On an autumn weekday, when the sun has lost its summer warmth, people with oars gather along the banks of Madrid’s reservoirs. After a short warm-up and a session on a special rowing machine, they head out onto the water in long boats. The chill quickly fades as soon as the oars touch the surface—the splash invigorates, and the movement keeps them warm. Although the nearest sea is hundreds of kilometers away, that’s no obstacle for around 250 residents of the capital. They regularly meet in parks and on the city’s waterways to pursue their favorite activity—rowing.
Madrid is home to four private rowing clubs and a municipal school that opened in 2013. Children start here as young as 10, and there is no upper age limit. In recent years, the number of people looking to try rowing has grown noticeably, especially after the pandemic and the Olympic Games. Many newcomers at first confuse rowing with kayaking, but after their first session they keep coming back. Most often, the sport attracts those who have rowed elsewhere, or those who saw rowers for the first time while on summer vacation.
Rowing in the capital
Although rowing is traditionally associated with coastal regions, it is steadily gaining popularity in Madrid. For comparison: Galicia has over 2,600 registered rowers, País Vasco nearly 2,800, and Valencia more than 1,500. In the capital, 250 licenses were issued in 2025, a 10% increase from the previous year. Clubs note that the season ends with even more participants than it began with. In addition to the growing number of athletes, Madrid’s rowers are increasingly reaching the podium at national competitions, taking home about ten medals per season.
Beginners’ classes are held in the Olympic discipline, but over time athletes can try other formats. In addition to regular practice, the federation organizes courses for adults and corporate team-building events. Training sessions are held on the lakes in Casa de Campo Park and Retiro, as well as on the banks of the Manzanares River. After the river’s ecological restoration in 2018, rowing on the water here has been banned, so some sessions are held on special rowing machines.
Age is not a barrier
One of the secrets to rowing’s popularity is its versatility. This sport puts minimal strain on the joints, allows for intensity adjustment, and suits people of all ages. In Madrid’s clubs, you’ll find both teenagers and retirees. The oldest participant is 74, and he has repeatedly won medals at national tournaments. Coaches note that rowing is excellent for strengthening muscles and is especially beneficial for seniors. In recent years, most new licenses have been issued to young people under 18—a group that saw a 30% increase in just one year.
Competitions also play an important role in the development of rowing. In November, Leganés hosted the Spanish indoor rowing championship among regional teams. Madrid was represented by ten athletes, who competed against squads from Andalucía, Valencia, Cataluña, and Galicia.
Personal stories
The capital’s federation has its own heroes. For example, Julián took up rowing three years ago, at the age of 12. Before that, he did triathlon, but swimming was always his favorite. Now, he balances high school studies with training at the Ortega y Gasset Sports Training Center. He’s the only rower in his class, but that doesn’t bother him—discipline and results keep him motivated to continue.
José started rowing at the same age as Julián, following a neighbor’s advice. Over eleven years, he has competed in various events, and now coaches children aged 9 to 15. He says the main goal is to teach kids proper technique, but also to nurture team spirit and enjoyment of the sport. At first, it’s important that children find joy in training, and only then focus on winning.
