mounting pegs
and pushing down firmly to lock it into position. Place feet on the foot plates and
tighten the foot straps to ensure your feet sit firmly against the heel captures.
Note: The heel capture should bend to allow your foot to pivot naturally as you row.
Mounting Pegs
Foot strap
Footplate Slider
WARNING: Never operate this Rower without feet properly secured in Foot straps,
or without the sliding portion of the Footplate Slider locked into position!

17
Bluetooth Auto-Adjust Monitor
WARNING:
Heart rate monitoring systems may be inaccurate, Over exercising
may result in serious injury or death. If you feel faint stop exercising
immediately!
NOTE: Heart Rate Receiver Kit and Chest Strap is sold separately.
CAL HOUR: Calories burned per hour at the current Watts. Shows total calories burned when exercise
is stopped.
PULSE: Updated every two seconds. Compatible with Polar Heart Rate Receiver and Transmitter
Chest Strap.
SPM: Strokes per minute updated each stroke.
WATT: Unit of power updated per rowing stroke.
PAGE: Press RESET to change display. Power
curve or cumulative power graph
LEVEL: Auto-level adjust to the Adjuster Knob
on the tank .
WATT: Measures peak power in watts, calculating the strength and acceleration provided to accurately
measure a user’s power. nit of power updated per rowing stroke.
TRAINING DATA: Data gathered from each workout is displayed in a power curve and cumulative power
graph, enabling real-time comparisons for effective progressive training.
AUTO ADJUST LEVEL: Built in potentiometer automatically adjusts the computer’s resistance level
according to the position of the Adjuster Knob on the tank .
BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Each Rower is fitted with the most advanced console technology, enabling
Bluetooth connectivity with any compatible smart device. Designed to integrate with rowing and fitness
apps, the console will assist with effective training progression, capturing and comparing data for the
competitive individual. (Including FDF Rowing APP available via FDF Website)
DISTANCE: Updated every second.
Auto Start: Commence exercise to activate.
Reset all values: Press and hold RESET button for 3 seconds.
Auto Power Down: Over 5 minutes. All values revert to zero after restart.
500M TIME: Time to row 500 meters.

18
Detaching the Rower Belt
1. To detach belt, simply pull beyond the range of the
normal rowing stroke until the belt detaches from
the belt bungee pulley.
Tip: You’ll hear the Velcro separating just before the
belt detaches.
2. Unhook the Bungee Shock Cord from the Rear Brace.
Then, push out the Inner Clip from the Bungee Hook.
Pull the Bungee through the Inner Clip until free. This
will allow for the Bungee Shock Cord to be threaded
completely out of the Main Frame and up to the Belt
Bungee Pulley where it will be re-attached once the
Rower Belt is in the proper position.
1.
2.
Bungee Hook
Inner Clip

19
Reattaching the Rower Belt
STEP 1
STEP 2
Velcro Facing Upward Begin reattaching the Rower Belt by threading
around the Rower Belt Pulley with the Velcro side
facing upward as illustrated.
Idle Wheel
Next, thread the Belt around the Idle Wheel as
shown. Once around the Idle Wheel, attach the
Rower Belt to the Belt/Bungee Pulley. There is
an obvious “lip” at the attachment point.
Rower Handle
Belt/Bungee Pulley
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
Wind the Rower Belt onto the Belt/Bungee Pulley
until the Rower Handle is as it’s furthest forward
position.
Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee Pulley
Rethread the Bungee Shock Cord (on opposite
side of the Idle Wheel) back through the Bungee
Pulleys and tie off at the Attachment Point.
Recoil tension will decrease over time as the Bungee Shock
Cord stretches. To increase recoil tension, simply push the
Inner Clip out of the Bungee Hook from behind, pull the required
amount of bungee through the Inner Clip and replace the Inner
Clip into the Bungee Hook as shown below.
Hint: Before reattaching the Inner Clip/
Bungee Hook, tie a slip knot under slight
tension at the lower bungee pulley. This
will keep the bungee under tension while
reassembling the Bungee Hook.
Bungee Hook
Inner Clip

20
Maintenance
Item Time Frame Instructions Notes
Seat and Seat
Rails Weekly Wipe down Seat Rails and Seat wheels with lint free cloth.
Frame Weekly Wipe down Frame with lint free cloth.
Tank and Water
Treatment
12 months to 2
years
Follow instructions as specified in the
“Water Treatment Procedure” section
of this manual.
Bungee Cord
Check every
hundred hours for
correct tension
and for signs of
wear.
The Bungee Cord should last for
many years. If a Bungee Cord change
is required, please contact your local
service representative or go online at
www.firstdegreefitness.com
for further details.
Rowing Belt
Check every
hundred hours for
correct tension
and for signs of
wear.
The Rowing Belt should provide
many years of trouble free use.
If a Rowing Belt change is required,
please contact your local service
representative or go online at
www.firstdegreefitness.com for
further details.
All preventive maintenance activities must be performed on a regular basis. Performing
routine preventive maintenance actions can aid in providing safe, trouble-free operation
of all FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment.
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS is not responsible for performing regular inspection and
maintenance actions for your machines. Instruct all personnel in equipment inspection
and maintenance actions and also in accident reporting and recording.