An early morning mist rolls across a deserted horizon as you scull away, the only sound the soft sizzle of water underneath as the shell glides across a pristine surface. The smell of spring fills your nose as each stroke seems more effortless than the last, the warmth of the rising sun warms your back and you lose yourself in this bubble of perfection. But then, out of nowhere, this heavenly bliss is interrupted as you find yourself asking: Where is the best place to row?
Here at JRN HQ, we’ve spent many years pondering just that question, and with the help of some of the sport’s most iconic athletes and coaches, we’ve compiled our top ten rowing destinations. So don your favourite all-in-one, grab your passport and prepare to tour the world from the comfort of your sofa.
#10 – Eton Dorney, UK
The most visually striking? No. The best weather? No. Memories that define a generation? Yes.
London 2012 saw British Rowing reach new heights as they spread their wings and became a superpower on the world stage. Kicking off the action Glover and Stanning took gold on the 1st August in the Women’s Pair, the first time British women won gold in rowing.
After that, the medals just rolled in. Following their teammate’s successes, the Men’s Four cemented British dominance as they left Australia with a silver, whilst both the lightweight and open-weight Women’s Double Sculls crews took gold on home water. Britain topped the medal tables for rowing in 2012 with a total of nine top-three finishes – more than the next two nation’s medals combined.
As we said, Dorney isn’t the picture of beauty that some of the destinations in this list are, but for the thousands who have savoured their time on the course, whether at the Olympics or National Schools’, this uniquely British venue will always hold a place in their hearts. And besides, we all agree it’s better than Nottingham…
#9 – Tokyo Bay, Japan
For sheer 21st Century industrial looks, we’re yet to see anything more stunning than Tokyo Bay.
Being the only saltwater FISA Olympic Class venue means Tokyo Bay already has our attention, combine that with the dramatic sweeping beauty as dark ocean waters collide with clean industrious steel and concrete and you have something nowhere else can offer. Separated from the rest of the bay by dams at both ends, the course stretches out over 2.3km at a constant depth of 6 metres – a perfect layout designed for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Sea Forest Waterway had its first taste of international fame at the 2019 Junior World Championships, a year before it was officially inaugurated by the Tokyo Government. Despite its semi-incomplete status at the time, spectators and rowers alike soon fell in love with this unique course.
#8 – Queen Adelaide Strait, UK
Just in case you’re getting bored with World Rowing’s playgrounds, here’s a lesser-known stretch of water that belongs to those who love – and hate – it.
Rowing’s best-kept secret, the Great River Ouse bestows upon the handful of clubs that use its water, the gift of 30 miles of uninterrupted training grounds – including Queen Adelaide Strait – which allows for unparalleled long-distance UT2 work.
For the athletes familiar with this sleepy world, the Ouse presents both a challenge and an opportunity. At the height of summer prepare to cut glass for miles, perhaps only encountering a barge chugging along, but come winter brace for blizzards, boat-munching waves and howling winds.
To hear more about this secluded waterway, catch up on this episode of our podcast with Callum Sullivan and Freddie Davidson.
#7 – Boston, USA
If you want big rowing then head on over to Massachusetts – they know how to supersize.
Head of the Charles is the world’s biggest rowing event – head or regatta – and has been providing competitors with the races of their lives since 1965. Modelled on the Head of the River races in the UK, Head of the Charles attracts competitors from across the globe with a diverse range of athletes, from relative novices to Olympic Champions.
As a result, the Charles River, set amongst the autumnal colours of the approaching winter has become a popular destination for rowers both during the racing and otherwise.
#6 – Brive-la-Gaillarde, France
Welcome to a little slice of French paradise.
Home to the 2009 Junior World Championships, Brive-la-Gaillarde is nestled in the heart of the French countryside, an unspoilt spot of natural beauty. Rowers from across the globe can be found here throughout the year, but perhaps its most famous visitors are the Schools that travel here for their Easter Training camps; Royal Shrewsbury School and Norwich School to name just a couple.
Brive-la-Gaillarde is also a favourite destination for Irish record-setter Nathan O’Reilly. You can hear his thoughts on the best places to row as well as his experiences during lockdown here.
#5 – Lake Bled, Slovenia
Name a more beautiful lake. We’ll wait.
It comes as no surprise that 18% of Slovenia’s GDP comes from tourism, with epic vistas like this, who wouldn’t hop on a plane for a glimpse of nature’s best eye candy?
Lake Bled has played host to World Rowing competitions for many years, and it’s easy to see why: Stunning views, perfect water, and a fairy-tale style castle make this every bit the dream regatta stage. Athletes often comment on the magical experiences that Bled provides, creating some of their most memorable experiences – both on and off the water.
#4 – Rio, Brazil
Bright, loud, bold. Rio has it all.
Under the shadow of Christ The Redeemer, the 2016 Olympic Course was plagued with problems from day one. Huge waves rolling across the course, buoys with minds of their own and a rare Olympic capsize may have played havoc with official’s racing schedules, but these same issues gave spectators a unique viewing experience.
The British topped the medal table once again with golds in the Men’s Four, Eight and Women’s pair along with a stunning Silver in the Women’s Eight and Double Scull. Perhaps the best race, however, was the Men’s Single Scull final: Drysdale vs. Martin. Fans were left in stunned silence as the pair crossed the line with identical times, only for a photo-finish to reveal Drysdale’s narrow victory.
#3 – Lucerne, Switzerland
Perhaps the most iconic World Rowing course, Lucerne never disappoints.
Once called the “regatta of death” Lucerne has been at the centre of World Rowing drama for years. Nestled in the foothills of the Swiss Alps the course runs alongside a spectator train giving visitors the option to follow the action stroke-by-stroke.
Switzerland may be famous pocket-knives and chocolate but there’s nothing quite as sweet around here as Rotsee lake, the perfect stage for world-class battles. If you want to find out how the voice of World Rowing Peter O’Hanlon manages to get paid to travel here, check out this episode of The End of The Island.
#2 – Tideway, UK
Flowing through the heart of the capital, this ancient river is rich with local history and rowing legends.
Home to the some of the best Head racing in the country, the Tideway – or more formally the River Thames – has seen its fair share of race excitement in recent years. From unexploded World War Two bombs to a Boat Race sinking and protests from disgruntled individuals, this stretch of river may well be the most exciting place to race.
In moments conditions can change, but the camaraderie and sportsmanship found on the Tideway manages to overcome the power of nature even in the most extreme of circumstances – unless, of course, SHORR is cancelled.
To hear stories of racing drama from this stretch of river, check out this episode of The End of The Island.
#1 – Henley-on-Thames, UK
If you’ve never visited Henley Royal Regatta then please do so. Please.
Quintessentially British class, world-class racing, and a picturesque location – what more could a Regatta need?
Henley has been at the heart of British Rowing since the first Royal Regatta here in 1839, and since then Henley has only grown. Today this strip of water sees thousands of competitors each year across Henley Royal Regatta, Henley Women’s Regatta and the Henley Open Events earlier in the year. Athletes travel from across the globe to row down this hallowed course at the height of summer as champagne and Pimms flow in Stewards’ and the rowing elite discuss the intricacies of races from years past. There’s a reason we named our podcast after this course.
Hungry for more? Check out our other Covid-19 Features here, or catch the latest episode of our podcast here.
You can keep up with the latest content from across our team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Stay Safe.
Ed Evans
Opinions Editor
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