The Roanoke River, whose
glassy surface slides by the historic NC Inner Banks town of
Plymouth, is one of the best kept secrets in rowing. The lower
Roanoke is an ideal race location with its protected flat waters and
relatively straight and narrow course. Because of the protected
glassy waters, Plymouth has been the choice location for outboard
drag boat races for over 20 years, including the national
championship. In addition, there are two boat ramps in downtown
Plymouth 1,200 feet apart, one of which has a new 60” low profile EZ
Dock installed for just for rowing. The average width is 450’ and an
average depth of 20’. The average river flow is 6 knots. The Town of
Plymouth also has a large flat park at both ends of the waterfront
that is available for staging and parking. There is a half mile of
waterfront which can accommodate thousands of spectators.
“During my thirty-plus years coaching rowing I have been to many
racecourses on the East Coast and West Coast. The Roanoke River in
Plymouth is about as ideal as they get for both Sprints and Head
races. Being about equal distant from North Carolina rowing clubs
and Virginia rowing clubs, Plymouth is a good meeting place for both
regions to compete.”
James Thomson
Maury High School and Norfolk Youth Rowing Club Head Coach
|
Distances from Plymouth: |
| Raleigh: |
120 miles (2 hours) |
| Rocky Mount |
at I-95: 70 miles (1hr. 15 min.) |
| NC Outer Banks: |
70 Miles (1 hr. 15 min.) |
| Norfolk, VA |
90 miles (1 hr. 30 min.) |
| Richmond, VA |
145 miles (3 hrs.) |
| Washington DC |
250 miles ((5 hrs.) |
| |
|
|
Accommodations |