The Best Rowing Clubs in the Netherlands: Rivers, Locations, and History

Rowing is a popular sport in the Netherlands, with many clubs located around the country. Some of these clubs are more prestigious than others, due to their location on one of the many beautiful rivers in the Netherlands or their long and storied history. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best rowing clubs in the Netherlands and what makes them so great!

Royal Amsterdam Rowing and Sailing Club De Hoop

Royal Amsterdam Rowing and Sailing Club De Hoop (RA&SC) is a rowing club located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Founded in 1883, it is one of the oldest rowing clubs in the country. The club is situated on the banks of the River Amstel, in the heart of Amsterdam. Surrounded by historic buildings and lush parks, the club offers its members a unique rowing experience.

In addition to its prime location, the club also has a rich history. Throughout its 136-year existence, RA&SC has produced many world-class rowers and has won numerous championships. Today, the club remains one of the most prestigious rowing clubs in the Netherlands. If you are ever in Amsterdam, be sure to stop by and check it out!

Roeivereniging RIC

RK Roeivereniging RIC, often known as RIC, was formed on April 27, 1931, under the name of RK Roeivereniging RIC. Father B. (Dick) van Ogtrop SJ – himself a stellar rower – tried rowing with a group of boys at Sint Ignatius College in 1930, which is where the association’s origins lie.

From January 1, 1950 until December 31, 1962, the RIC was a member of the VBWJ (Association for the Promotion of Water Sports among the Youth), but on April 27, 1931 it became an independent organization called RIC (Roing Association Ignatius College). The school club resided with Nereus until the boathouse of that group had to be destroyed during World War II.

RIC joined the Dutch Rowing Federation in 1942 and competed in the Head of the River race that year. After World War II, RIC became an open association with its own accommodations. First, it was housed in an old coal shed on the Weespertrekvaart canal. Later it moved to a real boathouse on Korte Ouderkerkerdijk, though it was somewhat damaged at that time.

The name RIC was kept, although it no longer had its original significance (and the dots between the letters). In 1967, following a large money drive (“’n Ton voor RIC”), RIC was able to construct a brand-new facility, and the association grew into a big organization. After a period of decline in the late 1970s and early 1980s – particularly among youths – RIC has thrived like never before from the mid-1980s onwards. The membership threshold of 500 was reached in 1993 and has remained constant since then.

Since 2008, the environment of RIC has altered considerably: a residential neighborhood has been built behind the Waternet facility; RIC’s surroundings have become a lovely park.

In 2015, the structure was due for renovation and a second highly successful monetary campaign dubbed “two tons for RIC” was launched. After this major refurbishment of the clubhouse and strength training room in 2016/2017, it appears that RIC has grown to 600 members. The current fleet consists of around 90 vessels with over 200 rowing places, all of which are in excellent condition. For the past 90 years, community life has been exceptionally robust and one of RIC’s main strengths.

Rowing Medals

In the field of competition, RIC begins to play a role in the 1970s with absolute standouts such as:

1973: Silver at the European Championship for Hellie Klaasse and Andrea Vissers

• 1978: Silver at the World Championship for Mark Emke in the light eight
• 1990: Bart Peters wins silver at the World Cup in the coxless four
• 1994: Kai Compagner and George van Iwaarden win silver at the World Cup in Holland eight
• 1995: again silver for Kai in the eight
• 1989: Herman van den Eerenbeemt playing for another association won gold at the World Championships in 4x
• 1991: George van Iwaarden and Kai Compagner with coach Theo Haije became world champions in senior-B coxless pair
• 2003 Ellen Maas become world junior champion in pair without rowing competition Athens.
• In 2003, 2004, and 2006, Martin Lauriks captures a silver World Cup four for the disabled. In 2005 he earned bronze in the same event. 2007: Timo van Wittmarschen wins a bronze medal in the four-without at the junior world championships.

Willem III

Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, Willem III Rowing Club is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious rowing clubs. Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2012, the club is located on the scenic Amstel River in Amsterdam, surrounded by picturesque canals, bridges and parks.

For over 130 years, Willem III Rowing Club has been a leading force in Dutch rowing, producing Olympians and world champions. The club is also well-known for its beautiful clubhouse, which overlooks the Amstel River and features a magnificent stained glass window depicting the Dutch royal family.

Every year, thousands of visitors come to Amsterdam to watch the annual Regatta de Amstel, one of the city’s most popular sporting events. And with its rich history and stunning setting, it’s easy to see why Willem III Rowing Club is one of the Netherlands’ most cherished institutions.

Rowing is obviously the primary focus of the club. They have a large, well-maintained fleet of over 100 boats available for both beginners and advanced scullers and rowers. The competition rowing team regularly brings attention to the club on both a national and international scale. The wherries are often used during tours. They also offer instruction and guidance in adapted boats for para-rowers . This all takes place at their unique harbour with calm waters which has several rafts that make arrival and departure easy.

Nereus Rowing Club

Nereus Rowing Club is a Dutch rowing club that was founded in 1885. The club is based in Amsterdam, on the Singelgracht canal. Nereus is one of the oldest and most successful rowing clubs in the Netherlands. The club has won numerous national and international championships, and their boats are among the best in the world.

The club’s rowers have also represented the Netherlands at the Olympic Games, winning several medals. The club’s facilities are located in a beautiful area of Amsterdam, surrounded by canals and bridges. The club’s boathouse is situated on one of Amsterdam’s busiest canals, and from here the rowers have a clear view of some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

The club is also situated close to many of Amsterdam’s parks and gardens, providing a lovely setting for training and racing. In short, Nereus Rowing Club is situated in a beautiful part of Amsterdam, with excellent facilities and a rich history of success.

FAQ

Why is rowing a popular sport in the Netherlands?

Rowing is a popular sport in the Netherlands because and abilities. The sport also has a strong tradition in the Netherlands, with many successful clubs and athletes.

What are some of the best rowing clubs in the Netherlands?

Some of the best rowing clubs in the Netherlands include Willem III Rowing Club, Nereus Rowing Club, and Amsterdam Studenten Roeivereeniging Nereus.

How do I get started with rowing in the Netherlands?

If you’re interested in getting started with rowing in the Netherlands, a good place to start is by contacting one of the clubs listed above. They will be able to provide information about membership, instruction, and events. You can also find more information about rowing in the Netherlands on the Dutch Rowing Federation website.