Gig rowing’s resurgence in the United States

In recent years, gig rowing has experienced a remarkable resurgence in the United States. 

 

With its humble origins, the traditional sport has gained popularity across American coastal communities. In this article, we will delve into the essence of gig rowing and the thriving gig rowing community in the US.

 

The Gig Rowing Renaissance

 

While gig rowing has been a staple in the UK for centuries, it was relatively unknown in the United States until recent years. However, with the growing interest in water sports and the rise of the media spreading the word, the sport has experienced a resurgence, attracting enthusiasts from various backgrounds.

Gig rowing in the US owes much of its early growth to the influence of the Atlantic Challenge, an international rowing competition that first took place in 1986 following the launch of the first Bantry Bay gig, Liberté, in Rockport, Maine. This event brought together rowing fans from around the world and served as a catalyst for the establishment of gig rowing clubs across the US.

 

Today, the US boasts a thriving gig rowing community, with clubs and organisations spread across coastal regions. From Come Boating!  in Maine on the East Coast to the Old Anacortes Rowing and Sailing Society (OARSS) in Washington State on the West Coast, gig rowing has found a place in the hearts of rowers and spectators alike.

 

Fixed Seat Clubs

Numerous cities and towns have embraced the sport, establishing their own gig rowing clubs. Below is a map of all currently known fixed seat rowing clubs in the US, which you can also access via this link: fixedseatusa.org/find-a-club.

Zoom in for location detail, and click any pin to see information on each club. This map was created by FixedSeatUSA.org (read more below).

 

Events and Regattas

Boston, Massachusetts is home to the Hull Lifesaving Museum, which houses a fleet of traditional wooden gig boats.  The museum also organises races and events, showcasing the sport’s historical significance. One such event is the annual Snow Row, a 3.5 mile loop in Hingham Bay, Massachusetts typically held in early March.

The race is open to teams in a variety of human-powered boats including sliding seat sculls and pilot gigs and features a unique Le Mans standing start (06:55 in the video below) from the beach.

 

 

Gig rowing events and regattas have become annual fixtures in the United States. One such event is the Gloucester Gig Rowing Regatta in Massachusetts which is a highlight for gig rowers on the East Coast as well as the Head of the Weir River Race, in Hull, Maine, attended by pilot gigs and four oars.

 

 

Attending the World Pilot Gig Championships

 

Each year, the World Pilot Gig Championships committee extends an invite across the Atlantic.

For those who were on the ground at the Champs this year, you may have been fortunate enough to meet the Nor’Easter crew who had travelled from Maine and Vermont to attend, rowing the Slippen, which has a history of being graciously lent to US crews for the Champs. 

 

Pete Feeney is one of the crew members who made up the Nor’Easters who have hopes of attending next year, yet again assembling a crew from amongst the US East Coast clubs. 

 

“The Nor’Easters were a newly formed team from three different clubs from Maine and Vermont with the specific purpose of travelling across the Atlantic to experience and compete in the World Pilot Gig Championships.  

 

The team is very thankful for the use of the Slippen as well as wonderful lodging provided by Karma St. Martins.  

 

It was a fantastic time and the Nor’Easters plan to attend again next year”

 

Pete Feeney

 

 

 

Connecting the dots

 

Spotting an opportunity, Steve Yost and Marci Cornell-Feist are two people who are driving for growth and sharing, working in collaboration to build a community for the fixed seat rowing community stateside. Their recently launched website, FixedSeatUSA.org, aims to serve as a community space for clubs to interact with each other in ways beyond races and competitions as well as by pooling information and knowledge sharing that could assist in developing the prevalence of fixed seat rowing in the US.

 

Plans for the budding FixedSeatUSA organisation and its website include a comprehensive list of known clubs to supplement the map; a listing of upcoming races and events; and hosting online and in-person events for sharing best practices such as safety, rower training, and scheduling.

 

 

The resurgence of gig rowing in the United States is a testament to the enduring appeal of the sport. From its humble beginnings in the UK, gig rowing has found a new home on American shores. It’s truly a testament to the sport and its emphasis on teamwork, physical fitness, and appreciation of its deep history that gig rowing continues to appeal to participants and foster a strong sense of community. 

 

Throughout this all, we’re reminded of the driven and passionate people who are at the heart of gig rowing as we know it today. From those who put in countless hours towards club administration, training sessions and organising for races, to those like Marci and Steve who are dedicated to community and connection in the work they are doing.

 

We are certain that this dedication alongside the accessibility and appeal of the sport promises to leave a lasting impact on the coastal communities of the United States for years to come.

 

Images courtesy of Janet Rice and Gordon Brown