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 Poplar Regatta and the Docklands 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
Scullers Head: A windy start to head race season
After brushing shoulders with rowing greats George Bourne and Imogen Grant, six Poplar athletes pressed against the wind up to Chiswick Bridge, ready to officially kick off the winter racing season.Here is how the squad fared in the testing conditions on...
Poplar Stands Proud at World Rowing Masters Regatta 2026 in Bled
Against the stunning backdrop of Lake Bled, Slovenia, Poplar joined 4,711 athletes from 51 countries for five unforgettable days of racing between the 9th and 13th of September. After a scorching training day, the first two days of competition were hit by...
Five Wins for All-Female Poplar Squad at Peterborough Summer Regatta
It was a fantastic and fun weekend for an all-female Poplar line-up at the Peterborough Summer Regatta, with the club bringing home an impressive five wins overall! The squad put on a stellar display of racing across both the 1000m and 500m...
Race reports from Molesey and Staines 2026
It has been a cracking couple of weekends for Poplar Rowing Club, with the racing squad taking to the Thames to compete at both the Molesey and Staines Regattas. The sun was shining, the competition was fierce, and our crews certainly delivered the goods....
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