Why is there no world indoor rowing association?

[Droode]

I was curious if anyone had any answers to this question, with indoor rowing being part of the World Games most every sport and/or hobby have some form of recognized association. Indoor rowing has very well organized international competitions but no unifying umbrella to present it self as a sport unto itself and not just a training alternative for otw rowers and gym "athletes".

[lindsayh]

I was curious if anyone had any answers to this question, with indoor rowing being part of the World Games most every sport and/or hobby have some form of recognized association. Indoor rowing has very well organized international competitions but no unifying umbrella to present it self as a sport unto itself and not just a training alternative for otw rowers and gym "athletes".

There is actually no national indoor rowing associations anywhere in the world to start with which I suspect would need to be in place before a WIRA. Racing has developed by support initially by Concept2 (though in many places that hasn't continued) and mainly volunteers - there were 200 in Boston. There are not enough participants to fund a national and international group without outside help. My view FWIW is that the best chance is a closer relationship with national OTW rowing associations - there has been some good progress in the UK and here in Australia as well. World Rowing is now involved with C2 for the sprints next weekend too.

[Droode]

I was curious if anyone had any answers to this question, with indoor rowing being part of the World Games most every sport and/or hobby have some form of recognized association. Indoor rowing has very well organized international competitions but no unifying umbrella to present it self as a sport unto itself and not just a training alternative for otw rowers and gym "athletes".

There is actually no national indoor rowing associations anywhere in the world to start with which I suspect would need to be in place before a WIRA. Racing has developed by support initially by Concept2 (though in many places that hasn't continued) and mainly volunteers - there were 200 in Boston. There are not enough participants to fund a national and international group without outside help. My view FWIW is that the best chance is a closer relationship with national OTW rowing associations - there has been some good progress in the UK and here in Australia as well. World Rowing is now involved with C2 for the sprints next weekend too.

Thank you for the well addressed answer to my question and I think that you are correct if indoor rowing is to be seen as an international sport they need to partner with there countries OTW governing body.