Masters Rowing
Rowing for life. Racing for fun. Staying connected.
Masters rowing is for anyone aged 27 and over who wants to keep rowing, get back on the water, stay fit, race competitively or simply enjoy time in a boat with like-minded people.
Whether you are an experienced rower, returning to the sport after a break, or looking for a new challenge, masters rowing offers opportunities to suit all levels. You can row recreationally, train and compete at regattas, or set your sights on state, national and international competition.
Masters crews compete across a range of distances and events, with 1,000m racing common at masters regattas, along with sprint and longer-distance events. For many rowers, the opportunity to travel and compete at different courses around Australia and around the world is one of the great attractions of masters rowing.
But masters rowing is about much more than racing. It is a great way to stay active, improve fitness, maintain a connection with the sport and make new friends. For many people, the social side of masters rowing is just as important as what happens on the water.
Who can compete?
Masters rowing is open to rowers from the beginning of the year in which they turn 27.
Crews compete in age categories based on the age of the rower or the average age of the crew. This means you can continue to compete against crews in a similar age group as you progress through masters rowing.
Masters age categories are:
| Category | Age |
|---|---|
| A | Minimum age 27 |
| B | Average age 36 or more |
| C | Average age 43 or more |
| D | Average age 50 or more |
| E | Average age 55 or more |
| F | Average age 60 or more |
| G | Average age 65 or more |
| H | Average age 70 or more |
| I | Average age 75 or more |
| J | Average age 80 or more |
| K | Average age 83 or more |
| L | Average age 86 or more |
| M | Average age 89 or more |
Where appropriate, crews may also compete against crews in an older or younger age category using the applicable handicap system.
Age categories do not apply to coxswains of masters crews.
Masters rowing is for life — whether your goal is your next regatta, a national championship, an international adventure, or simply enjoying a row with friends.
2027 Australian Masters Championships
Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra ACT – dates to be announced
The Australian Masters Rowing Championships return to Lake Burley Griffin in 2027 for the first time in more than a decade, under a partnership between the ACT Government and Rowing Australia. The event is expected to attract more than 3,300 visitors from across the country to compete in challenging and picturesque conditions on the lake. Full dates and the competition program will be announced by Rowing Australia closer to the event.