What do PR1, PR2 and PR3 mean in rowing?
B · Beginner · Classes and equipment · 2 of 2PR1 rowers have impaired trunk swing and leg drive, so row on a fixed seat strapped at the chest. PR2 rowers have mainly a leg impairment and also use a fixed seat. PR3 rowers can use legs, trunk and arms on a sliding seat, and include visually impaired rowers, classed B1 to B3. The old names were AS, TA and LTA.
How it works
- PR1: fixed seat; arms and shoulders mainly.
- PR2: fixed seat; trunk and arms.
- PR3: sliding seat; legs, trunk and arms.
- PR3-PI: physical impairment.
- PR3-B1 to B3: visual impairment.
- Old names: AS, TA and LTA.
- Moving up: to a more functional class only.
- PR1 strap: compulsory trunk strap.
The glossary has the sport classes PR1, PR2 and PR3, the PR3 subclasses, the fixed seat, the PR1 trunk strap, the right to compete (para rowing) and the minimum impairment criteria (para rowing).
Tricky cases
What was the AS class?
Arms and shoulders, now PR1.
Are blind rowers in their own class?
No. They row in PR3.
Can a PR1 rower race a PR3 event?
Yes. Racing up is allowed.
Is a PR2 leg strap compulsory?
No. It is optional.
Why the rule exists
Rowing power comes from legs, trunk and arms in turn. Classes group rowers by which of those they can use.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PR1 | Fixed seat, trunk strap | R14 7f |
| PR2 | Fixed seat | R14 7c |
| PR3 | Sliding seat, VI included | R15 8 |
From the rule book
World Rowing, Rules of Racing and Related Bye-Laws (March 2025), Appendix R15 regulation 8 and Appendix R14 regulation 7, with World Rowing Umpiring Commission, Para-Rowing 2026 presentation (8 February 2026). Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Rowing Rules of Racing, Appendices R14 and R15.