In partnership with Row Nova Scotia, Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) hosted the 2025 National Beach Sprint Selection Trials at Rissers Beach in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia over the weekend of July 19-22.

During the event, rowers from across Canada had the opportunity to earn a spot on the national team to represent Canada at international events.

The event attracted a range of returning athletes and newcomers to beach sprints. Flat water Olympians, PanAm competitors, and World Medalists alike tried their hand at the discipline.

“This weekend was my first kick at the metaphorical coastal rowing can, and it was humbling to say the least!” says Olympic rower Carling Zeeman.

They raced alongside several Junior athletes, showing promise for the future of beach sprints in Canada.

“Not only is it an incredibly athletic race, you have the ever changing environment to contend with,” said Zeeman. “I knew it was hard-core when a Junior rower assured me that the waves coming over my head on our first practice day were ‘so tiny.’ I can absolutely confirm that Coastal Rowing is the (wildly) deranged and fearless second cousin of flat water rowing, and I loved it!”

Following the trials, athletes are selected for the Beach Selection Camp, earning the opportunity to represent Canada at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in November and the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprint Championships in November.

Taylyr Dickinson, the RCA Para Rowing Lead, sees this as a critical time to build on the hard work of seasoned athletes to put Canada on the beach sprints map.

“It was fantastic to see the sharing of knowledge from these seasoned beach sprint rowers to the newcomers from flat water rowing. To have Carling and Emerson draw on their experience on the PanAm, Worlds, and Olympic stages, and to excel in their first national beach sprint trials, is an exciting moment as we continue to look forward.”

A Thank You From RCA

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team at Row Nova Scotia. A heartfelt thank you goes to Rob Richards for his hard work both before and during the event. We also extend our gratitude to our generous sponsors, like Lite Boat, who provided the equipment, as well as the volunteers, boat handlers, officials, spectators, and everyone who contributed to making this event a success.

Upcoming Events

This summer, Canada is hosting various beach rowing events that will deliver excitement and top-tier talent:

RCA 2025 National Beach Spring Tour:

• Cap Saint-Jacques Beach Sprint | August 16 | Montreal, Quebec
• Cascadia Coastal Championships – Beach Sprints | August 30 | Vancouver, British Columbia

More Information 

World Rowing – Coastal Rowing