OUR HISTORY
University Rowing Aberdeen is a partnership between Aberdeen University Boat Club (est. 1870) and Robert Gordon University Boat Club (est. 1992). Established in 2012, this partnership began with the goal of uniting the two clubs, while strengthening them both through shared resources, equipment, coaches, and funding. Since then, URA has become a high-performance programme with a full-time coach appointed in August 2018. All activities, from fundraisers to social events, are now a joint effort between both clubs, and as a result both the boat fleet performance standard has continued to develop. The aim of the partnership is to deliver a rowing programme that provides students in Aberdeen the chance to achieve their sporting goals within a structure fit for purpose.
OUR SQUADS
Senior Squad
Our Visitor Challenge Cup crew at Henley Royal Regatta.
The Senior Squad trains to represent URA at events both across Scotland and internationally. Our performance crews regularly compete at prestigious events such as HoRR, WEHoRR, Henley Women's Regatta, and Henley Royal Regatta.
Senior athletes train across all rowing disciplines, from the 1x to the 8+. We aim to produce well-rounded athletes competitive at the highest level.
Intermediate Squad
Our women's Intermediate 4- racing at Spring Regatta 2024
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The Intermediate Squad train alongside the seniors on land and water and compete at races across Scotland. Intermediate athletes attend 65% of senior sessions. This squad is the perfect fit for athletes who want to train and compete but without the commitment of the Senior Squad. |
Beginner Squad
Our Beginner 8+ at Inverness Head 2025
Our Beginner Squad is a competitive novice squad with the goal of racing throughout the season. From those who have dreamed of rowing all their lives to those who just want to try a new competitive sport, the Beginner Squad prepares new athletes to race across Scotland, and provides a stepping stone to Intermediate and Senior Squads.
Learn To Row Squad
Learn to Row is made for those looking to give rowing a go without the pressure of racing. In this Squad, we aim to teach new rowers the fundamentals of safe, effective technique, along with an understanding of how the sport operates. Learn to Row provides a pathway into the Recreational Squad.
Recreational Squad
An evening training session on the river Dee.
The Recreational Squad is perfect for existing rowers who do not want to race. Our Recreational athletes have full access to both land and water facilities with no training commitment, allowing them to stay fit, make friends, and have fun!
OUR FACILITIES
Butchart Performance Ergo Room
Our performance erg room is situated on the Aberdeen University main campus in the Butchart Recreational Centre, close to both RGU and AU student accommodation. The room is filled with 20 ergos, two Watt Bikes and several spin bikes, allowing all squads the opportunity to train in a world-class rowing 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 contains all of the larger URA boats, along with changing facilities 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 houses the URA small boats and equipment along with our athlete stretching area and crew room.
ASV Performance Area
ASV Performance Area is situated on the Aberdeen University campus and is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with equipment for strength and conditioning training. These sessions are run by professional coaching staff.
Our performance erg room is situated on the Aberdeen University main campus in the Butchart Recreational Centre, close to both RGU and AU student accommodation. The room is filled with 20 ergos, two Watt Bikes and several spin bikes, allowing all squads the opportunity to train in a world-class rowing 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 contains all of the larger URA boats, along with changing facilities 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 houses the URA small boats and equipment along with our athlete stretching area and crew room.
ASV Performance Area
ASV Performance Area is situated on the Aberdeen University campus and is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with equipment for strength and conditioning training. These sessions are run by professional coaching staff.
University Sports Bursaries and Scholarships
RGU Sport Scholarship Programme:
https://www3.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/finance-and-scholarships/scholarships/rgu-sport-scholarship/rgu-sport-scholarship
UoA Sports Bursaries and Scholarships 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 Sports Bursaries and Scholarships Programme:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sportandexercise/performance/bursaries/