Paralympic Rowing: Then and now

In 1975, Adaptive Rowing programmes began in a number of countries, including Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States.

An exhibition event in Adaptive Rowing was included at the World Rowing Championships in Tampere, Finland 1993.

There was then a gap in competition before being introduced to the World Championships in Seville, Spain in 2002.

How to play – and win

There are currently four classes, which involve a coxed four, a double scull, and two single sculling events.

The coxed four and double scull are mixed gender events, while the single events are separate competitions for men and women.

All races are held over a 1,000-metre course. Each national federation is only allowed to enter one boat.

Rowing at the Games

Paralympic Rowing is the youngest sport in the Paralympic Games, making its Games debut at Beijing 2008. ‘Adaptive’ implies that the equipment is ‘adapted’ to the user to participate in the sport.

Facts about Rowing

• Single sculling boats are equipped with buoyancy devices called pontoons, which act as stabilisers attached to the boats' riggers, providing additional lateral balance.
• Adaptive rowing boats are equipped with special seats, which vary according to the disability of the athlete.

Get involved

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