Adaptive Rowing Classification

Rowers with a disability who want to race either indoor or on the water will need to go through British Rowing’s classification system.  

Rowers who want to race either indoors or on the water need to go through British Rowing’s classification process to get an adaptive or Para-rowing classification.

British Rowing adopts the International Rowing Federation (World Rowing) Para-Rowing system of classification which places rowers into sport classes according to how much their impairment impacts rowing.

This video from the British Paralympic Association explains the importance of classification to Para sport.

These internationally recognised classes for rowing are:

• PR3-PI (Physical Impairment)
• PR3-VI (Visual Impairment)
• PR2
• PR1

Rowers who have a disability but do not meet the Para-Rowing eligibility criteria may be eligible for an Adaptive Rowing Classification.  These classes are accepted at events that offer Adaptive Rowing Competition

• AR3-PI (Physical Impairment)
• AR3-LI (Learning Impairment)
• AR2
• AR1

A classified Para-rower can race in the corresponding Adaptive Rowing event, but an athlete with an Adaptive Rowing classification cannot race as a British Rowing classified Para-rower.

Click here for our full breakdown of adaptive rowing classifications

For information about our Indoor Adaptive Rowing classifications, head to our Indoor Adaptive Rowing page.

How to get a classification

First, register your interest and and get more information about classification by emailing us at [email protected].

Then, make sure you send all Medical Diagnostic Forms and supporting medical documentation to the British Rowing Head of Classification at least 30 days before the classification date (see below) at [email protected]

For any enquiries related to classification, please contact Simon Goodey (Head of Classification) on [email protected]

Classification dates

Date	Venue	Location Details
Saturday, 3 May 2025	Royal Docks Watersports Centre	Location
Monday, 21 July 2025	National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham	Location
Sunday, 24 August 2025	National Training Centre Caversham, Reading
Sunday, 19 October 2025	Royal Docks Watersports Centre	Location
Saturday, 6 December 2025	British Rowing Indoor Championships at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham	Find out more