Water sports rowing: Tradition, strength and health

Rowing is a strength and endurance sport and was already practiced before the construction of the Baldeneysee was practiced in the Ruhr Valley. Essen's rowing clubs can look back on over a hundred years of tradition and make it possible for sports enthusiasts to practise this sport on Baldeneysee . During the winter months and at high tide, rowing ergometers in the boathouses offer a weatherproof alternative for keeping fit. Technique is then trained in the "rowing cellar" or the rowing pool in the Regattahaus . Baldeneysee.Ruhr provides an overview of the sport of rowing.

Rowing is far more than just a method of getting around on the water - it is an art, a competition and a centuries-old tradition. The origins of modern rowing date back to 1829, with the legendary Boat Race between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in England. This famous regatta transformed rowing from a practical necessity into a prestigious competitive sport, an event for high society and comparable to Ascot for horse racing. Enthusiasm for the sport quickly spread to Germany, where the first German rowing club was founded in Hamburg in 1836.

Since then, rowing has developed into a global discipline that combines strength, team spirit, dynamism and endurance. Whether as a competitive sport or a leisure activity, rowing's versatility makes it attractive to many. In particular, the option of either oar rowing (with one oar per rower) or sculling (with two oars per rower) gives athletes individual design options. It is also a sport that appeals to almost all muscles and - if performed correctly - causes few injuries.

Rowing is not only an established sport at national and international competitions, but also at the Olympic Games. Rowing has been part of the Olympic disciplines since 1900 - initially only for men, while women were only admitted from 1976. The German eight is particularly well known and is regarded as the figurehead of German rowing, regularly taking top places in international competitions and being trained at the base in Dortmund. The German Rowing Association's (DRV) federal base in Essen is located on Baldeneysee . The International Hill Regatta takes place annually on Baldeneysee . The German junior and age group championships of the DRV also regularly determine their best on Baldeneysee.

In addition to professional competitions, rowing offers much more: recreational regattas, touring trips and fitness training are integral parts of a lively club life. Anyone who wants to dedicate themselves to water sports has the opportunity to become active in one of the more than 500 German rowing clubs - ideal for beginners and advanced rowers alike. There are a total of six rowing clubs on Baldeneysee and in Essen's Ruhr Valley (see overview) with boathouses directly on the Ruhr or Baldeneysee.

Rowing is not only a sporting challenge, but also an excellent workout for body and mind. The movements challenge the cardiovascular system, improve coordination and train all muscle groups, making it ideal for health prevention and even rehabilitation. The low risk of injury makes rowing a particularly safe and health-promoting sport.

But rowing is not only accessible to people without physical limitations. Specially adapted boats mean that people with disabilities can also take part in this sport, which underlines the inclusion and versatility of this discipline. The water and the movement in nature create a calming atmosphere that promotes mental relaxation and balance.

Rowing is a sport for body and soul in equal measure. Whether as a performance-oriented challenge or as a mental balance to a stressful everyday life - rowing combines closeness to nature with ambitious exercise. It strengthens body and mind, promotes team spirit and discipline and also offers a history rich in tradition at Baldeneysee that continues to evolve today. Anyone interested in this unique sport will find the right club for them among the local clubs.