Coastal Rowing
Coastal rowing is a type of rowing performed at sea, also called offshore or open water rowing. Coastal rowing requires wider and more robust boats than those used on rivers and lakes, as rough conditions can often be expected.
The open water conditions add another dimension to traditional rowing that is raced on flat water in lanes. On the open water, the rowers must be aware of the tides and currents, navigation, and must understand maritime traffic rules. When racing the boats you have to interact with the other boats.
There are coastal rowing races held all around the world. In Australia, a popular type of coastal rowing is Surfboat Rowing. There is no standard boat type and size, number of competitors in each boat or racing distances. The seats can be either sliding or fixed.
The standard coastal rowing boats are often classed as singles, doubles and coxed quadruple sculls. Events can range from Beach Sprint Racing and the longer Coastal Challenge Races.
coastal rowing event in Sicily, ItalyThe African Beach Games includes a coastal rowing event, and there is a push to include coastal rowing events at the Olympics, to replace the weight-limited lightweight rowing events.
Similar Sports
- Surfboat Rowing — a team of riders compete using surf-boats on a course out and back through the ocean surf.
- Beach Sprint Rowing — short rowing race in the open water also involving a beach sprint.
- Ocean Rowing — involves rowing races across entire seas and oceans.
- Sweep Rowing — each rower has just one oar which is maneuvered with both hands to propel the boat.
- Indoor Rowing — competitions performed on a rowing machine that simulates the on water action.
Related Pages
- About the types of Rowing — a sport in which competitors propel a boat using oars.
- About Paddling Sports
- Rowing at the Olympic Games
- Rowing at the Commonwealth Games
- Complete list of sports
- The Encyclopedia of Sports
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