Rowing Through Time
The History and Growing Popularity of the Sport
Rowing is one of the oldest and most storied sports in the world, dating back thousands of years. Once a means of transportation and warfare, it has evolved into a competitive and highly respected sport, revered for its combination of endurance, strength and teamwork. Today, rowing is seeing a surge in popularity - not just on the water, but in pop culture and especially here in the DMV.
A Brief History of Rowing
The origins of rowing as a sport can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, where rowing competitions were held for military training and recreation. Modern competitive rowing took shape in 17th century England, with races between professional watermen on the River Thames.
The first organized rowing club, Leander Club, was founded in England in 1818, followed by the first intercollegiate race between Harvard and Yale in 1852 - the oldest continuous sporting event in U.S. history. Rowing became an Olympic sport in 1900, and today it remains one of the most grueling and prestigious disciplines in international competition.
Rowing in Pop Culture: From Niche to Mainstream
Rowing has long been considered an elite and exclusive sport, associated with Ivy League schools and prestigious and expensive clubs. But in recent years, it’s been gaining more mainstream attention.
Movies and TV - Films like The Boys in the Boat (based on the bestselling book about the 1936 U.S Olympic Team) and A Most Beautiful Thing (about the first all-Black high school rowing team) have brought rowing to new audiences.
Fitness Trends - With the rise of indoor rowing studios and interactive rowing machines like Hydrow and Ergatta, more people are discovering rowing as an accessible, full-body workout.
Social Media Influence - Rowing content is booming on Instagram and TikTok, with rowers sharing training insights, regatta experiences and the unique camaraderie of the sport.
Rowing’s Growth in the DMV
The Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) region has a rich rowing history, dating back to the Potomac Boat Club’s founding in 1869. Today, the sport is stronger than ever, with a growing number of clubs, regattas and high school and collegiate programs.
Thriving Junior and Collegiate Programs - Schools like Gonzaga, Whitman, Jackson-Reed and the Combined Cathedral Crews have built powerhouse rowing teams, while colleges like Georgetown and George Washington continue to produce top-tier athletes.
Major Regattas - Events like the Head of the Potomac, WMIRA Championships, and the Occoquan Challenge showcase the competitive spirit and the dedication of DMV’s local rowers.
Community Rowing Expansion - Programs like DC Strokes, Capital Rowing Club, Unity Boat Club and Prince William Rowing Club are making the sport more accessible to people of all backgrounds.
The Future of Rowing
As rowing continues to grow in pop culture and the DMV, it’s clear the sport is breaking beyond its traditional roots. More diverse athletes are joining the community, technology is making training interactive and accessible, and the excitement around rowing is reaching new heights.
Whether you’re an experienced rower or someone just discovering the sport, there’s never been a better time to get involved. From the history-rich waters of the Potomac to the booming world of indoor rowing, the sport is more alive than ever.
The Flat Water Bulletin team