Even since the earliest recorded references to rowing, the sporting element has been present. An Egyptian funerary inscription of 1430 BC records that the warrior Amenhotep II was also renowned for his feats of oarsmanship. In the 13th century, Venetian festivals called “regata” included boat races among others.

The first known “modern” rowing races, began from competition among the professional watermen that provided ferry and taxi service on the River Thames in London. Prizes for wager races were often offered by the London Guilds and Livery Companies or wealthy owners of riverside houses. During the 19th century, these races became numerous and popular, attracting large crowds.

The boat race between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge first took place in 1829. In 1843, the first American college rowing club was formed at Yale University. The Harvard-Yale Regatta, which has been contested every year since 1852 (except interruptions due to wars), is the oldest intercollegiate sporting event in the United States.

FISA first organized a European Rowing Championships in 1893. An annual World Rowing Championships were introduced in 1962. Rowing has also been contested at the Olympic Games since 1900 (cancelled at the first Olympic Games in 1896 due to bad weather).

For most of its history, rowing has been a male dominated sport. Women were not allowed to participate until the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976.