Her Outdoors Week provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate women getting active outside, trying new experiences and enjoying everything rowing has to offer.

In Galway, two activities demonstrated how rowing clubs and participation programmes can create welcoming opportunities for women and girls to connect with the outdoors, their communities and the sport.

A milestone for Galway’s Women on the Water group

On Monday, 10th August, 12 women gathered at Woodquay for a memorable Women on the Water outing supported by St Joseph’s College Rowing Club.

The participants first discovered rowing through Rowing Ireland’s Women on the Water programme before continuing their development through Rise & Row, Rowing Ireland’s indoor rowing initiative. Having trained on the erg throughout the winter and completed previous sessions on the river, they were ready to take on a new challenge: rowing approximately 10km along the River Corrib and reaching Lough Corrib for the first time.

The group was divided across three quads, with each boat accompanied by a junior member of St Joseph’s College Rowing Club who coxed and supported the crew along the route. Coaches also travelled alongside the group in a launch.

Cub member Dara Fuller, who helped during the session, described how the women arrived with “lots of determination” and excitement ahead of their return to the water.

With calm conditions and clear skies, the crews made their way upriver, sharing stories and learning more about the history of rowing along the Corrib. Reaching the lake was a particularly special moment, giving the women an opportunity to pause, take in the surroundings and recognise how far they had progressed.

The return journey took the crews past Menlo Castle before a friendly, and initially unplanned, race began to develop as the boats approached the Quincentennial Bridge.

Reflecting on the evening, participant Deirdre Croughan said:

“There was a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, and it was great to see so many women getting involved, enjoying the chats and just being out on the water together.”

Another participant highlighted the important role played by the young volunteers and coaches:

“We received super encouragement from our coaches and coxes, and reaching the lake felt like a great achievement.”

The outing celebrated much more than completing a 10km row. It demonstrated what a connected participation pathway can achieve when women are provided with a welcoming first experience, opportunities to continue developing and a supportive community around them.

What began with introductory Women on the Water sessions has progressed through indoor training with Rise & Row and back onto the water for regular crew outings. Along the way, the participants have built confidence, developed new skills and formed lasting friendships.

The coaches and coxes of the club volunteered their time to assist with the event. Their involvement helped create a positive intergenerational experience and demonstrated the valuable contribution younger club members can make to facilitating recreational rowing.

Her Outdoors Week at CRCC Galway

Her Outdoors Week activity also took place at Cumann Rámhaíochta Choláiste na Coiribe (CRCC), Galway’s Irish-language rowing club.

Through the event, CRCC created an enjoyable and welcoming opportunity for women and girls to spend time outdoors, be active together and experience rowing within their local community.

Míle buíochas leis na hoibrithe deonacha go léir a thug a gcuid ama agus tacaíochta.

Creating opportunities that last beyond the week

Across both Galway activities, the emphasis was not on previous experience or performance. It was about participation, connection, enjoying the outdoors and making space for more women and girls within rowing.

Her Outdoors Week may take place once a year, but its impact can extend far beyond a single event. A positive first experience can lead to another session, a new programme, club membership or a lasting involvement in the sport.

The journey of Galway’s Women on the Water participants offers a simple but powerful example: create the first opportunity, provide the next step and make space for people to continue.

Rowing Ireland would like to thank the participants, coaches, coxes, junior helpers and club volunteers who contributed to the Galway activities and brought the spirit of Her Outdoors Week to life.

For clubs interested in creating more opportunities for women and girls, Rowing Ireland’s Women on the Water and Rise & Row programmes provide a strong foundation for developing accessible and sustainable participation pathways.

To find out more or discuss running a programme at your club, email womeninsport@rowingireland.ie or indoorrowing@rowingireland.ie.