Rowing is one of the Australia’s oldest and most successful sports, recognised as much for its tradition and appeal to athletes of all ages as for its fantastic health benefits. Rowing is a cornerstone Olympic sport and Australian rowing has a long and proud history of success, consistently returning multiple medals at major international competitions.
Rowing is a part of Australia’s national sporting and cultural heritage, with international success dating back to 1867 when Edward “Ned” Trickett won Australia’s first ever sporting World Championship. Rowing continues to play an important part in Australia’s sporting culture, providing safe, fun and healthy opportunities for Australians of all ages and abilities to participate in a sport that provides unparalleled health benefits.
Rowing Australia (RA) is the national governing body for the sport of rowing. The vision of RA and its members is “To be the number one rowing nation in the world”, from sustained international success, to its vibrant and inclusive community, its high quality events, right through to the safe, fun and healthy participation opportunities for all Australians.
Rowing is a sport for life, accessible to people of all ages, genders, fitness and skill levels, and currently enjoyed by over 60,000 participants and 25,000 active members ranging from young rowers at school through to those at universities and in the wider community right through to masters rowing.
Rowing Australia member associations operate in seven states with over 185 schools and 156 clubs offering rowing programs.