Rowing in Richmond VA

Rowing in Richmond has deep roots and continues to thrive thanks to the region’s geography, community-driven clubs, and a growing culture of recreational and competitive rowing. With the James River winding through the metro area, rowers enjoy both scenic and technically engaging waters, making Richmond an increasingly popular hub for this classic sport.

Whether you’re a complete beginner curious about getting on the water or a seasoned rower looking to train with a local club, Richmond offers a range of ways to get involved.

The James River - A River Made for Rowing

While not nearly as popular a sport, as it is in its namesake in England, or even in the NE of the US, rowing has a place here, The James River is central to Richmond’s identity—and for rowers, it’s a defining asset. The stretch below the fall line, particularly near Rocketts Landing, provides calm, rowable water even when other parts of the river are churning. With wide channels, few obstructions, and long straightaways, this area is ideal for shells and sculls.

Rocketts Landing, located just east of downtown, serves as the heart of Richmond’s rowing scene. Early mornings here often feature the soft rhythm of oars gliding through water, with the city skyline glowing in the background. It’s a unique juxtaposition of urban life and tranquil movement that gives Richmond’s rowing community its distinct character.

The calm water and easy access have made Rocketts Landing an important training location—not only for casual and fitness rowers, but also for high school, collegiate, and masters crews preparing for regattas across the Mid-Atlantic.

Rowing Clubs and Community

The Virginia Boat Club, headquartered at Rocketts Landing, is the city’s best-known rowing organization. While the club's history dates back to the 19th century, today it offers a full slate of modern programming for adult and junior rowers. Their programs include sweep rowing and sculling, with options for recreational participation and competitive teams. VBC’s learn-to-row programs attract a steady stream of newcomers looking to try the sport in a supportive setting.

The club also maintains a year-round calendar of practices, training sessions, and racing opportunities. Masters athletes regularly compete at regional regattas, while junior rowers benefit from skill development that can lead to college recruiting and advancement to higher levels of competition.

Greater Richmond Rowing, another key organization in the area, focuses on developing youth athletes across the region. Partnering with both public and private schools, GRR provides students with coaching, water access, and regatta support. Their alumni have gone on to row at major universities and continue Richmond’s growing reputation as a training ground for young talent.

Richmond is also home to active college programs. Virginia Commonwealth University’s crew team practices along the James, and the University of Richmond supports a club program that draws students from across campus. These college teams train alongside local clubs, creating a shared river culture where new and experienced rowers learn from one another.

Regattas and River Culture

Richmond’s regatta calendar is anchored by the Rocketts Landing Regatta, held annually in partnership with the Virginia Boat Club. This event draws club, collegiate, and high school teams from throughout the Mid-Atlantic. On race day, the riverfront buzzes with spectators, team tents, race launches, and celebratory energy. For many rowers, it’s both a competition and a homecoming—an opportunity to race in the city they train in year-round.

Beyond the regatta itself, seasonal events and informal scrimmages add depth to the rowing calendar. These include club-hosted time trials, head races, and exhibition rows that engage novice rowers and invite the broader community to experience the sport up close. Rowing blends naturally into Richmond’s riverfront culture, often overlapping with cycling, running, and watersports.

The community aspect of rowing is notable here. Most clubs emphasize inclusivity, mentorship, and the social experience that comes with early mornings and shared goals. Many rowers continue training year-round, even in colder months, making use of indoor erg sessions and cross-training with other fitness programs along the riverfront.

A Sport on the Rise

Richmond’s rowing scene continues to grow, thanks in part to the city’s investment in outdoor recreation and the collaborative efforts of local clubs. With new residents arriving from larger rowing cities and more students being introduced to the sport through school partnerships, rowing is becoming a more visible and accessible part of the region’s athletic culture.

Rowing also benefits from its multi-generational appeal. Parents and children can often be found training out of the same boathouse, and masters teams include rowers well into their 60s and 70s. That lifelong viability makes rowing more than just a seasonal hobby—it becomes a shared, long-term pursuit that contributes to both fitness and community.

From the stillness of a sunrise practice at Rocketts Landing to the cheering crowds at a spring regatta, rowing in Richmond offers a mix of natural beauty, technical challenge, and social connection. It’s a sport that fits the city’s character: quietly determined, tied to the river, and always moving forward.