City Barge

Who we are and what we do


City Barge is a boating club.  We row, and punt, and canoe.  We are not known to race – for we value watermanship above medals.  However, we are known for rowing in the Venetian style … and we do row the shallop – the Royal Thamesis.




Shallop at Newby Hall

City Barge is an interestingly different  rowing club, dedicated to rowing beautiful and sometimes, historic boats.    The club is based at Long Bridges Boathouse on the R.Isis (or Thames) in Oxford, near the confluence with the R.Cherwell, and not far from the Oxford Canal.  We practise regularly in Oxford and also row in many other places in the UK and Europe.  Every May we go to Venice to take part in the Voga Longa, which is 32km, and demands some fitness and the ability to handle wind and tide, and choppy conditions.

The club's members are all ages and both male and female.   They have the common interest in wanting to row (which is excellent exercise), but they also admire beautifully constructed rowing boats. Besides the watermanship we also enjoy the aerobic exercise and the beautiful wooden boats, and the party atmosphere that goes with them. Many of us also love Venice - particularly in May.   We enjoy taking brief holidays rowing down beautiful rivers in England,  France and other countries- and several more of these trips are being planned.   We certainly enjoy our social life - as City Barge members seem to participate in lots of parties, both at home and abroad.   There is nothing better than a good dinner after a hard day's rowing!

The club has two captains – one for rowing Venetian style – and the other for sitting down – in the English style.  In both cases we encourage flexibility of side and skill - so that whoever turns up should get a row.   City Barge sends crews of both types of  crews to Venice and they participate in many other events.  For example the club now provides rowers for the ceremonial "Shallop" which will be rowed on special occasions.


back to home page