Types of Rowing

Rowing on water takes many forms and there is a type of rowing out there for you!

hero__image

Rowing is a varied sport with something for everyone. From fixed to sliding seat, river to ocean, and challenges to touring there is such a wide range, you are sure to find something that you will love. We also explain some of the equipment you’ll use for sliding-seat rowing, and the racing opportunities available around the country.

Types of rowing and racing

Classic Rowing

Classic or sliding seat rowing takes place on inland and coastal waters across the country and is what you see at the Olympics and the Boat Race

Junior Rowing

Rowing is a popular sport with children and young people aged 11+, both on the water and indoors

Masters Rowing

'Masters' is an age category. Rowers become Masters in the year of their 27th birthday

Recreational Rowing

Also known as social rowing and leisure rowing, recreational rowing is focused on fun and fitness rather than racing

Adaptive Rowing

Adaptive rowing is for people with impairments

Coastal Sculling

All about sculling's wilder cousin including clubs and racing

Fixed Seat Rowing

Fixed seat rowing takes place in traditional, wide boats with fixed seats that can be rowed on different bodies of water across the country


Find out more

Equipment

To help you get the most out of rowing, here's a run down on some the equipment you may be using

Rowing Events and Races

There are lots of different types of rowing events, from side-by-side racing over 2,000m as seen at the Olympic and Paralympic Games to head races, sprints, tours and challenges


 

More in this section

Classic Rowing

Classic or sliding seat rowing takes place on inland and coastal waters across the country and is what you see at the Olympics and the Boat Race

View Content

Coastal Sculling

All about sculling's wilder cousin including clubs and racing

View Content

Coastal Sculling Clubs and Venues

Want to give Coastal Sculling a go in your own time? These clubs and venues offer the opportunity to try Coastal Sculling

View Content

Stay up to date...

widget__hero__image
Get the latest rowing news, tips, event info and updates straight to your inbox.

Sign up now!

Love Rowing

British Rowing’s charitable foundation

widget__hero__image
Love Rowing supports projects to increase the accessibility of rowing. Donate today!

Find out more

Inside Indoor

Indoor rowing resources powered by British Rowing

widget__hero__image

Inside Indoor is packed full of indoor rowing technique videos, workouts, training plans, technical guidance and more – all designed by experts to help you make the most out of your sessions. Anything you might want to know about indoor rowing, you'll find it here!

Find out more