Are you looking for a chance to learn new skills and make new friends trying a sport that keeps you fit and healthy?

If so, then adaptive rowing could hold all the aces.

What’s this then?

Adaptive rowing is a popular sport which is unique in the way it is accessible to so many people with disabilities.

Whether you’re rowing indoors or on the water, the sport opens up a brilliant avenue to improved fitness and competitive fun.

Who can take part?

Equipment and training can be modified in adaptive rowing to meet a rower’s needs and abilities dependent on their disability.

People with physical disability, sensory or learning impairments can all take part in the inclusive sport.

For those wanting to take to the water and compete, you need to be aware of the two main classifications. Para rowers are those who are assigned a sport class and are eligible to compete at all levels including the Paralympic Games.

Rowability rowers are those who have been through the classification process and have been confirmed as meeting a minimal disability, but are not eligible for para rowing. These rowers are assigned a Rowability Grouping and are eligible to compete in all British Rowing competitions.

You can find out more about the classification process here.

What’s the aim of the game?

That depends on what you want to get out of the sport. For some it’s the opportunity for fitness, exercise and the chance to burn a few calories and try and beat a personal best on a static indoor machine.

For others the lure of competition is too strong and a chance to challenge yourself against others on the open water with the wind blowing in your back is one to relish.

Whatever the aim, whether it’s for fun or to compete, the sport provides a great opportunity to learn a new sport, make new friends and it also provides a platform to be independent.

If you compete either individually or as a team then it’s about crossing that finish line before your opponents and timing your strokes to perfection.

The Great British rowing team organise and run a system of assessments and trials for para rowing and if you perform well then you’ll be invited back for another chance to impress.

What do I need to race?

Obviously it’s not simply a case of going to a shop and picking up a boat and a few oars. You firstly need to try it indoors and see if it’s a sport you enjoy.

The British Rowing website is the perfect place to start. It has ‘learn to row’ courses aimed at complete beginners. It gives you the chance to try indoor and outdoor rowing and use the equipment they have available.

You can find your nearest rowing club here.

The easiest thing to do is sign up to register an interest in adaptive rowing and the brilliantly helpful folk at British Rowing will get in touch with you to help you get started.

Anything else I need to know?

British Rowing is always looking for volunteers to help the wonderful work they do. Find out more here.

How do I find out more?

The British Rowing website is simply sensational and has answers to any queries you may have.

Check out their website here.