It’s not flashy, and it rarely makes headlines, but rowing is one of the toughest sports most people have probably never tried. It may seem like a niche sport, but its roots run deep, stretching back centuries to when humans rowed for transport, war and work. What began as a utilitarian method of moving goods and soldiers has since evolved into a globally competitive sport with a fiercely dedicated following.
The first recorded rowing races occurred in England throughout the 18th century, where watermen—professional river transport workers—competed for prizes and prestige. These early competitions laid the groundwork for modern rowing, which entered universities like Oxford and Cambridge, whose famed boat race began in 1829. Rowing made its Olympic debut in 1900 and has been a mainstay ever since.
Rowing involves propelling a narrow boat, called a shell, through water using oars. Crews can include anywhere from one to eight rowers, plus a coxswain, a leader who steers and directs the team, but does not row themselves.
Success depends on synchronized movement, power and endurance. According to World Rowing, athletes train intensely, often practicing six days a week, rowing more than 100 kilometers.
Junior Declan Berry of Rumson began rowing as a freshman and quickly fell in love with the many benefits he’s gained from the sport.
“Rowing has allowed me and my teammates to make connections in higher education with division 1-3 coaches which could impact college acceptance. Rowing has also given [me] the opportunity to make more friends and lead a healthier lifestyle,” said Berry.
He currently rows in the Navesink River for Rumson-Fair Haven and competes in regattas, or boating races, around the Northeast. They can involve many types of races, with some of the most popular being side-by-side racing, where boats race one on one, or multi-lane racing, where multiple crews compete at once across six to eight lanes.
Berry participates in crew all year around, but said, “In the competitive season, we row daily on the water and compete around New Jersey and Pennsylvania at regattas.”
Rowing’s popularity has grown worldwide, with events like the Henley Royal Regatta in England and the Head of the Schuylkill in Philadelphia drawing thousands of fans. According to the International Rowing Federation, over 150 countries now participate in rowing competitions.
Though demanding, rowing offers immense rewards: discipline, camaraderie and a powerful connection to the water.
