Recreational rowing and rowing competition in standard rowing equipment are popular world-wide.  There is more on the similarities and differences among different forms of rowing in the appendices of the book.

There are also many variations on the usual manner of rowing around the world.  For example, here is a group practicing on the Arno River in Florence, Italy.  They are in a coxed, eight-oared shell, but the seating alternates side to side from bow to stern.

Pictures of Italian "rowers" in sleek, black gondolas are well-known.  Less well-known is that fact that these rowers or gondoliers practice and compete in boats with two or more rowers working in sync.  Here is a boat of six gondoliers training together on the canals of Venice, Italy.

To learn more about the craft of the gondolier, use the following links:

A tutorial on the art of rowing a gondola
http://www.venetia.it/boats/voga_eng.htm
 
An article on learning to row a gondola http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/venice/nm_voga_veneta.htm
 
An historical summary
http://www.gondolaromantica.com/gondolas.php
 
A 1995 photo taken for National Geographic of larger (18 rower!) gondola competing in the annual Vogalonga race http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/enlarge/querini-boat-club_pod_image.html
 
An advertisement for a cruise during a regatta
http://www.gobarging.com/la_dolce_vita_vogalonga_cruise.html
 
And an early September annual regatta http://www.venicecharms.com/historical_regata_venice.html

What other forms of rowing can you share from around the world?  Use the "contact us" link above.