Rowing

About Deganwy Rowers

Conway Yacht Club ‘Deganwy Rowers’ was established in 2019 as an all-inclusive club that welcomes people who are keen to row across all ages and abilities. We invite members and non-members alike to get on the water and join in rowing sessions. It’s a sociable and stress-free way to get some exercise while enjoying the stunning scenery along the River Conwy. 

We have easy launching onto the Conwy Estuary from the pontoon on Deganwy beach, next to the signal box. This protected position allows us to row at any stage of the tide and allows for rowing all year round – weather permitting! Therefore we can offer a dynamic calendar of social and competitive rowing in our Celtic longboats and Sculls.

Celtic longboats are coxed 4, sea-going rowboats: that is four rowers with one oar each plus a cox to steer and control the craft. Similar in some aspects to the Pilot Gigs (rowing boats used to take pilots out to waiting sailing ships) from Cornwall they are a modern GRP hulled, fixed seat craft. 

Our two Celtic longboats are used for gentle social rowing, adventure days around the Orme, racing in leagues and point to point local races with more ambitious outings such as the Irish Sea race from Arklow, south of Dublin to Aberystwyth. 

Rowers launching from Conwy Harbour

The Welsh Sea Rowing Association, WSR, governs the sport and visiting the WSR website will give an overview of the organisation.

We row most of the week, all year. Regular sessions are as follows:

  • Sunday 0930 and 1100 
  • Tuesday Mornings Race training
  • Wednesday 0930 and 1800
  • Friday sculling with members boats
  • Saturday 0930 and 1100

‘Adventure Fun Rows’ can include:

  • Upriver from Deganwy to Tal-y-Cafn
  • Around the Great Orme from Deganwy to North Shore Llandudno
  • Mid-summer’s Eve Row
  • New Year Welcome Row
  • Picnic rows
  • And a row up to Conwy town quay and under the bridge is an excellent introduction to the Celtic longboat

*Beginner sessions are planned all year to cater with demand, and other sessions can be organised by demand. Lifejackets are provided for all sessions, please see our Lifejacket Policy. 

Please note: Sessions are weather dependent, winds above 20mph can be a problem, but we have sheltered waters in the harbour.