Rowers from Durham ARC and colleagues from Hexham Rowing Club took part in British Rowing’s 2024 European Tour of the River Douro in Portugal, covering a distance of around 115km over 4 days, joining the final group to undertake the same route this year, between July 12th and 15th. The popularity of the tour which was organised in conjunction with Portuguese hosts from Ginasio Clube Figueirense, who provided boats and transport for rowers between stops, became apparent when places for the May, June and July tour dates filled months in advance.
The group which included Paddy Deans and Joyce Collett navigated three huge locks along the route that passed through the wine producing region between Pinhao and Porto, including the Barragem de Carapatelo which is the deepest lock in Europe at 35m deep, 85m long and 12m wide, and still had time to visit a wine estate along the way. Rowing against a headwind and the need to book lock times in advance meant some pressure to observe arrival slots, but all went well and the consensus was that it was a fantastic experience.
Navigating a lock on the 2024 Portugal tour
British Rowing’s Recreational Rowing Committee arranges a European tour approximtely every two years, previous tours having visited Holland, Germany, Lithuania and France. Tours take place in stable coxed quads. More information about tours and touring can be found on the Recreational Rowing website.
The annual UK Tour is now in its 30th year and this year takes place on the River Thames starting on August 29th. Details are available here, although places have already filled.
Also known as social rowing and leisure rowing, recreational rowing is focused on fun, fitness and wellbeing. The term embraces a wide variety of rowers, equipment and activities.To find out more about all forms of recreationl rowing go to the website here.
Crews assemble in Porto