Being a historic riverside town, Erith has always had a close affinity with rowing, from the wherries used to unload ships in the Middle Ages right through to Erith Rowing Club’s racing activities of the present day. Many older residents of the town can remember the Erith Town Regatta, which started in the 1890s and was held each August Bank Holiday until the 1950s. There was always great competition between the apprentices of Frasers and Vickers with big write-ups in the local papers. Erith Rowing Club was founded in 1943 and remains the only Rowing Club on the Thames between Greenwich, and the last club on the estuary at Gravesend. Since its foundation the Club has always welcomed members from all walks of life and all levels of society. Erith Rowing Club has taught many people from different and diverse backgrounds and occupations to row and race with considerable success but with little publicity. There is an excellent fleet of boats catering for men and women of all shapes, sizes and ages and all levels of expertise from complete novices to those who may have experienced the sport at university and want to continue it into their later lives. Club members compete right across the country in different regattas and head races and we are a regular supporter of events in the surrounding area - particularly on the Medway at Maidstone where it has had many successes. Erith Rowing Club has entered crews at Henley Royal Regatta and a former member represented Australia in the Olympics.
