42nd Annual BAYADA Regatta

September 13, 2025 | Pennsauken, NJ (NEW LOCATION!)

The BAYADA Regatta is one of the largest and longest-running all-adaptive rowing events in the world.

Founded in 1981 as the “Freedom on the River Regatta” by Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR), the BAYADA Regatta—as it is known today—is one of the largest and longest-running para rowing events in the world. The first BAYADA Regatta took place in the summer of 1983 on the banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, where the race is typically held. In 2025, for the first time, the race is being held on the Cooper River in Pennsauken, NJ.

Founder and Chairman Mark Baiada began attending PAR meetings in 1981 and was inspired by the courage and enthusiasm of the rowers. As his relationship with the club developed, he offered to sponsor the annual competition. Since its inception, the BAYADA Regatta has been open to athletes with physical disabilities such as blindness, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, and quadriplegia.

The BAYADA Regatta was the first regatta to focus solely on para-rowing and is open to athletes with physical disabilities from around the globe. Using single and double para-rowing shells that have been adapted for stability, athletes train throughout the year to prepare for this special event. The regatta accommodates all levels and ages of athletes, from beginners to Paralympians, with rowers classified according to standards developed by the International Rowing Federation (FISA).

All rowers, clubs, BAYADA employees, families, clients, and community members are welcome to attend this free event!

Rower and Volunteer Information

Employee Volunteers

Please consider volunteering and spending the day on the river at the Camden County Boathouse

Adaptive Rower and Club Support Registration

On the day of the BAYADA Regatta, races begin promptly at Camden County Boathouse on the Cooper River

Donation Information

Looking to donate to support this year's BAYADA Regatta? Note: clicking the link below will open a new tab.

History of the BAYADA Regatta

In 1981, Mark Baiada, founder and chairman of BAYADA Home Health Care, began attending Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR) meetings and was inspired by the courage and fearlessness that the rowers displayed. As his relationship with the club developed, he decided that BAYADA would sponsor the annual PAR regatta.

Now, more than 40 years later, the BAYADA Regatta has grown steadily, becoming one of the largest all-adaptive rowing events in the world. Competitors from across the US and the world come to Philadelphia to compete in various adaptive rowing events.

Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing Club

PAR serves as the host club for the BAYADA Regatta. Situated along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, PAR’s boathouse stands upriver from Boathouse Row.

Volunteers contribute their time and support to ensure the smooth functioning of PAR’s operations. PAR is a Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports program committed to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in sports.

History

Established in 1980, PAR is the birthplace of adaptive rowing in the United States. Their groundbreaking efforts played a pivotal role in securing the inclusion of adaptive rowing in the Paralympics while also assembling the first-ever US adaptive rowing team to compete in the World Rowing Championships held in St. Catharine’s, Canada.

PAR’s legacy of elite athletes includes Scott Brown, six-time World Champion and Paralympian. Also from PAR, Bronze medal Paralympian Laura Schwanger, former National Team members Jim Falls, Lisa Boron, and Hugh Gallagher. PAR’s program buzzes with activity, drawing in over 25 dedicated rowers who engage in recreational and competitive rowing.

Rower Testimonials

“I love meeting other para rowers. BAYADA is a family reunion- without the drama. Your family welcomes us as part of the BAYADA family.”

- Patrick W., Miami Beach Rowing Club

“Being Deaf has its challenges but it will not stop me from picking up an oar and row! I really love rowing!”

- Lisa C., Unaffiliated

“I knew it was the end for me, or so I thought. Turns out, I could compete against people similar to me, at a similarly advanced competitive level, just a bit more fair.”

- Sam W., Bachelor’s Barge Club

“I love that there’s always something to improve. It feels like putting pieces of a puzzle together.”

- Maria S., CARP

“My favorite part of para rowing is the independence it gives me and people like me.”

- Scott B., Brooks Adaptive Rowing

Rower, Boat, and Race Classification

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

Please click here to download and print the full document.

For more information, please email Sandy Brown at [email protected]

BAYADA Sport Classes for Athlete Eligible Impairments

BAYADA Regatta Sport Classes

PR1: Physical Impairment. This sport class is for athletes who row predominately with their arms and shoulders. Athletes use strapping around their mid section to provide support and stability in the boat.
PR2: Physical Impairment. This sport class is for rowers who have trunk and arm movement, who are unable to use their legs to propel the sliding seat.
PR3: Physical Impairment (PR3-PI) or Visual Impairment (PR3-VI) This sport class is for rowers who have the use of their legs, trunk and arms, who can utilize the sliding seat.
II1: Intellectual Impairment. Documented full scale IQ score of 75 or lower (on WAIS, WISC, Stanford Binet) with significant limitations in at least one domain area of adaptive behavior (Vineland, ABAS, or AAMR) onset before age 22.

The following classifications may be allowed to compete on a limited basis. BAYADA Regatta Race Committee must review and approve all entries in the categories below. No self-classification is accepted:

II3: High functional autism (autism diagnosis with IQ score of 76 or higher)
PR3-RA: Requires accommodation. Cannot safely row a single shell independently. Must be approved through USRowing, Athletes Without Limits or Freedom Rows.

Regatta Rower Classification Information

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 (August 13). Email to: [email protected]

USRowing Para Classification Information

Medical Documentation Form for Physical Impairment (REQUIRED)

Medical Documentation Form for Visual Impairment

FISA Para-rowing Classification

Athletes with a Visual Impairment must be assessed, and medical document signed by an ophthalmologist (only). Paperwork (Form- VI Impairment) must be emailed to [email protected] 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 [email protected] for review of the eligible impairment 30 days prior to the event (August 13). 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: [email protected].

