bayada regatta flag

Join us for the 40th Annual BAYADA Regatta

Saturday, August 19th, 2023

8 AM - 5 PM

Temple University Boathouse

2400 Kelly Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19129


Rower, boat, and race classification

Please read all information thoroughly, including all rules and regulations.

This is a USRowing officiated and sanctioned rowing event for athletes with a physical impairment, therefore USRowing Para (FISA) Rules for competition are used in the BAYADA Regatta.

Please click here to download and print the full document.pdf


BAYADA Sport Classes for Athlete Eligible

BAYADA Sport Classes for Athlete Eligible (verifiable and permanent) Impairments:

  • PR1: minimal or no trunk function
  • PR2: functional use of trunk and unable to use sliding seat
  • PR3: functional use of legs, trunk and arms and can use sliding seat
  • PRD- VI: visual impairment, may include subclass of B1, B2, B3 according to IBSA standards
  • ID Sport Class is defined as an athlete with an Intellectual Disability (INAS II-1): must be classified by AWL and listed on the AWL Athletes List.
  • Inclusion 2x Events- Disabled athlete must be classified for the specific event sport class/Non-disabled athlete can be any other sport class (including INAS II-2, INAS II-3 with qualified coach approval)

Rower classification information

Athlete sport classification status


All athletes competing in the BAYADA Regatta with a physical impairment must have an official U.S. or International sport classification. Paperwork is due 30 days prior to classification for review (July 15). Email to: Wendy.Wilbur@USRowing.org.


FISA Para-Rowing Information Sheet

FISA Eligible Impairment Information


Athletes with a Visual Impairment must be assessed, and medical document signed by an ophthalmologist (only). Paperwork (Form- VI Impairment) must be emailed to Wendy.Wilbur@usrowing.org and the athlete is not required to attend an Athlete Classification session.


Athletes with a Physical Impairment who require classification must email their paperwork (Form - Physical Impairment) and supporting medical documentation to Wendy.Wilbur@USRowing.org for review of the eligible impairment 30 days prior to the event (July 15). The Classification is performed by a U.S. Medical and Technical Classification Panel and takes approximately 45 min. Athlete Classification is scheduled by appointment the Friday before the BAYADA Regatta at the host hotel. Please email the Regatta Chief Classifier to confirm a time slot: lkrych125@gmail.com.


Athletes with an Intellectual Disability (ID) must be listed on the Master Classified Athlete List - http://www.athleteswithoutlimits.org/eligibility. As this is a lengthy process it is recommended the athlete begin this process a minimum of 6 months prior to competition.


Event Groupings


Class consolidation and averaging Rowers without competition in their class will be moved into the next higher class as determined by the regatta committee. There must be a minimum of two entries per race for an event to take place. Entries without competition in their division will be moved into the other division, as determined by the regatta committee. In the event of two differently classified rowers in one boat, the boat will be entered into the higher classed event (i.e. a PR2 and a PR3 rower in the same boat will be entered into an PR3 event). In the event of male and female rowers in the same boat, unless the race is specifically a mixed event, the boat will be entered into a male event.


Boat information

In keeping with the standardization process of competition, the BAYADA Regatta will use a universal Boat Type Classification system. Your coach can help you determine which boat class you will be competing in. Some boats are provided, but it is best to bring your own boats and equipment.

The following are the boat type classifications used in the BAYADA Regatta:

BOAT TYPE 1: Primarily used in recreational events, type 1 boats are typically for novice rowers who are competing in their first regatta, or generally compete only once a year. All competitors must row in Alden Ocean Shells or the equivalent.

BOAT TYPE 3: Primarily used in adaptive events, type 3 boats are for more competitive rowers who compete more than once a year and/or have competed in multiple regattas. These rowers must adhere to strict FISA requirements especially in regard to required equipment adaptations. All competitors must row in WinTech, Swift, Alden Star, Filippi or the FISA approved equivalent.

Equipment information

The following are the equipment requirements for the BAYADA Regatta. There will be USA Technical Classifiers on the dock checking equipment as you boat out. If your equipment is determined to be ineligible, you will be disqualified from the event.

