Rowing participation on the up ahead of London 2012

The latest figures from Sport England’s Active People Survey reveal that 48,300 people now row on the water at least once per week in the UK, an increase of more than 10,000 compared to April 2011.

Today’s survey results also show that Indoor Rowing is back on the rise after a recent dip, with 44,200 people taking part each week in April 2012 compared to 39,800 in January.

The significant and sustainable increase in weekly water rowers, combined with the recovery of indoor rowing participation, means that British Rowing has exceeded its Sport England target for April 2012 (84,500).

“We are delighted to have exceeded our participation target,” said British Rowing National Manager Rosemary Napp.  “Today’s figures are a credit to our volunteers, members, and clubs who continue to work immensely hard for the good of our sport.

“2012 has already seen British Rowing membership hit record highs, and I am confident that we will continue to build on our success going into the new Whole Sport Plan (2013-2017).”

The Active People Survey results follow the ongoing success of British Rowing’s participation legacy programme Explore Rowing, which was launched in 2009 to help clubs across the UK support new and more flexible forms of rowing.

The programme has since supplied wider, more stable rowing boats 45 rowing clubs and watersport centres, and there are now more than 80 Explore Rowing accredited clubs offering fun and friendly Learn to Row courses for newcomers to the sport.

“Explore Rowing offers informal rowing of all kinds, to young and old, male and female, regardless of ability,” Rosemary added. “It is a resounding success, confirmed by these excellent Active People Survey figures.

“Clubs and rowing centres up and down Great Britain are ready to introduce lots of new rowers to our sport, inspired by London 2012. We look forward to welcoming them to our sport.”

Sport England’s Active People Survey results can be found at www.sportengland.org/research/active_people_survey/active_people_survey_6.aspx.