At the Estonian Rowing 150th anniversary celebration held on 18 October 2025, a special award titled “Achievement of the Century” was presented.
The award recognized the construction of the Aidu rowing canal and center. The honour was received by Mart Kivistik, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Aidu Water Sports Center, and Hardi Murula, Member of the Management Board, and through them also by Lüganuse Municipality and the Aidu Water Sports Center Foundation.
The Aidu rowing canal is undoubtedly one of the most significant projects in the history of Estonian sport. It is a facility built to world standards, the likes of which are rarely created in our region. The idea for the project dates back to 2007, the first roundtable took place in 2009, and by 2025 the canal was completed in full compliance with the requirements of the World Rowing Federation.
The Aidu Water Sports Center Foundation was established in 2011 on the initiative of the former Maidla Municipality. Its co-founders included the Estonian Olympic Committee, the Estonian Rowing Association, the Estonian Canoeing Federation, and the Estonian Powerboating Union. The journey of the project lasted more than 15 years.
Thanks to the persistence of Lüganuse Municipality and the dedicated work of the Aidu Water Sports Center team, a former quarry area has been transformed into a modern water sports center that meets international standards. The venue now hosts championships for both rowers and paddlers, and all necessary infrastructure — including the main building, finish tower, and Albano system (lane markings) — has been fully developed. The center brings together elite sport and the local community, breathing new life and energy into the region.
Aidu rowing canal dimensions:
- Length: 2350 m (minimum required length is 2150 m)
- Width: 162 m – 27 m + (8 × 13.5 m) + 27 m (8 lanes are required; races are held on 6 lanes)
- Depth: 3.5 m (the water level in Aidu is closer to 4.2 m, which is only a positive — the deeper the water, the faster)
We are very grateful for this recognition and to everyone who has supported the development of the Aidu rowing canal and water sports center.
Read more on the Estonian Rowing Association website: Achievement of the Century – the story of the Aidu rowing canal
Photo: Marta Vaimand
Source: Estonian Rowing Association
