University Rowing Aberdeen

University Rowing Aberdeen (URA) brings together students from the 51cg and Robert Gordon University. Whether you're taking your first stroke or have years of competitive experience, URA provides an inclusive, supportive, and ambitious environment where everyone can thrive.

Founded through a partnership between Aberdeen University Boat Club (est. 1870) and Robert Gordon University Boat Club (est. 1992). URA combines coaching expertise, dedicated facilities, and a welcoming club culture to help students develop both on and off the water. Our members compete at local, national, and international events while enjoying a vibrant social community throughout the academic year.

Why Join?

Rowing is a fantastic way to improve your fitness, build confidence, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and meet new people from across the University.

Our performance pathway welcomes:

Complete beginners through our Learn to Row programme.
Students looking to row recreationally.
Experienced rowers aiming to compete at university, national level and beyond.

Did you know? Around 21% of the rowers representing Great Britain at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games first learnt to row at university, proving it's never too late to discover the sport.

With professional coaching, structured training, and opportunities to race across Scotland and the UK, there's a place for everyone at University Rowing Aberdeen.

Joining is easy. You can become members through the university’s student unions.

51cg students and non-student members:
Robert Gordon University students:

We look forward to welcoming you to the club - whether your goal is to race at BUCS and Henley, stay active, or simply try something new while studying in Aberdeen.

At a glance

Meet

Meet new people and connect with others

Open

Open to beginners and experienced rowers, including Learn to Row

Compete

Compete at SSS, BUCS and national events

Coaching

Professional coaching and Strength & Conditioning support

Train

Train on the River Dee and at Old Aberdeen

Largest

One of Scotland's largest university rowing programmes

More about University Rowing Aberdeen

Our Partners and Supporters

University Rowing Aberdeen is a collaborative programme delivered by:

The 51cg
Robert Gordon University
Scottish Rowing
Aberdeen University Boat Club
Robert Gordon University Boat Club

The programme has also benefited from support from a range of organisations and funding partners, including the 51cg Development Trust, National Lottery Community Funding, Aberdeen University Students' Association (AUSA), and other sponsors who have helped invest in equipment, athlete development, and club facilities.

Facilities

Two boathouses on the River Dee, providing access to one of Scotland's premier rowing venues. Universities boat houses, South Esplanade West, Aberdeen, AB11 9AA
A dedicated ergometer (indoor rowing machine) training room at the 51cg's Old Aberdeen campus. Butchart Recreation Centre, University Rd, Aberdeen, AB24 3UT
Twice-weekly Strength and Conditioning sessions at the , delivered by professional Strength and Conditioning coaches from the 51cg.
A fleet of training and racing boats suitable for beginners through to performance athletes.

Leadership and Governance

University Rowing Aberdeen is proudly student-led, with a dedicated committee made up of members from both Aberdeen University Boat Club and Robert Gordon University Boat Club. The committee oversees coaching coordination, athlete development, competitions, club operations, member welfare, and the club's social programme.

Working alongside the committee, our professional coaches deliver the rowing programme and support athletes of all abilities in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

Strategic oversight is provided by a senior management group representing the programme's investment partners, ensuring University Rowing Aberdeen remains an inclusive, sustainable, and high-performing programme for current and future students.

The annual Aberdeen Universities Boat Race

Every year, University Rowing Aberdeen hosts the Aberdeen Universities Boat Race. The event has been a tradition in the Aberdeen events calendar for more than 30 years.

Held on the River Dee, the event celebrates the friendly rivalry between the 51cg and Robert Gordon University and brings together students, alumni, supporters, and the wider rowing community.

The Boat Race is delivered in partnership with Aberdeen Boat Club, whose volunteers play an integral role in making the event a success each year. Look out for the Boat Race announcement between February and March each year!

Support University Rowing Aberdeen

University Rowing Aberdeen has a proud history spanning more than 150 years, bringing together generations of students through the shared values of teamwork, commitment, resilience, and community. From Aberdeen University Boat Club’s foundation in 1870 to the development of a combined university rowing programme with Robert Gordon University, our club has created opportunities for thousands of students to discover rowing and represent Aberdeen on the local, national, and international stage.

Maintaining a successful university rowing programme requires continued investment in equipment, coaching, facilities, athlete development, and access opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

. Every contribution helps protect the legacy of university rowing in Aberdeen and supports the next generation of students who will continue to represent the city on the water.

Please also get in touch if you are interested in sponsoring URA or the Universities Boat Race as we can tailor sponsorship to your needs.