Rowing / canoeing

Credit: Richard Bowsher

Set yourself a challenge, train well and dip an oar to raise money for WaterAid!

By taking part in a rowing event, you can make a real difference to the lives of some of the world's poorest people.

Organise your own rowing event

WaterAid supporter Richard Bowsher rowed from Oxford to Pangbourne last year and has offered some helpful tips:

• Allow lots of time for locks – spring or autumn is quieter, also be ensure there is someone to open and close the gates if the lock-keepers are on a break
• Be prepared to cancel the event for poor weather – have specific abandonment points where the row could stop
• Include 2-3 points where people can leave the boat to stretch their feet, eat, or drink
• Inform the environment agency of the event and check that all the locks are manned and operational
• Equip your experienced coxes with first aid kits, phones, throw lines etc and be sure to get the lock phone numbers and a map of the reaches and hazards
• Have reserve rowers… just in case
• Go downstream, it's easier!
• Training – just ensure everyone is fit and a proficient rower
• And finally - take lots of pictures to record the day, for yourself and for publicity

To read more about Richard's sponsored row, you can visit his website (opens in a new window). He has kindly supplied us with his risk assessment sheet from the event ( Word 80KB) to help you plan your own row.

Whatever challenge you set, please let please let us know about your plans as soon as possible by completing an event questionnaire ( 124K) and returning it to us at events@wateraid.org or by post to the address at the bottom of this page.

Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Row 2009

Norman and James onboard the Beech Boys Atlantic.

Credit: Norman Beech

Two fantastic WaterAid supporters are taking part in the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Challenge this November.

Norman Beech, manager of the outdoor pursuit centre at the University of Birmingham, and his son James will cover over 2,500 nautical miles from La Gomera in the Canaries to Antigua in the West Indies.

The boat, named Beech Boys Atlantic, was launched on Coniston Water in March to coincide with World Water Day.

Norman explained:

"Water is a basic need for everyone and we decided supporting the work of WaterAid was where we could make that difference.

"Interestingly we felt that being surrounded by undrinkable salty water during the row would provide an ongoing connection to the importance of having safe water."

The team are aiming to break two world records for crossing the Atlantic, to become the fastest father and son team and for James it's the title of youngest rower! Read all about their amazing adventure on the University of Birmingham website (opens in a new window).