Rowing

With all watersports, it’s best to learn under the guidance of an experienced and qualified coach.

Coaches can make sure your introduction to the sport is fun and safe and - added bonus - signpost you to the best clubs and paddling routes in your area.

When rowing on the tidal Thames (also known as the tideway), all river users must follow the Tideway Code to keep themselves and others safe. Whilst some stretches of the tideway might not look busy at certain times, it is key to remember that it is a navigable port with a huge variety of activity, from stand-up paddleboarders to high speed boats and commercial ships. It is the busiest inland waterway in the UK.

What’s the tideway like for rowing?

Due to the large numbers of rowers in this area and the interaction of rowing with other recreational users, upriver of Putney there are special rules in place to make rowing safe.

Throughout the river traditional fixed seat rowing is also popular with the more traditional designs of their boat capable of dealing with the rougher conditions to be found in central London and further downriver.

Incidents involving rowing craft

Look after each other on the river. Let us know when you encounter an issue that affects safety or navigation.

British Rowing has established an online incident reporting system for all incidents involving rowers. The system is not limited to the rowing community and British Rowing welcomes other leisure users to use it to report incidents. The British Rowing online incident reporting system does not replace the requirement to complete a PLA Incident Report Form.

• British Rowing incident reporting
• PLA incident reporting