Adaptive Rowing Classification

Rowers with a disability who want to race either indoor or on the water will need to go through British Rowing’s classification system.  

Rowers who want to race either indoors or on the water need to go through British Rowing’s classification process to get an adaptive or Para-rowing classification.

British Rowing adopts the International Rowing Federation (World Rowing) Para-Rowing system of classification which places rowers into sport classes according to how much their impairment impacts rowing.

This video from the British Paralympic Association explains the importance of classification to Para sport.

These internationally recognised classes for rowing are:

  • PR3-PI (Physical Impairment)
  • PR3-VI (Visual Impairment)
  • PR2
  • PR1

Rowers who have a disability but do not meet the Para-Rowing eligibility criteria may be eligible for an Adaptive Rowing Classification.  These classes are accepted at events that offer Adaptive Rowing Competition

  • AR3-PI (Physical Impairment)
  • AR3-LI (Learning Impairment)
  • AR2
  • AR1

A classified Para-rower can race in the corresponding Adaptive Rowing event, but an athlete with an Adaptive Rowing classification cannot race as a British Rowing classified Para-rower.

Adaptive and ParaRowing classifications table

Click here for our full breakdown of adaptive rowing classifications

For information about our Indoor Adaptive Rowing classifications, head to our Indoor Adaptive Rowing page.

Applying for Adaptive Classification

If you would like more information around applying for adaptive classification, please see this document.

Download Document

How to get a classification

First, register your interest and and get more information about classification by emailing us at [email protected].

Then, make sure you send all Medical Diagnostic Forms and supporting medical documentation to the British Rowing Head of Classification at least 30 days before the classification date (see below) at [email protected]

For any enquiries related to classification, please contact Simon Goodey (Head of Classification) on [email protected]

Classification dates
DateVenueLocation Details
Sunday, 23 June 2024 Maidenhead RCLocation
Sunday, 29 September 2024Agecroft RCLocation
Saturday, 2 November 2024London Regatta CentreLocation
Saturday, 7 December 2024British Rowing Indoor Chamnpionships at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), BirminghamFind out more
Date:
Sunday, 23 June 2024
Venue:
Maidenhead RC
Location Details:
Location
Date:
Sunday, 29 September 2024
Venue:
Agecroft RC
Location Details:
Location
Date:
Saturday, 2 November 2024
Venue:
London Regatta Centre
Location Details:
Location
Date:
Saturday, 7 December 2024
Venue:
British Rowing Indoor Chamnpionships at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
Location Details:
Find out more

More in this section

Adaptive Rowing Equipment

Adaptive Rowing uses equipment that is adapted to enable the individual to take part in the sport. The way people adapt to their disability is an individual process. Two rowers with the same disability may require completely different equipment modifications, so it is important to work with athletes to determine what is optimal to enhance…

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Try Adaptive Rowing

If you have an impairment and would like to try adaptive rowing, please use this form to get in touch

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