The 1978 FISA Lightweight Championships were held in Copenhagen, Denmark from 3 to 6 August 1978.
In the history of the World Rowing Championships, 1978 was the only year when the lightweight rowing championships were not held in conjunction with the open men and women event.
[2] In 1978, a fourth boat class was added to the event: Lightweight double scull.
[3] Later in 1978, the open event went to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time and was held at Lake Karapiro near Cambridge, New Zealand.
[4] Three teams from Great Britain competed at the championships.