Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club

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 and Recreational Rowing on the Thames, London

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.

Rowers Racing on the Thames at Poplar, London

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.

Rowers Racing on the Thames at Poplar, London

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

Handover of captaincy at Poplar

Handover of captaincy at Poplar

After two decades as a trustee and five years at the helm as club captain, Dan Bartlett passed the captain's torch to Ben Gliniecki at the 2024 AGM. He wasn't alone in stepping down; vice-captain Harry Joynes also relinquished his position, with Nathan Evans taking...

Annual General Meeting 17 March 2024

Annual General Meeting 17 March 2024

This year’s annual general meeting (AGM) for members will be held at 10:30 AM on Sunday 17 March 2024 in the main hall at the club. AGENDA Minutes of Previous General Meeting Club Captain’s Report Club Treasurer’s Report Membership fees 2024-25 Review and vote on...

Docklands Head Returns with a Splash

Docklands Head Returns with a Splash

The Docklands Head made a triumphant return to the London Regatta Centre in East London on 12 November 2023. Organized by Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club (PBDRC), the event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd of rowers, spectators, and supporters....

Harry & Eliza Roberts Championship 2023

Harry & Eliza Roberts Championship 2023

On a sunny October morning the 2023 Harry & Eliza Roberts Championship took place at Poplar, racing on a flood tide from the Blue Bridge to Masthouse. The event attracted 22 boats competing in singles and doubles. The winners were: Overall fastest single: Nathan...

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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PBDRC
56 Ferry Street, Isle of Dogs, E14 3DT

Our Address

Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club
The Boat House
Ferry Street
London
E14 3DT