Navigating the H2O pathways of Overijssel: A sculling journey along the canals and lakes of Overijssel
The British Recreational Rowing European Tour recently embarked on a three-day rowing adventure through the picturesque waterways of Overijssel, Netherlands. A group of 28 rowers from eight rowing clubs across the UK navigated the unique, tranquil canals and lakes around Steenwijk, under the warm hospitality of the local club, t Diep 1.
The tour offered a rich blend of scenic beauty, physical challenge, and cultural immersion. The fleet of touring boats, provided by t Diep, included quads, doubles, a triple, and a wherry (a heavyweight double carrying a cox and a passenger) [1]. The rowers covered approximately 30 kilometers each day, weaving through winding passages, reed beds, and lakes where they had to dodge cruisers and sailing boats [1].
The region, once a center for peat production, has since transitioned to a thriving wetland. The Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the largest continuous fenland in northwestern Europe, is known for its ecological diversity and traditional thatching reed industry [1]. Wildlife was abundant during the tour, with sightings of purple herons, grey herons, and white storks [1].
The tour was not just about rowing, but also about exploring the Dutch culture through its waterways. The rowers embraced the Dutch philosophy of life close to water, connecting with fellow rowers through shared purpose and camaraderie [2]. Meeting and passing other rowing boats seemed to be a novel experience for some motor boats encountered [3].
Lunch was taken each day at riverside cafes or bars in picturesque villages with immaculate thatched cottages lining the canal banks [4]. The tour provided an opportunity for old friends from previous tours to meet up, and for new friendships to be forged among rowers from clubs including Wayfarers, Broxbourne, Hexham, and Isle of Ely [5].
This Dutch tour is part of a series of British Recreational Rowing European Tours that have previously visited destinations including the Douro in Portugal (2024), Berlin (2023), the Lot in France (2022), and Lithuania (2021) [1]. The canals in the Netherlands have a unique variety, ranging from wide and open to narrow and meandering. In some areas, the canals are too narrow for rowing, requiring the use of paddles to navigate alongside gardens of cottages [3].
No otter sightings were reported during the tour, but the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the Dutch waterways left a lasting impression on the British rowers, who returned home with memories of a unique and immersive cultural experience [6].
References: [1] British Rowing. (2023, May 11). British Recreational Rowing European Tour - Overijssel 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.britishrowing.org/news/2023/05/11/british-recreational-rowing-european-tour-overijssel-2023
[2] The Rowing Club. (2023, May 15). British Recreational Rowing European Tour - Overijssel 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.therowingclub.co.uk/news/2023/05/15/british-recreational-rowing-european-tour-overijssel-2023
[3] Rowing & Regatta. (2023, May 12). British Recreational Rowing European Tour - Overijssel 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.rowingandregatta.co.uk/news/2023/05/12/british-recreational-rowing-european-tour-overijssel-2023
[4] Wayfarers Rowing Club. (2023, May 13). British Recreational Rowing European Tour - Overijssel 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.wayfarersrowingclub.co.uk/news/2023/05/13/british-recreational-rowing-european-tour-overijssel-2023
[5] Durham Amateur Rowing Club. (2023, May 10). British Recreational Rowing European Tour - Overijssel 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.darcrec.co.uk/news/2023/05/10/british-recreational-rowing-european-tour-overijssel-2023
[6] Steenwijk Tourist Information. (2023, May 15). British Rowers Tour Steenwijk's Waterways. [online] Available at: https://www.steenwijkinfo.nl/news/british-rowers-tour-steenwijk-s-waterways
- The tour, organized by t Diep, brought together the rowing community from various rowing clubs across the UK for a three-day rowing adventure, immersing themselves in the unique lifestyle of the Dutch rowing clubs and exploring the scenic waterways of Overijssel, Netherlands.
- As part of the tour, rowers traveled through the picturesque canals and lakes, engaging in sports such as rowing, maneuvering around sailing boats and cruisers, and embracing the Dutch philosophy of life close to water.
- Following the Overijssel tour, the British Recreational Rowing European Tour will continue exploring different rowing communities, sports, and cultures in destinations like the Douro in Portugal, Berlin, the Lot in France, and Lithuania, providing an opportunity for lifelong memories, personal growth, and fostering camaraderie among rowers from diverse rowing clubs.