  • PR3 and ID Sliding seat -Standard Equipment, Pontoons Optional
  • PR2 Fixed seat - Fixed Seat, Pontoons and support straps optional
  • PR1 Fixed seat - Fixed Seat, Pontoons (no height restriction) and Support Chest Strap Required. Lower lumbar must be in touch with seat back.
  • Straps- min 10 cm wide, quick release, no mechanical buckles, contrasting color to uniform
  • Pontoons- 60 cm from centerline of pontoon to centerline of boat

Equipment availability


In keeping with adaptive rowing tradition, every effort is made to have equipment available to all rowers. However, we cannot guarantee availability of specific rigging. In the event that preferred equipment is not available or in the event of a shortage and substitutions must be made, the dockmaster will have the final decision.

Adaptive rowers will have first pick of equipment over non-disabled rowing partners. We ask that visiting teams bring their own equipment, as we have a limited amount at Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing. All visiting teams are asked to make their equipment available to the other rowers.

Race designation

The following are the race designations for the BAYADA Regatta:

  • 1x, 1000m and 500m. Single adaptive scull race. — PR3, PR3-VI guided, PR2 and PR1 only. 500m race is a novice/entry-level race
  • 2x, 1000m. Double adaptive scull race. — PR3, PR3-VI, PR2, PR1, ID (only one ID or PR3-VI per boat)
    • For safety reasons, an ID or PR3-VI rower is only allowed to compete with an PR3, PR2 or PR1 rower, not another ID or PR3-VI rower.
  • 4+, 1000m. Four adaptive sweep races with coxswain. — PR3, PR3-VI, ID.
    • Boat can have no more than two male rowers.
  • 2x, Recreational 500m. — PR3, PR3-VI, PR2, PR1, ID.
    • One able-bodied rower in the bow and one adaptive rower in the stern.
    • The stroke of the able-bodied rower must match the stroke of the adaptive rower throughout the length of the race, or the boat and rowers will be disqualified.
    • These races are in ClPR1s 1 (Alden Ocean Shell or equivalent) boats.
  • 2x, Composite 1000m. — PR3, PR3-VI, PR2, PR1, ID.
    • One able-bodied rower in the bow of the boat and one adaptive rower in the stern.
    • This race is for new or novice rowers only and can only be raced for one year or at the discretion of the BAYADA Regatta race committee.
    • This race is meant to be a transitional race for new or novice rowers that are not quite ready to row at the adaptive level.
    • These races are in class 3 (WinTech, Alden Star, or equivalent racing shells).
  • 1x and/or 2x, Elite Invitational 1000m. – PR3, PR3-VI, PR2, PR1
    • BAYADA Regatta also hosts an “invitation only” elite event that takes place in traditional (non-para regulated) racing shells. This event is offered on a limited basis and all rowers who wish to participate in this event must apply, meet time standards, and have coach certification of significant use of racing (non-para) shells. This event is typically reserved for National Team/Paralympic Team rowers.

Distances and Races Selection

  • All adaptive and composite races will be 1000m.
  • All recreational races are 500m.
  • When signing up for more than one race, you must leave at least two races between your picks.
  • Times of races have not yet been determined; however, race director and dockmasters will make every attempt to accommodate all requests.
  • We do not guarantee that rowers will compete more than one time.

Limits of Recreational and Inclusion races

  • This is an adaptive rowing event. Recreational and Inclusion races are offered to only those participants that are physically unable or do not demonstrate the skill to row in a single shell or with another adaptive athlete. They must row with a non-disabled partner.
  • Support and Inclusion rowers are not permitted to participate in Para events.

Time limits and race schedule


Participants are responsible to know their race times. Race times will be available during the Jolly-Up the night before the BAYADA Regatta. Races will not be delayed and could be earlier than scheduled. An entry may be scratched due to rower tardiness. Rowers must be near the dock 60 minutes prior to race time.


Dock and Staging Area Access


For safety reasons, due to the number of participants and equipment, access to the boat dock and boat staging area (“rowing area”) is for rowers and volunteers only. Family members are not permitted in the rowing area. Wristbands are required for entry into the rowing area and must be worn throughout the regatta for access.


Rowers must be near the dock 60 minutes prior to their race time.

For more information, please email Sandy Brown at regatta@centeronline.com

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