Rowing is as strenuous as you want to make it, but low impact. Rowing makes you stronger without sprained ankles, wrenched knees, tennis elbow, back spasms or testicular cancer. Rowing is pleasurable as a cruiser, without the pressure of racing. The people on the beaches and on other boats are entertaining. From the water, the views of different types of houses, buildings, and other boats are interesting. The wild life is surprising and memorable. There's room for everyone on the water. 50 MPH traffic does not pass inches away. One of my nephews was killed on a bicycle, as was one of my brothers-in-law.