3 Ways to Offer Gender-Expansive Race Categories at Your Next Masters Regatta
In 2023, USRowing updated its gender inclusion policy to be more inclusive for trans and non-binary rowers. Now it’s time for more regattas to broaden the definition of "mixed gender" and add new event categories like "open gender." Scroll to see how East Bay Rowing Club and DC Strokes Rowing Club are taking the lead, and consider how your club can expand racing opportunities at your next masters regatta.
USROWING POLICY FOR ADULT ATHLETES
Adult Athletes (includes masters, senior, intermediate, U23, 18 and over who are not in college or high school).
Athletes over the age of 18, who are not considered a youth or collegiate rower, shall be allowed to participate in a rowing activity in accordance with such athlete’s expressed gender identity irrespective of the sex listed on the athlete’s birth certificate and regardless of whether the athlete has undergone any medical treatment subject to the Eligibility Procedures set forth below.
Mixed Events: Boat entries in this category must consist of 50% athletes of any gender and 50% athletes assigned as female at birth.
Open Gender Events: These events are for athletes of any gender.
DC STROKES ROWING CLUB - Host of Stonewall Regatta
According to the Stonewall Regatta website: “Stonewall is the only regatta in North America hosted by a Gay & Lesbian rowing team. The first Stonewall Regatta was held in 1994 during Gay Games IV in New York City. Stonewall Regatta follows the commitment of DCSRC to bridge gaps between communities by building an inclusive environment and educating the public not only about rowing, but also contributions by the LGBTQI+ community and DCSRC.
Mixed Gendered Events: Entries can contain EITHER 50% athletes of any gender and 50% athletes assigned female at birth OR 100% athletes of any gender, as long as (1) they are not all the same gender, and (2) each athlete is competing consistent with their other events at Stonewall XXXI, whether that be as their USRowing-identified gender or the gender category that aligns with their sex assigned at birth.
Mixed gender and non-binary events offered in 2025:
Nonbinary Masters 1x, 2x, and 4+
Nonbinary Adaptive 1x PR1/PR2
Nonbinary Adaptive 1x PR3 (LTA)
Nonbinary Open 1x
Nonbinary Novice 1x
Mixed Masters 2x, 4+, 4x, and 8+
Mixed Adaptive 1x PR3 (LTA)
Mixed Adaptive/Inclusion 2x PR1/PR2 (AS/TA)
EAST BAY ROWING CLUB - Host of Boats Without Barriers
According to the East Bay Rowing Club website, “Boats without Barriers was established in 2022 as a direct response to discriminatory legislation in Florida that threatened inclusive participation in rowing. Rather than remain silent, East Bay Rowing Club created an alternative regatta celebrating diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in rowing for athletes of all races, genders, and abilities. What began as a stand for justice has grown into an annual tradition that embodies our core values.”
Open-Gendered Events: EBRC has eliminated the familiar “Mixed” category in favor of “Open-Gendered.” The Mixed category has historically relied on and been subject to rules based on the assumption that there are only two genders. EBRC recognizes that gender is a spectrum, not a binary, and is creating space for all to compete as their authentic selves.
Open-gendered events offered in 2025:
masters 1x and 2x
inclusive 2x
coxwains 500m Dash 4+
masters 4+ and 8+
masters novice 4+, 4x, and 8+
masters 500m Dash 8+