Our History
University Rowing Aberdeen is the partnership between Aberdeen University Boat Club (est. 1870) and Robert Gordon University Boat Club (est. 1992). Established in 2012, the partnership was originally formed to share resources, equipment, coaching, and funding in order to strengthen the two clubs and unite them as one club. Since its formation, URA is continuously growing year after year and has become a professional programme with a full time coach appointed in August 2018. For the last nine years, all activities, from fundraisers to social events, have been joint efforts between both clubs, and from this both the boat fleet and standard in student-athlete performance has developed significantly. The aim of the partnership is to deliver an efficient rowing programme that presents opportunities to students in Aberdeen, providing them with the chance to train and compete to fulfil their ambitions within the sport within a structure fit for purpose.
Our Facilities
Butchart Performance Ergo Room
Our performance erg room is situated on the UoA campus in the Butchart Recreational Centre, close to both RGU and AU student accommodations on a main bus route. The room is filled with 20 well serviced ergs, two Watt Bikes and several spin bikes, allowing all squads the opportunity to train in a world-class specific rowing land based facility.
Aberdeen University Boathouse
Originally built in the early 1900s the Aberdeen University Boathouse is situated on the banks of the River Dee, directly next door to the Robert Gordon University Boat House. The AU boathouse houses all of the URA big boats, along with changing facilities for male and female athletes and our boat repair workshop.
Robert Gordon University Boathouse
The Robert Gordon University Boathouse was originally built in the 1960s and used as a lifeboat station until mid 1990s when RGUBC was established as a club. The facility hosts the URA small boats and equipment along with changing facilities and our new athlete stretching area and crew room.
RGU:Sport
RGU:Sport is situated on the Robert Gordon University campus and is a state of the art facility equipped with a swimming pool for any capsize drills, swim tests and a gym hall for all-club circuits. The S&C room is utilised for RGU Sport Scholars with sessions run by professional coaching staff.
Our performance erg room is situated on the UoA campus in the Butchart Recreational Centre, close to both RGU and AU student accommodations on a main bus route. The room is filled with 20 well serviced ergs, two Watt Bikes and several spin bikes, allowing all squads the opportunity to train in a world-class specific rowing land based facility.
Aberdeen University Boathouse
Originally built in the early 1900s the Aberdeen University Boathouse is situated on the banks of the River Dee, directly next door to the Robert Gordon University Boat House. The AU boathouse houses all of the URA big boats, along with changing facilities for male and female athletes and our boat repair workshop.
Robert Gordon University Boathouse
The Robert Gordon University Boathouse was originally built in the 1960s and used as a lifeboat station until mid 1990s when RGUBC was established as a club. The facility hosts the URA small boats and equipment along with changing facilities and our new athlete stretching area and crew room.
RGU:Sport
RGU:Sport is situated on the Robert Gordon University campus and is a state of the art facility equipped with a swimming pool for any capsize drills, swim tests and a gym hall for all-club circuits. The S&C room is utilised for RGU Sport Scholars with sessions run by professional coaching staff.
Talented Athlete Programme
Fiona Bell (URA alumna) raced at the 2017 U23 World Rowing Championships representing Great Britain.
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The URA TAP programme aims to bring a complete beginner through to an international athlete within their time at university. URA has had athletes compete for the Great Britain Rowing Team at the last 6 U23 championships, resulting in 3 silver medals. As rowing is a physically demanding sport targets students with the physical capabilities of becoming an Olympic champion. "Rowing at URA pushed me to my limits in my time at University, allowing me to focus on my athletic development and reach my aim of competing for GB in my 4th year of the sport." Fiona Bell |
Competitive Squad
Our visitor challenge cup crew at Henley Royal Regatta.
A group of competitive student athletes representing URA at events both across Scotland and internationally.
Over the years our competitive crews have been competitive at prestigous events such as HoRR, WeHoRR, Henley Women's Regatta, and Henley Royal Regatta.
Recreational Squad
An evening training session on the river Dee.
If you would rather have a paddle along the Dee without the intense training schedule then our recreational squad is for you!
Our recreational rowers have access to both land and water facilities with no training commitment whilst having fun, making friends and staying fit.
Coxing
Our Henley Women's Development 4+ (1) squad with their cox, Maddie.
Whether you have years of coxing experience or you are interested in learning something new, get in contact and join our club. We'd love to hear from you!
Support Services
RGU Sport Scholarship Programme:
https://www3.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/finance-and-scholarships/scholarships/rgu-sport-scholarship/rgu-sport-scholarship
UoA Sport Scholarship Programme: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sportandexercise/performance/bursaries/
https://www3.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/finance-and-scholarships/scholarships/rgu-sport-scholarship/rgu-sport-scholarship
UoA Sport Scholarship Programme: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sportandexercise/performance/bursaries/