The traditional trainera was originally a boat specific to Cantabria, which could be propelled by oars or sail and dedicated to fishing. Its construction was quite simple, with a frame of cooked or sawn oak ribs, the same material used for most of the other parts. Thanks to them, fishermen could win the battle against the sea and venture out to fish in the fishing grounds.

The trainera is also considered a sardine and anchovy fishing boat, but due to its characteristics, it was probably not originally designed for this purpose. Rather, it is a whaling boat adapted for new fishing uses.

Trainera races arose from a way of life and subsistence such as fishing in the open sea. The boats required individuals capable of rowing for hours to reach the fishing grounds, collect the catch, and return to port as quickly as possible to auction off the first and best-priced catch. This competition to arrive at port before any other trainera and the rivalry generated between the crews was the necessary impetus for the creation of this sport.

Trainera races are one of the most spectacular sporting competitions in the entire northern part of the peninsula, with a special tradition and deep roots all along the Cantabrian coast.

Currently, traineras are composed of thirteen rowers plus the coxswain, who steers the boat. They are raced in fixed-seat boats, 12 meters in length, 1.72 meters in beam, and a minimum weight of 200 kilos.

Today, the construction of trainera oars has evolved from wood (mainly cedar and beech) to much lighter and more resistant materials such as carbon fiber.