Rowing Books & Films

A documentary about Chris Ernst and the Yale women's crew team's historic 1976 Title IX protest, a landmark moment in the fight for gender equity in sports.

Four-time Olympic gold medalist Matthew Pinsent's memoir covering his extraordinary rowing career alongside Steve Redgrave and the pursuit of perfection.

A powerful documentary narrated by Common about the first African-American high school rowing team in the nation, made up of young men from the West Side of Chicago who found purpose and unity through the sport.

A firsthand account of training and competing in the men's double sculls at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, told with raw intensity by gold medalist Brad Alan Lewis.

A documentary exploring the culture and obsession of rowing through interviews with Olympic athletes, coaches, and rowing enthusiasts worldwide.

A BBC drama telling the remarkable true story of Bert Bushnell and Dickie Burnell, two mismatched rowers who defied the odds to win gold in the double sculls at the 1948 London Olympics.

Documents the true story of two young men who attempt to row across the Atlantic Ocean, facing extreme conditions and personal challenges on one of the world's most dangerous ocean crossings.

Two brothers tell the story of racing against each other in the 2003 Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, the closest finish in history. A gripping dual memoir of sibling rivalry and rowing obsession.

A richly illustrated history of rowing in Philadelphia along the Schuylkill River, from the sport's golden age through the Kelly dynasty to the fight for women's access to rowing. Features over 160 photographs.

Olympic silver medalist Ginny Gilder's memoir about how rowing transformed her life, from her early struggles to the 1984 Olympics and becoming a sports team owner.

A feature-length documentary following rowers ranging from novice girls to women training for the Olympics as they overcome obstacles and seek greatness, highlighting the spirit of women's rowing.

A memoir about a suburban mother who discovers competitive rowing in her thirties, ultimately winning a national championship and transforming her life.

An authoritative and readable handbook covering basic strokes, equipment, boat handling, technique, and power for scullers of all levels. A go-to reference for anyone learning to scull.

A novel about a scholarship rower at an elite boarding school, weaving between his intense prep school racing and his adult life as he confronts unresolved rivalries.

A gripping documentary following the USA men's rowing team as they train for and compete at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, capturing the intensity, sacrifice, and camaraderie of elite Olympic preparation.

Based on the life of Canadian rower Silken Laumann, who suffered a devastating leg injury weeks before the 1992 Barcelona Olympics yet fought back to win a bronze medal in single sculls.

An Ivy League rowing team, reeling from a bitter loss, is transformed when a Vietnam War veteran becomes their new coach. Starring Michael Shannon and Alexander Ludwig.

A powerful memoir about love, loss, and rowing, written by the partner of a rower who died in a tragic accident, exploring grief through the lens of the sport.

The story of Jack Kelly Sr., a three-time Olympic gold medalist and father of Grace Kelly, and his son Jack Jr. who carried on the sculling legacy. A portrait of rowing royalty on the Schuylkill River.

Chronicles the journey of the Coxless Crew, four women who rowed across the Pacific Ocean from California to Australia without the support of trailing boats, covering over 8,000 miles.

A beautifully written exploration of the meditative and philosophical dimensions of rowing, blending personal memoir with the sport's deeper meanings.

A documentary following Irish brothers Gary and Paul O'Donovan on their journey from Skibbereen to Olympic silver in the lightweight double sculls at the 2016 Rio Games, capturing their humor and determination.

A British psychological thriller about a failed trans-Atlantic rowing record attempt. A woman washes ashore on a blood-stained boat, and a detective unravels what happened. Winner of Best UK Feature at Raindance.

The definitive coaching guide for competitive rowers and coaches, covering technique, training, race strategy, and sports science. Widely regarded as the standard reference for the sport.

A documentary following the journey of rowers preparing for and competing in the Olympic Games, capturing the dedication and sacrifice of elite rowing.

A memoir of adventure and self-discovery by a couple who spent over twenty years rowing and kayaking along the Arctic's edge, from Alaska to Greenland, exploring some of the world's most remote coastlines.

A critically acclaimed German coming-of-age film set against the backdrop of a rowing regatta, exploring friendship, identity, and self-discovery among a crew of young rowers.

A deep dive into the obsessive world of elite single sculling, following four rowers competing for a spot on the 1984 US Olympic team.

A scientifically driven analysis of rowing technique and equipment by Dr. Valery Kleshnev, drawing on over 25 years of biomechanical data from elite rowers. Essential reading for coaches and serious athletes.

A historical drama starring Nicolas Cage as Ned Hanlan, the legendary 19th-century Canadian sculler who revolutionized the sport and became one of the greatest rowers of all time.

The epic true story of the 1936 US Olympic eight-oar rowing team's quest for gold at the Berlin Olympics, following working-class Joe Rantz and his teammates.

George Clooney's film adaptation of the bestselling book, depicting the University of Washington's rowing team and their journey to the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

A PBS American Experience documentary telling the story of the University of Washington rowing team that triumphed at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, featuring archival footage and interviews.

A comprehensive guide with training plans, tips, and techniques for indoor rowing, suitable for serious athletes, outdoor rowers, gym users, and coaches. Covers fitness, technique, and programming.

An intimate season-long chronicle of Yale's varsity heavyweight crew, capturing the grueling training, fierce rivalries, and deep bonds of collegiate rowing.

An anthology collecting over forty unforgettable rowing stories from the eighteenth century to modern times, featuring contributions from prominent oarsmen and women, historians, poets, and songwriters.

The remarkable story of the servicemen who survived World War I to compete for the coveted King's Cup at the 1919 Royal Henley Peace Regatta, rowing from the Great War to peace.

The inspiring story of the 1975 US women's eight that won the first-ever World Championship for American women's rowing, helping launch Title IX in the sport.

A true story of rowing, revenge, and redemption following the author's freshman crew year at Trinity College in the 1970s, blending personal memoir with a tale of rivalry and an exceptional lightweight boat.

A comprehensive guide covering best practices for coaches and rowers, including technique, ergometer training, strength conditioning, nutrition, and mental skills for improving rowing performance.

A dramatic retelling of the 1987 Oxford mutiny, when internal conflict threatened to tear apart the Oxford University Boat Race crew.