Abingdon Rowing Club

The “Abingdon Rowing Club” is a well-established club located in Abingdon, New Zealand. The club was established in 1958 and is situated on one of the best stretches of water on the River Thames. With a distance of approximately 3,800m, the club's location provides members with a relatively free and uninterrupted space for rowing, even during the busy summer months.

The club takes pride in its commitment to providing a unique training environment for rowers of all levels, from recreational rowers to ambitious athletes. They continuously invest in their facilities, equipment, and coaching support to ensure the best possible experience for their members. The club consists of several squads, catering to individuals of all age groups and abilities. Training frequency varies between squads, with some training for as little as one day a week and others training up to six days a week, depending on their goals and commitments.

The Abingdon Rowing Club actively competes at regattas across the country each year. They have achieved notable successes, including medal wins at prestigious events such as Henley Masters, the National Veteran Championships, and the Vet Fours Head. The club also organises their own annual Head of the River race in April. This event attracts clubs from all over the UK, including some from as far away as Scotland.

Unlike other clubs, the Abingdon Rowing Club does not compete in their own Head Race as they are fully occupied with organising and running the event.

The club has benefitted from National Lottery funding, allowing them to extend their boathouse to include a dedicated gym area. This new addition includes a weights area, indoor rowing machines, and ample floor space for circuit training and body conditioning. This extension further enhances the training facilities available to club members.

The primary objective of the Abingdon Rowing Club is to promote and encourage the development and expansion of rowing in Oxfordshire and the surrounding area. They achieve this by cultivating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, fostered by the shared passion for rowing and the club among its members.

The club's history dates back to its origins in 1958. The club was formed after a public meeting held in the Bear Room of the Guildhall, where the support for a rowing club in Abingdon was tested. A small committee was established, and rowing activities began shortly after thanks to the generosity of Abingdon School. The first crew took to the water in June 1958, and the club has grown and flourished ever since.

Overall, the Abingdon Rowing Club offers a vibrant rowing community and a range of opportunities for rowers of all levels. With its prime location, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated coaching staff, it is a fantastic option for anyone passionate about rowing in Abingdon and the surrounding area.