History of Rowing

Rowing as a competitive sport has deep historical roots, with its origins tracing back to professional watermen who worked on the rivers of the United Kingdom. The first recorded “modern” rowing races took place on the River Thames in London, where professional watermen, who provided ferry and taxi services, began racing one another. These competitions, known as wager races, often offered prizes sponsored by local guilds, livery companies, or wealthy patrons living along the riverside.

The oldest surviving rowing race is the prestigious Doggett’s Coat and Badge, first held in 1715. This historic event, still contested annually between London Bridge and Chelsea, marks one of the earliest and longest-running rowing traditions in the world. Throughout the 19th century, rowing races flourished across the United Kingdom, with major events drawing large crowds. Professional rowing matches, especially on rivers such as the Tyne, gained widespread popularity and established rowing as a celebrated spectator sport.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, competitive rowing in America had its own beginnings. The earliest known American rowing race took place in New York in 1756, where a pettiauger triumphed over a Cape Cod whaleboat in a historic match.

As rowing grew in popularity, it evolved from a practical means of transport into a highly competitive and organized sport. The 19th century witnessed the rise of amateur rowing clubs, university competitions, and international regattas, which laid the foundation for the modern sport we know today.