Adaptive rowing is rowing or sculling for rowers with a disability who meet the criteria set out in the adaptive rowing classification regulations. Adaptive implies that the equipment is "adapted" to the user to practice the sport, rather than the sport being "adapted" to the user.
Races are held over 1,000 metres for all four events. Rowing competitions are open to athletes with the following physical disabilities: amputee, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, and others (MS, MD, Polio, and SB). Different types of disabilities can be accommodated within the same rowing crew allowing integration of athletes with different disabilities.