Barbados: Bridgetown
Three days rowing
Rowing Trip Overview
How perfect, a warm weather getaway with rowing. Barbados is in the Lesser Antilles and the easternmost Caribbean island. Synonymous with Rhianna and the haunt of the rich and famous, Barbados also offers low key charm and holiday options for all types of travellers. Come to Barbados to row and be delighted to eat flying fish and chips on the beach afterwards, visit UNESCO-listed Bridgetown and plantation houses in the hills to gain insight into a rich history and thriving country. Or be drawn first to the idea of a sun holiday but pull yourself out of your chaise lounge or from the pool to row in a new destination and see Barbados from the water.
The beaches in Barbados are superb. Some consider the white sand that rings the island to be the best in the Caribbean, perhaps the world. The water is a spectacular hue of blue. Perfect for coastal rowing. Bridgetown is on the western and Caribbean Sea side of Barbados. The surf is gentler here, just right for sampling coastal rowing. Difficulty and distances can be dialed in, depending on your coastal and rowing experience. While you are enjoying your rows you also know that you are supporting the development of this sport in this island nation. The Rowing Association of Barbados was created in 2017 and the boats arrived in 2019. A young rowing program always has so many needs. Perhaps when you return to row again you will be rowing from a rowing club building, which you have contributed to through this trip.
If you live in the northern hemisphere and a place with winter, you likely have lots of answers to that question. Are your winter skies dark, dreary and dull? Barbados sunshine would be nice. Is it cold where you live, with lots of snow? Go the warmth and the break from putting on boots and coats before opening the front door. Barbados offers a choice of accommodation options, from high-end all-inclusive resorts to budget rentals. The beaches and the water are the draw of course, but you can also enjoy hiking, cycling on a rails to trails project that crosses the island and sampling the history and local culture, both on and off the beach. Rum punch anyone?
Included
- Private rowing outings, tailored to you. Duration likely two or three hours, or shorter.
- Use of coastal boats.
- Guide/coach on water rowing with you.
- Detailed Information Package, with specifics on getting there, arrival details and contacts, recommendations for accommodation and restaurants. We provide suggestions on other activities to enjoy in the region when you are not rowing.
- Rowing health insurance for the outings.
Trip Details
Meet your local guide
Christian Howard
Young rower Christian Howard has created history as the first Barbadian to qualify for the 2022 World Rowing Coastal Championship and Beach Sprints. He also raced at the Commonwealth Beach Sprints in Namibia later in 2022 and has trained in coastal rowing in Spain and Peru.
Itinerary
Meet at Brownes Beach in Bridgetown This day is your coaching and training session. Instruction will depend on your experience and will be tailored. We anticipate that this day will be an introduction to coastal rowing, especially understanding the differences from flatwater rowing. In particular we will work on launching and landing in surf. Are you an experienced coastal rowing? Is there something that you particularly want to work on? Your row will be in the area around the beach.
Row to Brandon Beach. Land and take a break at Rascals (snack or lunch not included in price). Return to Brownes Beach. Minimum 10 km.
Row to Rockley Beach or Dover Beach depending on fitness, water conditions, etc. Break. Food not included. Return. 10+ km
Water conditions, especially as affected by the wind, will determine the exact time and location of the rows. Safety is a priority. Thus, on some days, the actual program may vary from this description. The rowing guide has the final say on rowing distances and destinations. There are safety requirements for this Experience: you must bring and wear your own Personal Floatation Device. You must wear shorts or more - you cannot row in just a bathing suit.
Price per person
| Three day Independent Rowing Experience | US$720 |
The minimum group size is firm at two guest rowers. Maximum group size is five.
Guests will be responsible for the equipment that they use. An equipment damage deposit of US$500 will be taken at the time of booking. If there is no damage to the boats and oars, the deposit will be refunded via original payment method. If damage occurs, the payment due will be assessed.
Ideas, information and inspiration
Want other options besides Barbados rowing? Rowing The World offers premium group and guided rowing tours. On her research trip to Barbados, Ruth learnt some things about marketing a niche adventure travel business.
FAQs
Our full list of Frequently Asked Questions answers all your questions. Or Contact Us – we are happy to help.