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.

Events Grouping

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 para-rowing 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.

Regatta Equipment Availability

In keeping with para-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 dock master will have the final decision.

Para-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 Para-Rowing. All visiting teams are asked to make their equipment available to the other rowers.

Distances and Races Selection

All para-rowing and inclusive races will be 1000m.
All novice 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 dock masters will make every attempt to accommodate all requests.
We do not guarantee that rowers will compete more than one time.

Limits of Novice and Inclusion Races

This is a para-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.

Your Sponsorship Supports BAYADA’s Impact

Sponsorship opportunities are available at every level, with recognition on the BAYADA website and on-site at the Regatta—visible to hundreds of attendees. As a charitable donation, your support directly benefits the meaningful work we do at BAYADA.

2025 BAYADA Regatta Sponsors

Refreshment Partners

Shell Sponsors

Forcura+Medalogix
MetLife/Aura
Okta
PwC

Adaptive Rower and Club Support Registration

All rowers and club members supporting the event must register.

Races begin promptly at 9 am at the Camden County Boathouse on the Cooper River.

Admission to the event is free, so invite friends and family to come out and cheer you on.

The night before the BAYADA Regatta, athletes are invited to a pre-race meeting and Jolly-up. The Jolly-up is an informal cocktail party and festive event that is an opportunity to get-together before the races.

After the races are complete on Saturday, you are welcome to stay and attend a picnic celebration with food, fun, music, and the special presentation of the Leo Reilly Award.

We can’t wait to see you on the river!

Adaptive Rower and Club Support Registration

Regatta Race Designation

1x (single) para-rowing scull: one para rower

1000m para-rowing
For PR3-VI rower, they must have an accompanying guide boat for safety
500m novice

2x (double) para-rowing scull: two para rowers

1000m para-rowing (both rowers are classified para rowers PR1, PR2, PR3-PI, PR3-VI*, II1*
_{*For safety reasons, if a boat consists of two PR3-VI rowers or two II1 rowers, these boat lineups must be approved by the BAYADA Regatta Race Committee}
2x (double) inclusive skull: one able-bodied rower and one para rower
_{* The stroke of the able-bodied partner must match the stroke of the para rower throughout the duration of the race or the boat and rowers will be disqualified.}
1000m inclusive (able-bodied rowing partner in bow)
500m novice inclusive (class 1 Alden Ocean Shell boats only)

4+ para-rowing sweep: one coxswain and four para rowers

1000m para-rowing (all rowers are classified para rowers PR3-PI, PR3-VI, II1 with no more than 2 male rowers)

This event must have an entire crew who has rowed together for at least 50 miles

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

Contacts and Resources for the BAYADA Regatta

Race questions, classification issues, and equipment needs: Sandy Brown
Email [email protected]

Athlete classification questions and paperwork: Deb Arenberg
Email [email protected]

Questions or Information on volunteering: PAR
Email [email protected]

Questions or Information on Volunteering: BAYADA
Email [email protected]

Questions about adaptive rowing or PAR: Jeff McGinnis
Email [email protected]

Media inquiries: BAYADA Communications office
Email [email protected]
Telephone 856-273-4600

Public transit and Paratransit information
More information on paratransit service from Septa

The BAYADA Regatta is one of the largest and longest-running all-adaptive rowing events in the world.

All rowers, clubs, BAYADA employees, families, clients, and community members are welcome to attend this free event!

Friday, September 12, 2025 (Rowers and Clubs Only)

Saturday, September 13, 2025 (All Are Welcome)

Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue (Rowers and Clubs)

Accessible Shuttles Available

Available Parking for the BAYADA Regatta

Rower and Volunteer Information

Employee Volunteers

Adaptive Rower and Club Support Registration

Donation Information

History of the BAYADA Regatta

Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing Club

History

Rockland Rowing Association

History

North Star Community Rowing

History

Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing

History

Delta Sculling Center

History

Rower Testimonials

Rower, Boat, and Race Classification

BAYADA Sport Classes for Athlete Eligible Impairments

BAYADA Regatta Sport Classes

Regatta Rower Classification Information

Events Grouping

Boat Information

Regatta Equipment Availability

Distances and Races Selection

Limits of Novice and Inclusion Races

Time Limits and Race Schedule

Dock and Staging Area Access

Your Sponsorship Supports BAYADA’s Impact

2025 BAYADA Regatta Sponsors

Refreshment Partners

Shell Sponsors

Adaptive Rower and Club Support Registration

Adaptive Rower and Club Support Registration

Regatta Race Designation

Equipment Information

Contacts and Resources for the BAYADA Regatta

All rowers, clubs, BAYADA employees, families, clients, and community members are welcome to attend this free event!

Friday, September 12, 2025 (Rowers and Clubs Only)

Saturday, September 13, 2025 (All Are Welcome)

Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue (Rowers and Clubs)

Accessible Shuttles Available

Available Parking for the BAYADA Regatta

Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing Club

History

Rockland Rowing Association

History

North Star Community Rowing

History

Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing

History

Delta Sculling Center

History

BAYADA Sport Classes for Athlete Eligible Impairments

BAYADA Regatta Sport Classes

Regatta Rower Classification Information

Events Grouping

Boat Information

Regatta Equipment Availability

Distances and Races Selection

Limits of Novice and Inclusion Races

Time Limits and Race Schedule

Dock and Staging Area Access

Adaptive Rower and Club Support Registration

Regatta Race Designation

Equipment Information