Competition

Not everyone wants to compete, but if you do there are three different types of rowing classes (listed below). All international events are raced in these classes over 1000m, but after 2012 it is hoped that this will increased to 2000m. At local competition, races can be offered in a range of boat classes and distances.

British Rowing, with funding from UK Sport, has implemented a classification system so that rowers with a disability can have a licence to race within the three categories for British Rowing competitions. From 2010, regular classification workshops are being held at regattas that run adaptive events. You can find out more about what is involved and who to contact in the Guide to Classification, and you can check out the next workshop on the calendar.

Athletes with the GB Rowing team must also be classified by FISA, the International Federation for Rowing, before they are allowed to row in international competition.

AW1x
Arms and Shoulders Single (ASW1x)

The arms and shoulders single has a fixed seat and must have stabilising pontoons attached to the riggers. The seat in the boat has a high back and the rower is strapped in around their torso (to prevent trunk movement) and also around their thighs (to prevent flexion and extension of the knee).
TA2x
Trunks and Arms Mixed Double (TA2x)

The trunks and arms mixed double has fixed seats but the rowers are able to use trunk movement as well as arm movement. Rowers have their thighs strapped down to prevent extension and flexion of the knees. Stabilising pontoons may be fitted to the riggers if wanted.
LTA4+
Legs, Trunks and Arms Mixed Four (LTA4+)

The LTA4+ must contain two men and two women plus a cox who may be either sex and does not require an adaptive classification.

This is the only event that the visually impaired may row and anyone rowing with this classification must row wearing masks which completely block out light from their eyes.
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