The Kingdom Indoor Rowing Championship 2025 returns in its second edition with a broader scope, taking place simultaneously in three cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Qatif, making it more accessible to all participants and rowing enthusiasts.
Following the success of last year’s edition and the wide recognition it received, the championship this year opens its doors to men, women, and people with disabilities, with participants divided into age groups to ensure fair competition.
These include: Under 19 Under 23 Seniors (Open) Masters: 30–39, 40–49, and above The races will be held using Concept2 rowing machines inside indoor venues, featuring both individual and team events, along with cash prizes that enhance the spirit of competition and encourage participation.
All rowing machines must be approved by the World Rowing Federation or the event’s organizing body.
The Concept2 Indoor Rower is most commonly used in official competitions worldwide, as it is the internationally recognized and approved standard.
This machine is known for:
High accuracy, reliability, and calibration consistency
Durability for intensive use
Equipped with the PM5 Performance Monitor (real-time display of time, distance, pace, stroke rate, power output)
Connectivity to race timing systems for fairness
Drag Factor (Air Resistance): Adjustable before the race (1–10). Affects stroke intensity, speed, and power.
Slide Length: Some machines allow adjustment of the seat slide length; must be set before the race.
All machines must be inspected and properly calibrated before the race.
Malfunctions or technical issues must be reported and fixed prior to competition.
Age Categories: Under 19, Under 23, Open, Masters (e.g., 30–39, 40–49, etc.).
Weight Categories:
Lightweight: Men ≤ 75 kg; Women ≤ 61.5 kg
Open Weight: No restrictions
Competitors must register before the event and provide details (age, weight).
Official weigh-in is usually done on race day or within 24 hours prior.
Weights must be documented by organizers.
500 meters: Pure sprint test
1000 meters: Test of speed and endurance
2000 meters: Standard race distance, ultimate endurance/tactical test
Time Trials: e.g., 4-minute or 30-minute max distance
Competitors must be seated with enough time to adjust foot stretchers and handles.
Begins with an audible or visual signal.
Machines set to Race Mode for synchronization and accurate timing.
False starts: Race stopped and restarted.
Electronic Timing: Automatically recorded via connected systems.
Results Recording: Collected/stored electronically; ranking based on finishing times.
Ties: Reviewed or re-race scheduled.
Completion: Race ends once distance is covered. Time taken from machine reading.
Ties: Jury decides whether to accept results or schedule a re-race.
Results Announcement: Confirmed and validated before announcing.
Awards: Medals and prizes by age/weight category.
Sportsmanship: Respect toward competitors and officials required. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification.
Compliance: Must follow organizing committee rules; violations can lead to penalties or disqualification.
Competitors/representatives may file official protests (rule violation or timing error).
Must be submitted within specified time after the race.
Jury’s decision is final and binding.
Medical Check: Competitors advised to undergo medical examination before participating.
Restrictions: Athletes with certain medical conditions may not compete.
Emergency Procedures: Clear protocols required. Medical team must be present to handle emergencies.