Your local rowing club, welcoming everyone from beginners to international athletes
Come join and support us at Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club – a friendly rowing club based on the Isle of Dogs, London. We row on both the tidal waters of the River Thames and the 2000m multi-lane Royal Albert Dock course.
Squad Rowing
If you’re an experienced rower you can join either our racing squads or get involved with our recreational group. There is something for everyone.
Events & Races
We organise a number of rowing events each year including the Docklands Head and the Greenwich Head, as well as various social events across the calendar.
Coxes welcome
Cox on the most exciting part of the Thames, from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier. Our racing and learn-to-row crews need you and your experience!
Stay safe
We take health & safety very seriously. We row on one of the most exciting and scenic stretches of the river Thames, but it is also the most challenging part with tidal differences of up to 7 meters and river traffic from Thames clippers, work and pleasure boats.
Adherence to the club’s own rules and the Tideway Rowing Code is absolutely critical for everyone’s safety. The PBDRC steering accreditation manual outlines how you can progress from a ‘Red’ to a ‘Green’ oarsmen. Visit also the British Rowing safety and safeguarding pages and go through the online capsize drill. Check the weather, wind and tide before you go afloat and stay within with designated rowing areas.
Recent News
Tideway Scullers Row to Victory at the Greenwich Head
The Isle of Dogs played host to the annual Greenwich Head race on Sunday, February 16th, with 29 crews battling it out for the coveted Head of the River title. Organised by Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club (PBDRC), the event saw rowers tackle a shortened...
Poplar members Annika and Molly rowed across the Atlantic
It was 3 years in the making, 44 days 5 hours and 55 minutes on the water to row across the Atlantic. On 24 January 2025 team Atlantic Fusion, with Poplar members Annika and Molly arrived in Antigua. It is known as the world’s toughest row and all at Poplar are...
A Night to Remember: Dinner and Dance 2024
Last Saturday night, Poplar Rowing Club hosted a glamorous dinner and dance that defied the dreary weather outside. The beautifully decorated clubhouse, adorned in the club's signature yellow and black, provided a warm and inviting atmosphere for the evening's...
The Docklands Head: A Day of Thrilling Competition
The London Regatta Centre played host to the annual Docklands Head organised by Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club. On a grey November 10th with overcast skies, perfect rowing conditions prevailed, with calm waters and mild temperatures. Strong...
About PBDRC
Poplar Blackwall and District Rowing Club is a rowing club on the Northern bank or the River Thames opposite Greenwich on the Isle of Dogs, London.
We are open to all levels of rowers for fun, practice, training and competition.
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Our Address
Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club
The Boat House
Ferry Street
London
E14 3DT