PARA ROWING

Rowing is for everyone

Para rowing provides people with physical, vision or intellectual impairments the opportunity to enjoy rowing in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Whether you want to be active, learn a new skill, meet new people or compete, there may be a rowing opportunity for you.

A number of rowing clubs across NSW offer para-rowing or can adapt their programs to support rowers with different needs.

Ready to get started?

Contact Rowing NSW at participation@rowingnsw.asn.au. We can answer your questions and connect you with a suitable club.

Getting started

You do not need previous rowing experience to get involved.

Your local club will work with you to understand:

• your goals and experience;
• any support or equipment you may need;
• the most appropriate way to get started; and
• whether you are interested in recreational rowing, competition or a performance pathway.

Some rowers use standard rowing equipment, while others may use adapted seats, strapping, stabilising pontoons or other equipment.

Para rowing classifications

Classification groups athletes according to how an eligible impairment affects their ability to row. It helps provide fair and meaningful competition.

The three principal para rowing sport classes are:

PR1

PR1 rowers primarily use their arms and shoulders to propel the boat and have limited use of their trunk and legs.

At Paralympic level, PR1 athletes compete in the Women’s Single Scull and Men’s Single Scull

PR2

PR2 rowers use their trunk and arms but have limited ability to use their legs during the rowing stroke. They generally row using a fixed seat.

At Paralympic level, PR2 athletes compete in the Mixed Double Scull.

PR3

PR3 rowers use their legs, trunk and arms and can generally use a sliding seat. This class includes athletes with eligible physical or vision impairments.

At Paralympic level, PR3 athletes compete in the Mixed Double Scull and  Mixed Coxed Four

Intellectual impairment (II)

Rowers with an eligible intellectual impairment can also participate in para rowing events and pathways.

Eligibility and event requirements may vary between state, national and international competition. Rowing Australia can provide advice about the applicable classification process and competition opportunities.

Learn more about para rowing classifications

Classification

A formal classification is not generally required to participate in club rowing or NSW regattas, including State Championships.

Athletes who wish to compete at national or international level may need to complete a formal classification with Rowing Australia.

Classification is conducted by trained medical and technical classifiers. The assessment considers how an athlete’s impairment affects movements relevant to rowing, including strength, coordination, balance and range of movement.

Only authorised classifiers can provide a formal para rowing classification.

For current eligibility requirements, classification policies and application information, visit the Rowing Australia website.

Visit Rowing Australia’s classification policy

Racing in NSW

Para rowing events are offered at a range of regattas in NSW, including club, school, grade and championship regattas.

Events may include single sculls, double sculls and other boat classes, depending on the regatta program and the entries received. Para rowers may also enter double scull events with a non-para athlete, subject to the conditions of the relevant regatta. This provides greater flexibility for clubs and helps create more opportunities for para rowers to participate in competition.

When entering a para single scull event, rowers may be asked to nominate:

• their para rowing classification; and
• the race distance they wish to compete over.

The available distances and crew requirements may differ between regattas. Rowers and clubs should check the relevant regatta information and entry requirements before entering.

For assistance with entering a regatta, contact Rowing NSW at events@rowingnsw.asn.au.

Information for clubs

Rowing NSW encourages every club to consider how it can welcome and support rowers with disability.

Clubs do not need to establish a large or specialised program immediately. A successful program can begin with one interested rower, a supportive coach and a willingness to make reasonable adjustments.

The Rowing NSW para rowing club guide provides practical information about:

• preparing your club;
• welcoming and communicating with participants;
• engaging coaches, volunteers and club members;
• identifying suitable equipment or adaptations;
• managing safety and individual needs; and
• building a sustainable para rowing program.

Download the Para Rowing Club Guide

Clubs seeking advice about starting or expanding a para rowing program can contact participation@rowingnsw.asn.au.

Performance Pathway

Rowing Australia provides development and high-performance opportunities for athletes with the potential to compete at national and international level.

The pathway can extend from club and state competition through to the Australian Rowing Championships, World Rowing Championships and Paralympic Games.

Athletes interested in exploring the performance pathway should contact the Rowing Australia Para-Rowing Head Coach.

Explore the Rowing Australia para rowing pathway

Start your rowing journey

Para rowing can help you become active, develop new skills, enjoy time on the water and become part of a supportive rowing community.

Whether your goal is recreation, fitness, friendship or competition, Rowing NSW can help you take the first step.

NSW Athlete Erik Horrie winning silver at the Rio Paralympics