A Club With a Proud Heritage
Established in 1858, Kingston Rowing Club (KRC) has a long and proud history as one of England's premier rowing clubs. Located on the scenic River Thames in Kingston upon Thames, we provide rowing opportunities for all levels and ages —from novices to international competitors. Our club is a proud member of British Rowing and is deeply involved in the local and national rowing community.
Situated downstream of Kingston Bridge and Kingston Railway Bridge, KRC enjoys access to one of the most beautiful and competitive stretches of the Thames. Our location on the Kingston Reach offers a 4.82-mile stretch of non-tidal river, making it an ideal training ground for rowers and scullers. This section of the river is the final and second-longest weir-controlled stretch of the Thames, second only to the Wallingford Reach in Oxfordshire.
Over the years, KRC has produced many international-level rowers and has consistently competed at the highest levels, achieving success at prestigious events such as the British Rowing Championships and the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta.
Our History
Kingston Rowing Club began its journey at Messenger’s Boathouse in 1858. After a brief three-year stay, we moved upstream to Raven’s Ait in Surbiton, where the club remained until 1935. During this period, KRC became a central part of the local rowing scene. In 1935, we relocated to the Albany Boathouse, before finally settling into our purpose-built facilities at Canbury Gardens in 1968, where we continue to thrive today.
Facilities
KRC provides top-class facilities for rowers of all abilities. Our boathouse is home to a wide range of racing shells as well as training boats, catering to both competitive and recreational rowers. We share the river with several other water sports clubs, including the Royal Canoe Club, The Skiff Club, Walbrook Rowing Club, and local school rowing teams from Tiffin School, Kingston Grammar School, and Surbiton High School.
Kingston Students Rowing Club (KSRC)
We are also proud to support Kingston Students Rowing Club (KSRC), which has its roots in the former Kingston Polytechnic Boat Club, founded in 1972. With Kingston Polytechnic gaining university status in 1992, the club became known as the Kingston University Boat Club (KUBC). In 2011, it evolved into KSRC, under KRC’s management. Today, we provide coaching and facilities for Kingston University students, allowing them to compete in events like the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Regatta and the University Indoor Rowing Series.
Annual Events
KRC plays an active role in organising Kingston Regatta, a historic event held since 1857, predating the club’s founding. The regatta takes place annually above Kingston Bridge and continues to attract top rowing talent. Additionally, we host the Kingston Small Boats Head and Kingston Head of the River Race, a key warm-up event for crews preparing for the national Head of the River Race on the Championship Course.
Community & Social Life
KRC is more than just a rowing club; it's a vibrant social hub for rowers and supporters alike. We maintain a busy social calendar, offering members opportunities to connect beyond the boat. As a member of Remenham Club, KRC provides established members access to social events at Henley on Thames, adding to the club's rich tradition of camaraderie and rowing excellence.
