Hydrow Releases Brand-New Destination Workouts in Avis, Portugal

There’s plenty to explore in Portugal. Join our Athletes in Avis for workouts filmed on some of the most celebrated rowing waters in the world—including Improve Your 2K, a four-week program designed to help you build speed, endurance, and confidence as you work toward a faster 2,000 meters.

Row where Olympians train

Tucked into the rolling countryside of Portugal’s Alentejo region, Avis has been drawing rowers to the Maranhão Reservoir for decades. Rowing here dates back to the 1970s, when its long stretches of calm water began attracting crews looking for an ideal place to train.

The reservoir branches into three expansive stretches of water, giving rowers miles of open space to train against a peaceful rural backdrop. That natural training ground eventually inspired former Portuguese national-team rower Luis Ahrens to help create the Avizaqcua Training Centre on its shores—a facility designed specifically around the needs of rowers. Since opening in 2009, the center has welcomed Olympians and national teams from around the world preparing for major international competition.

“We designed these workouts at an elite training center in Portugal to make you stronger, faster, and ready to attack every meter,” Mac said. “You’ll get a taste of how the pros train, with rows designed to help you see what you’re capable of.” 

It’s the combination of rowing history, world-class water, and striking natural surroundings that makes Avis such a special place to experience the sport—and the backdrop for our workouts featuring Mac, James, Dani, Buffy, Mike, and Aisyah. 

Complete any three Portugal workouts—including workouts from our first Portugal drop—to earn the Portugal badge.

“These sessions bring a taste of high-performance training to everyone, regardless of your rowing experience,” Buffy said. “Beginner, experienced, or anywhere in between, these are fun workouts!”

Work toward a faster 2K

Looking for a goal to work toward? Join our Improve Your 2K program, which includes four weeks of focused, Athlete-led training. You’ll start with a 2,000-meter row to establish your baseline, then tackle six 20-minute workouts that build your pacing, endurance, and speed before retesting your 2K. Whatever your starting point, it’s a chance to challenge yourself, measure your progress, and earn a badge along the way.

Whether you’re chasing a faster 2K or simply ready to row somewhere new, there’s a workout waiting for you in Avis. Explore the Portugal collection, join our Athletes on the water, and see where your next row takes you.