Rowing Through the Ages: A Sport for Life

At the RAF Central Fund, we’re proud of our longstanding connection with rowing. Since 1982, our site at Danesfield has been home to RAF Rowing, providing a base for the Club and its athletes.

As the RAF Rowing Club approaches eight decades of the sport, we’re delighted to continue supporting its rich heritage and the people who help keep rowing thriving across the RAF.

This September, the 2026 World Rowing Masters Regatta at Lake Bled in Slovenia offered a wonderful example of how rowing can truly be a sport for life. Set against a spectacular mountainous backdrop, the event welcomed athletes of all ages, highlighting the opportunities rowing provides to stay active, compete, build friendships and remain part of a team long beyond your time in service.

With more than 4,700 athletes from 51 countries taking part, competitors ranged from their twenties to an incredible 98 years old. The regatta demonstrated how sport can connect people across generations, with athletes able to compete alongside and against one another while continuing to be a part of a community throughout their lives.

Among the athletes was the RAFRC Masters crew, with 11 rowers competing across 16 events over five days. They raced in a range of boat classes, from coxed fours and quad sculls, with four rowers competing together, to doubles and singles, with two or one rower respectively. The crew brought together serving and retired RAF Rowing Club athletes, providing an opportunity to reconnect, compete and share the experience.

Their appearance at Lake Bled was the culmination of months of preparation, with training taking place in Station gyms, local rowing clubs and at regattas across the UK. In the stunning surroundings of Lake Bled, that preparation was put into practice on the water, with precision, rhythm, teamwork and resilience all playing an important part in their performance.

Masters rowing also provides an opportunity to learn from the experience of others. With rowers bringing different levels of knowledge, techniques and perspectives to the race, there is plenty to share and learn, whether it’s passing on lessons gained over years on the water or discovering new approaches. There is always something to take from the person rowing alongside you.

This event was a powerful reminder that sport is for everyone, whatever your age. Whether you’re discovering a sport for the first time, returning after time away or continuing to compete later in life, it offers the opportunity to stay active, challenge yourself and be part of a community.

The Masters crew’s appearance at Lake Bled comes at an exciting time for the RAF Rowing Club, with its 80th anniversary approaching next year. As the Club looks ahead to mark this significant milestone, the enthusiasm and commitment shown by its athletes reflect the continued participation and dedication that remain at the heart of RAF Rowing.

Interested in getting involved? Whether you’re keen to try traditional boats, gig rowing or indoor sessions, get in touch with the RAF Rowing Association on socials or click here to take at look at the RAF Rowing page.