Expanded partnership between British Rowing and EXR aims to progress immersive digital rowing initiatives
The strategic partnership between British Rowing and EXR has been renewed, aiming to create ongoing connected virtual rowing experiences that enhance accessibility, competition integrity, and community engagement in indoor rowing across the UK.
This collaboration facilitates regular online competitions and group rowing events on the EXR platform, allowing rowers from various backgrounds — including fitness enthusiasts, Olympians, and club members — to compete and connect globally in a virtual environment.
The partnership impacts indoor rowing events and clubs in several ways:
- Expanded Virtual Competitions: British Rowing and EXR host a series of monthly group rows and race events, providing structured, frequent opportunities for indoor rowers to participate virtually. These events include diverse race formats and distances, such as the 4.4km Mangrove Mirage and 2km Polar Loop, culminating in events that help rowers prepare for major championships like the British Rowing Indoor Championships (BRIC).
- Community Building: The EXR app’s group rows promote a sense of connection among indoor rowing participants across the UK and internationally. Users report making new friendships and spending more time actively training on rowing machines due to the engaging virtual environment.
- Competitive Integrity and Growth: The partnership supports the standardization of rules and competition formats for connected rowing, enhancing the legitimacy and appeal of virtual among all experience levels. This growth supports British Rowing’s global membership, now exceeding 30,000 participants, providing a platform for learning and athletic development.
- Support for Clubs and Development Pathways: Virtual events encourage club involvement by offering accessible competition that complements on-water rowing, broadening participation and supporting talent pathways within the UK rowing community.
Chris Farrell, Head of Community at British Rowing, expressed excitement about continuing the partnership for the next year. Alfred Campenaerts, CEO of Salty Lemon Entertainment, highlighted the partnership’s shared vision of making indoor rowing accessible. Both parties look forward to connecting local clubs with worldwide audiences through virtual engagement.
References: 1. British Rowing press release 2. EXR press release
Rowing clubs can leverage the renewed strategic partnership between British Rowing and EXR to learn new indoor rowing techniques, as the partnership aims to offer virtual connected rowing experiences. The EXR platform, a part of this collaboration, provides gadgets and technology-enabled group rowing events and competitions, promoting sports engagement for individuals with diverse rowing backgrounds. With the growing number of virtual rowing events and the potential to prepare for major championships like the British Rowing Indoor Championships (BRIC), learning to row indoors has become a feasible and exciting opportunity for both beginners and experienced rowers.
