Abstract: A rowing apparatus having: a frame; a seat slidably mounted on said frame; an outrigger for receiving oars; at least one drive mechanism coupled to said outrigger to translate a force applied to said oars to a flywheel having resistance means for providing variable resistance; said rowing apparatus having a one way clutch for unidirectional rotary drive of said flywheel, and allowing for operation in a sweeping mode or a sculling mode; and whereby the opposing motions of said oars are combined into a single motion to drive said flywheel.