Reading Rowing Club - Reading | UK Rowing Clubs | Row HQ

Reading Rowing Club is a community club on the River Thames at Thames Promenade in Reading. It was founded in 1867, although organised rowing in the town predates the club and Reading Amateur Regatta was first held in 1842.

Reading's greatest early competitive period came in the 1930s. Club crews won the Wyfold Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta in 1934 and 1935, and Len Habbitts reached the Diamond Challenge Sculls final in 1938.

The club occupied a boathouse on Fry's Island from about 1900 to the mid-1960s, followed by premises beside Caversham Bridge. The current boathouse was completed in 1989, and a 99-year council lease was signed in 2010.

Current groups include coached senior men and women, juniors aged 13 to 18, masters and the sociable Explore group. The masters squad alone reports more than 90 active members, ranging from learners to national and international competitors.

Separate adult and junior learn-to-row courses provide entry for beginners. The club rows on about seven kilometres of the Thames and supports both recreational participation and racing.

Reading supports two annual events on its stretch: Reading Amateur Regatta and Reading Small Boats Head. Its full address is Reading Rowing Club, The Boathouse, Thames Promenade, Richfield Avenue, Reading, RG1 8BD.