About Us
In 1881, the East London Boating Association (ELBA) was founded. It was formed by the three clubs, namely, East London Rowing Club, Leander Rowing Club and Buffalo Rowing Club. It was founded out of the necessity to look after the combined interests and shared facilities of the three clubs. The principal objective of the Association is to provide facilities in East London for the sport of rowing.
At present ELBA is the hub of Eastern Cape Rowing. It consists of four rowing clubs. Two senior clubs being Buffalo Rowing Club and University of Fort Hare Rowing Club, and two school clubs being Selborne and Clarendon schools. Walter Sisulu University Rowing also rows from here but currently from Buffalo Rowing Club. Watch this space, as hopefully that will change soon.
ELBA are also tasked with hosting and arranging rowing regatta’s within our region, of which our most prestigious event is the RMB Buffalo Regatta which is one of the oldest sporting events in South Africa and it attracts rowers from across the country from schools, clubs and universities.
ELBA’s aim is to grow and foster the sport and together with our senior clubs we ensure development and transformation takes place to grow the sport we are so passionate about.
At present ELBA is situated on the West Bank of the Buffalo River in East London in the Eastern Cape. We have a lovely clubhouse with great facilities which offers a beautiful view of the river and probably has one of the best viewing points for regatta’s in the country. It is a brilliant place to showcase, not just Eastern Cape Rowing but rowing in South Africa.
