But now a lake in Leigh looks set to become the next big venue for the sport - when the north of England hosts its first regatta.
Members of the Trafford and Mersey rowing clubs are planning to use the 70-hectare Pennington Flash for the event on June 16.
Their plan has the backing of double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell and Jürgen Gröbler, the man behind all Britain's Olympic successes since 1991.
But the regatta will not be for the region's top oarsmen and women - local businesses are being offered a chance to put forward inexperienced crews in a team-building and fund-raising exercise.
Giles Gamon, from Trafford Rowing Club, said: "Rowing is the ultimate team sport and one where Great Britain has produced some of the most successful Olympic athletes of all time.
"Now, with the support of James Cracknell and Jürgen Gröbler, we are getting ready to hold the first north of England corporate regatta."
Rowing crews from local businesses are being invited to compete in sprint races to raise money for the 50-year-old Trafford club's development.
Organisers say the £500-a-seat sponsorship deal will give the firms taking part a chance to earn a winning image for themselves.
Each crew will have five team-mates - a cox and four rowers - and should have no previous rowing experience.
They will be given all the equipment and specialist clothing they need for the training and the race. Crews can enter in the men's or open categories - open crews must have at least two women rowers.
The teams will learn how to row and then train in May and June under dedicated coaches.
Jürgen will give them a briefing on June 9 to help them make final preparations for the big event.
Then the crews will take to the water at the regatta to compete in three races.
James, who won gold in Sydney in 2000 and in Athens in 2004, will support the event by speaking at a black tie gala dinner.
Businesses which want to take part can contact Mr Gamon on 07711 637170 or visit www.traffordrc.org Tweet
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Agecroft Rowing Club based on Salford Quays has run a very successful corporate regatta at the Quays for the past 2 years, so the event at Pennington Flash is nothing new, merely higher profile due to the involvement of Cracknell and Grobler.
The cost for entry to the Agecroft Corporate Regatta is lower, as it is aimed at bringing people into the sport rather than a money making venture. Members of the club donate their time to coach the entrants, giving them a taste of a very addictive sport.