Rowing: Power, Precision, and Geography on Water
Rowing is one of the oldest organized sports in the world, combining strength, endurance, and technique with a deep connection to rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Athletes propel lightweight boats, known as shells, using long oars in a synchronized rhythm. Races are usually contested over a 2,000-meter straight course, demanding not only physical stamina but also mental focus and teamwork.
Popularity of Rowing
Although it began as a practical means of transportation, rowing evolved into a competitive sport in 18th-century England. Today, it is a prestigious Olympic discipline and a university tradition in places such as Oxford and Cambridge. Rowing enjoys particular popularity in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Leading Nations
Countries with long river systems and rowing traditions dominate the sport. Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy are consistent powerhouses, while New Zealand and Australia are global leaders from Oceania. In Asia, China has emerged strongly in recent decades, while the United States maintains a rich collegiate rowing culture.
The World’s Iconic Rowing Venues
The most famous rowing venue is the Henley Royal Regatta course on the River Thames in England, symbolic of the sport’s heritage. At the Olympic level, Lake Bled in Slovenia and the Sea Forest Waterway in Tokyo have stood out as world-class venues. Geography plays a key role: flat water conditions, wide stretches of river or lake, and minimal wind are crucial for fair and competitive races.
Rowing in Chungcheong 2027
At the 2027 FISU World University Games, rowing events will be staged at the Geum River in Chungcheong, one of Korea’s longest rivers flowing from the Sobaek Mountains to the Yellow Sea. The choice of venue reflects how geography shapes sport: the river’s wide channels and calm stretches provide an ideal natural setting for competition. The Games will also highlight Chungcheong’s riverside landscapes, combining athletic excellence with a showcase of the region’s natural beauty.
Major Stars in Rowing
Globally, names like Steve Redgrave (UK), a five-time Olympic gold medalist, and Mahe Drysdale (New Zealand), a two-time Olympic champion, are legendary. On the women’s side, athletes such as Georgina and Caroline Evers-Swindell (New Zealand) and Ekaterina Karsten (Belarus) stand out. Today, rowers from the Netherlands, Great Britain, and China continue to dominate the international stage.
Governing Bodies of Rowing
Internationally, rowing is governed by World Rowing (FISA), founded in 1892, which oversees Olympic and World Championship events. In Korea, the sport is organized by the Korean Rowing Association, which has worked to expand the sport on rivers and lakes across the country. Korea’s most notable rowing venue is the Tangeum Lake International Rowing Regatta Course in Chungju, often described as Asia’s best rowing facility and host of the 2013 World Rowing Championships.
Rowing Through a Geographical Lens
Rowing is a sport that cannot exist without geography—it thrives where rivers, lakes, and calm coastal waters create natural “stadiums.” Historically, civilizations along rivers such as the Nile, Thames, and Han have used boats not just for survival, but also for leisure and sport. Today, rowing events bring together athletes and fans in landscapes that highlight the interplay of sport and geography, from European lakes to Asian rivers. In Chungcheong, the 2027 Games will connect the story of rowing with the story of a river, placing geography at the heart of competition.
