Ardingly Reservoir was constructed in 1978 by damming Shell Brook, a tributary of the River Ouse, to help meet the growing demand for water in the south-east. It is now owned by South East Water and used for walking, relaxing, bird watching, fishing and water sports activities.

Ardingly Rowing Club (ARC) was founded in 1995 by 4 local rowers who saw the beauty of the Reservoir and lamented the lack of rowing in the local area. When we started back in 1995 we had no boats, no money and no members. Starting with begged and borrowed surplus equipment from their rowing contacts, the hard work and dedication of the early members plus a considerable boost from Project Oarsome has helped build the club to where it is today.

We currently have 120 Rowing Club Members, the capped limit on our numbers set by agreement with Ardingly Activity Centre. The AAC is a commercial Watersports centre and fishery which manages the activities on the site, including a Cafe open to the general public.
We row with the permission of AAC with every member rowing under the terms of the AAC 'Season Ticket'

In return the club and members have access to approx. 1,400 metres of (usually!) sheltered water, a racking area for club and personal boats, and when open, loos, showers and Cafe in the Activity Centre itself.

The reservoir at sunrise (image TF)

lake bank erosion

Our Vision

The club ethos is to enable all who come to the sport of rowing at our Club - regardless of age, race, gender or athletic ability - to be able to row, scull or cox to their full potential, and to enjoy the sport safely to the level at which they wish to participate. The club is run entirely by volunteers and all coaching is also by volunteers. We endeavour to provide coaching for all club members, by allocating each club member to a specific squad, each of which follows its own training plans and times allocated to it on the lake where space is limited.