Immediate Release – October 17th, 2025 

Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) selected the teams to represent Canada at two exciting coastal events this November. 

Starting November 6–9, crews will head to the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals taking place in Antalya, Türkiye. Following this event, the 2025 Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints Championships will be held in Barbados from November 20–23. 

“As we head to the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals and the Commonwealth Beach Games, we’re excited to learn from the best in the world,” says team coach Katie Bahain-Steenman.

These events showcase the thrilling, fast-paced format of coastal rowing, where athletes sprint across the sand, leap into their boats, and race through a dynamic course before returning to shore to hit the final buzzer.

“With a mix of experienced coastal rowers, new athletes, and familiar faces from flat water, this is an opportunity to grow our skills and gain valuable experience as Beach Sprints continues to develop toward the 2028 Olympic Games,” says Katie. 

Beach Sprint racing will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, marking a significant milestone for the sport. 

Following national trials held across Canada, Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) has selected a talented team to represent the country on the world stage and build momentum toward this new Olympic discipline.

Canadian crews will join top international athletes for an exciting weekend of racing and national pride. 

 

2025 WORLD ROWING BEACH SPRINT FINALS

Men’s Solo (CM1x)

Raphael Kaiser

Women’s Solo (CW1x)

Sarah Pidgen

Mixed Double (CMix2x)

Aubrey Oldham

Carling Zeeman

Junior Women’s Solo (CJW1x)

Autumn Prior

Junior Men’s Solo (CJM1x)

Oliver Brennan

Junior Mixed Doubles (CJMix2x)

Autumn Prior

Oliver Brennan

Boat Handlers

Caitlin Pauls

Dean Prior

Coaches

Katie Bahain-Steenman

Brad Brennan

 

2025 COMMONWEALTH ROWING ASSOCIATION BEACH SPRINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS 

Men’s Solo (CM1x)

Raphael Kaiser

Women’s Solo (CW1x)

Elene Brett-Evans

Mixed Double (CMix2x)

Aubrey Oldham

Lucy MacLeod

U21 Men’s Solo (CU21M1x)

Dennis Ovdiyenko

U21 Women’s Solo (CU21W1x)

Grace Comes

U21 Mixed 2x (CU21Mix2x)

Dennis Ovdiyenko

Grace Comes

Jr Women’s Solo (CJW1x)

Autumn Prior

Junior Men’s Solo (CJM1x)

Oliver Brennan

Junior Mixed Doubles (CJMix2x)

Autumn Prior

Oliver Brennan

Boat Handlers

Dean Prior

Caitlin Pauls

Coaches

Katie Bahain-Steenman

Brad Brennan 

FOLLOW THE ACTION

2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals
November 6-9

2025 Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints Championships
November 20-23

 

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MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Colleen Coderre, Communications Lead 
Rowing Canada Aviron 
T: 613-530-6217 
E: coderre@rowingcanada.org 

Cassie Turkstra, Communications Coordinator
Rowing Canada Aviron
E: cturkstra@rowingcanada.org