About the activity
The trainera is one of the Basque Country’s most iconic traditions, a long wooden rowing boat once used by local fishermen and now raced competitively along the Cantabrian coast. A corporate trainera rowing experience is far more than a boat trip, it is a shared physical challenge where every stroke must be perfectly timed, the office hierarchy disappears and the only goal is to move the boat forward together.
Specialist local rowing clubs offer group trainera programmes specifically designed for corporate teams, with experienced coxswains, full rowing equipment and formats that can be integrated into a wider retreat programme. Whether your team has rowing experience or none at all, the experience delivers an immediate and powerful sense of shared achievement.
Why Choose Traineras Rowing for Your Team Experience
Basque Tradition for Every Team
Getxo and Bilbao’s estuary and coastline offer calm, sheltered waters ideal for groups of all abilities; from complete beginners to those looking to test themselves against a real Basque tradition. The region’s strong rowing culture and accessible waters make it a flexible team building experience, easy to schedule as a highlight of any retreat.
Connection Through Collective Rhythm
Rowing a trainera together is one of the great team levellers. On board, job titles mean nothing, what matters is timing, effort and trusting the rower beside you. The shared physical exertion and the satisfaction of finding the crew’s rhythm together create bonds that are difficult to replicate in any other setting.
Practical Details
Ideal Group Size
The trainera rowing experience in Bilbao is available for groups of 12 to 60 people, with a recommended ratio of one coxswain and coach per boat of 12 to 14 rowers to ensure safety and proper technique. Local rowing clubs can accommodate larger groups by organizing several traineras to row and race alongside each other.
What’s Included
The activity includes the trainera boats, oars and safety equipment, experienced coxswains and coaches, a technique briefing, the rowing session or friendly race along the estuary, and post-session photos and videos. Can be combined with a pintxos tasting or a waterside lunch as part of a full-day corporate programme.
Requirements
No prior rowing experience required. Participants should be comfortable on the water and able to swim. A basic level of fitness is recommended. Suitable for groups with mixed ages and abilities. Not recommended for participants with serious back or shoulder injuries.
Table of content
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Champs-Élysées
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica





















