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“Rowing on the Distaff Side”: A Brief History of the National Women’s Rowing Association (Part I)

“Rowing on the Distaff Side”: A Brief History of the National Women’s Rowing Association (Part I)

Elizabeth Manley writes about the history of the National Women's Rowing Association. While still rare, the few existing rowing clubs that welcomed women came together from the East and West Coasts to increase their influence through this newly formed National Women’s Rowing Association (NWRA). While women’s rowing was not yet an Olympic sport, a number of countries were already sending women competitors to international regattas and the NWRA hoped to ensure the U.S. did not get left behind. In addition to promoting women’s competitive rowing at the international level, though, the group sought to “give direction, control, and coaching to the women involved” in member clubs. The group hoped to make sure, according to co-founder and Rowing Director for Mills College Ed Lickiss, that competition for women grew and developed in the U.S. and internationally but also that “the interests of existing women’s rowing groups” would be incorporated as part of that growth.

Lottie McAlice Inspires our Rowing Community 155 Years Later

Lottie McAlice Inspires our Rowing Community 155 Years Later

As a native Pittsburgh, who fell into rowing in my 40’s, I was pleasantly surprised to learn where I row is steeped in women’s rowing history. With three rivers in our area, it shouldn’t be surprising that we as a city have a rich rowing past. However, what continuously excites me about our rowing history is the first recorded American competitive rowing race between two women happened in Pittsburgh in 1870. Not only did this race happen 155 years ago, it was also 102 years before the passing of the Title IX legislation. 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2025

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2025

We're celebrating the 39th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a day that honors not just the champions and record-breakers, but also the grassroots efforts of communities, schools, and organizations that ensure sports are accessible for all girls and women. We’re proud to amplify the voices of women athletes, and celebrate the boundless opportunities that sports create. Why do sports matter? Hear directly from some of The Boat Race athletes who inspire us to dream big and break boundaries.

“The Boat Race is older than New Zealand as a country” – a Kiwi in Oxford

“The Boat Race is older than New Zealand as a country” – a Kiwi in Oxford

Tom Mackintosh, the Oxford University Boat Club President for 2025, is a rarity. A President who has never rowed a Boat Race; a man who took Olympic gold in the eight, then moved into the single and won World Championship bronze in the slowest and loneliest of boats. Not many people have sat on an Olympic start line in the biggest and smallest boats. Tom was Olympic champion in the New Zealand eight in Tokyo 2020, before taking some time away from rowing. He returned in the single scull, won World Championship bronze in 2023, and finished fifth in Paris 2024. This unique blend of experiences, Tom believes, sets him up well to lead the athletes at Oxford.
Presidents’ Challenge Launches 2025 Boat Race Season

Presidents’ Challenge Launches 2025 Boat Race Season

The 2025 Boat Race season is officially underway following the annual Presidents’ Challenge, held this year at London’s iconic Somerset House. Marking the renewal of the legendary rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge, the event featured the formal challenge ceremony and introduced a season of exciting milestones, including CHANEL’s debut as the new title sponsor. With an increasingly diverse roster of athletes, including Olympians and rowers from 18 nationalities, the stage is set for the 79th Women’s and 170th Men’s Boat Races on April 13, 2025.
The Ultimate Rowing Holiday Gift Guide 2024

The Ultimate Rowing Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Find the perfect gifts for every rower in your life with our Ultimate Rowing Gift Guide. Whether they’re powering through winter training, relaxing off the water, or just beginning their rowing journey, this gift guide has something for everyone. From cold weather essentials to splurge-worthy gear, each section features curated picks tailored to rowers' unique needs and lifestyles. Shop our top must-haves to make gift-giving simple, and ensure your gifts are as thoughtful and dynamic as the rowers who’ll receive them.
CHANEL and The Boat Race Announce Long-Term Partnership

CHANEL and The Boat Race Announce Long-Term Partnership

CHANEL and The Boat Race Company Ltd have announced the signing of a long-term partnership with CHANEL as Title Sponsor and official Timekeeping Partner. The 2025 event will become The CHANEL J12 Boat Race. The historic race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities was established nearly 200 years ago in 1829. It is the oldest major sporting event in the UK, with the dark and light ‘Blues’ crews of eight rowers pitted against each other on the River Thames every year in the Spring.

HOCR 2024: Survivor Rowing Network Meet & Greet

HOCR 2024: Survivor Rowing Network Meet & Greet

We are thrilled to welcome athletes from the Survivor Rowing Network to the JL Racing tent at this year’s Head of the Charles Regatta. These cancer survivors are not only fierce competitors but also powerful advocates for the healing benefits of rowing. On Saturday, October 19th, from 10:15am to 11:15am, we will be hosting a meet & greet with athletes who are racing in the Survivor Row event, taking place at 3:26pm the same day. Stop by the JL tent on Saturday to meet these incredible and inspiring athletes, celebrate their strength, enter a raffle to win a FREE JL swag bag, and learn more about how SRN is growing the survivor rowing community worldwide!
Survivor Rowing Network Racing at HOCR 2024

Survivor Rowing Network Racing at HOCR 2024

The Survivor Rowing Network will be floating 11 boats this year at Head of the Charles, marking its second year racing at this prestigious event in Boston. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the inaugural Survivor Row at HOCR, we had the opportunity to speak with four of the athletes who will be racing in Boston this year. The Survivor Row will take place on Saturday, October 19th at 3:28pm.
The Boat Race Signs JL Racing as Official Kit Supplier

The Boat Race Signs JL Racing as Official Kit Supplier

JL Racing has been appointed the official performance wear sponsor by The Boat Race Company. The partnership will see Oxford University Boat Club and Cambridge University Boat Club outfitted with JL Racing’s custom performance rowing apparel for training and racing.
Steering Toward Success: Coxswain’s Fall Season Essentials

Steering Toward Success: Coxswain’s Fall Season Essentials

Head race season is just around the corner! As coxswains swap side-by-side strategy and start sequences for course maps, 5k plans and perfecting their best “YIELD!”, now is the perfect time to open up those dry bags and double check that you have everything you need to be successful this fall.
Celebrating Mothers They Love: Saugatuck Survive-Oars

Celebrating Mothers They Love: Saugatuck Survive-Oars

Rowers from the Saugatuck Survive-Oars have been instrumental in the development and growth of the Survivor Rowing Network. These three strong Saugatuck women have already won the hardest race of their lives, but took on rowing and found new confidence and friends for life. Their children have been some of their greatest supporters and cheer them on and off the water. We asked these survivors how rowing has impacted them, and how their children are celebrating them this Mother's Day.