Today, on World Oceans Day, Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) celebrates the vibrant and exhilarating sport of coastal rowing. As we honour our oceans, we are reminded of the powerful connection we share through our waters. Coastal rowing embodies this connection, bringing athletes together to embrace the challenges and beauty of the ocean. RCA is proud to support and promote this thrilling sport, uniting us all through the water that sustains and inspires us.
 

WHAT IS COASTAL ROWING?

Coastal rowing takes the sport off the calm lakes and rivers and into the open seas. Known for its adventurous races, coastal rowing involves navigating through waves, tides, and the ever-changing conditions of the ocean. This makes it a unique blend of endurance, strategy, and a deep connection with nature.

“Coastal rowing provides challenges not found on our more protected waterways and opens up many doors of opportunity for exploring Canada’s vast coastlines. Amazing beaches, adventure, and connecting with the power of nature are just some of the reasons why I love the ocean and coastal rowing. With more stability, yet the same set up as a racing shell, coastal rowboats allow me to feel more comfortable in a wider range of weather and water conditions, increasing the opportunities for fitness, fun, excitement, and relaxation.” – Janice Mason, Olympian and Coastal Rower at OARCA

FUN FACTS ABOUT COASTAL ROWING

1. Versatility: Unlike flat-water rowing, coastal rowing boats are designed to handle rough waters, making them more robust and stable.
2. Duathlons of the Sea: Similar to the athletic event, duathlon, coastal rowing tests athletes’ versatility and endurance through its unique combination of skills—some coastal rowing events start with a beach sprint on foot, like duathlons where competitors switch from running to cycling and back again.
3. Courses: Races can be held on various courses, including point-to-point and circuit courses, often requiring navigation skills in addition to rowing speed.
4. Popularity: The sport is rapidly growing in popularity worldwide, with more coastal rowing clubs and events emerging each year.

UPCOMING EVENTS

This summer, Canada is set to host several key coastal rowing events that promise to deliver excitement and showcase top-tier talent:

RCA 2024 National Beach Sprint Tour  

Local Events: 

• Saturday, June 22, 2024 – RowOn Beach Sprint Championships – Lakeside Beach, St. Catharines, Ontario – Event Information HERE 

• Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, 2024 – Western Canadian Beach Sprint Championships – Colwood Waterfront, Colwood, British Columbia – Event Information HERE 

Selection Trial: 

• Selection information, including details around the High Performance Camp will be released in the coming weeks. 

• Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21, 2024 – RCA National Beach Sprint Selection Trial – Rissers Beach, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia – Event Information: Coming Soon!! 

Beach Sprint Camp – Hosted by Aviron Quebec  
Saturday, June 8, 2024  
Event Information: Coming Soon! 

2024 Western Canada Sprints Regatta – Wascana Lake, Regina, Saskatchewan  
Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, 2024  
Event Information 

Brockville ERA Coastal Regatta – St. Lawrence River, Brockville, Ontario  
Saturday, June 15, 2024 
Event Information

RowOn Beach Sprint Championships – Lakeside Beach, St. Catharines, Ontario 
Saturday, June 22, 2024 
Event Information 

Prairie Beach Sprints – North Beach, Gimli, Manitoba  
Saturday, June 22, 2024 
Event Information

Western Canadian Beach Sprint Championships  
Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, 2024  
Colwood Waterfront, Colwood, British Columbia
Event Information

RCA Coastal Coach Workshop (in-person module, hosted by Row Ontario)  
Friday, July 12, 2024 
Niagara Region, Ontario
Event Information

RowOn High Performance Beach Sprints Camp – Niagara Region, Ontario  
Saturday, July 13, 2024  
Event Information 

Coastal Beach Regatta – Hosted by Aviron Quebec  
Saturday, July 20, 2024  
Event Information: Coming Soon! 

Red Island Regatta – Brudenell River, Brudenell, Prince Edward Island  
Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, 2024  
Event Information

Race Around the Rock – Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia  
Sunday, August 25, 2024  
Event Information

Cascadia Coastal Championships Beach Sprints – Jericho Sailing Centre/Locarno Beach, Vancouver, British Columbia  
Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2024  
Event Information

Cascadia Coastal Endurance Regatta – Jericho Sailing Centre/Locarno Beach, Vancouver, British Columbia  
Sunday, September 15, 2024  
Event Information

VIEW FULL EVENT LIST

HOST YOUR OWN COASTAL ROWING EVENT

If you’re planning to host a coastal rowing event, let us know! Share your event details with us, and we will add it to our calendar to help spread the word.

BOAT CLASSES

There are solo (CW1x, CM1x), double (CW2x, CM2x, CMix2x), and coxed quad (CW4x, CM4x) scull boats for coastal rowing.
 
MORE INFORMATION

World Rowing – Coastal Rowing
World Oceans Day
What it’s like to be a Coastal Rower