With the introduction of Beach Sprints, rowing no longer has to be a repetitive push against the footplate, and no longer restrained to a 2000m course. It provides variation and a sense of unexpectedness as each stroke will be unpredictable, with crashing waves and sudden gusts of propelling wind. For most, this unusual aspect of rowing is intriguing and may want to learn more, because any rower may just have what it takes to be the next Beach Sprint World Champion.
Coastal and ‘normal’ rowing’s differences can be visibly seen through the use of equipment. The boats are much wider in coastal rowing and open at the stern to allow any influx of water to escape if necessary. The width is similar to that of a play boat but notably wider than a scull, to provide stability against the incessant waves, making it nearly impossible to capsize. Lengthwise boats are much shorter than a normal sculling boat to allow the athlete to turn the boat 360 degrees in just two strokes (for a rower stepping into the coastal boat for the first time it may give them a sense of nostalgia from their learn to row course!) However, due to this, the much lighter coastal boats require a greater amount of skill and understanding to move the boat over the rough-seas in comparison to a flat straight course. The blades are also geared significantly lighter to help the athlete control the boat in the waves, after all it is important that the athlete overcomes the waves rather than the waves overcoming the athlete!
The most predominant dissimilarity between Rowing and Beach Sprints, is that half of the race takes place on land through sprinting. It is therefore a make-up of two sports: Running and Rowing, an unusual combination making for a great watch and a great race. Typically, powerful rowers will make good sprinters and it is common knowledge that the best sprinters aren’t necessarily always the tallest.
To understand the sport better I heard from James Cox, who started the sport just last year where he trialled for the U19 M1x and was further selected to represent Great Britain at the World Beach Sprint Championship Finals in October, placing an impressive 2nd . When asked about the sprinting aspect, James confirmed that “the sprinting is a huge aspect of the discipline, especially if the tide is out. If it is a close race out on the sea, the final run up to the beach is where it decides who wins. You need to be a fast runner if you want to win!”. So, the winner no longer has to be decided by who crosses the line first on the water but rather who can leap out of the boat and ultimately sprint to the finish line at the most propelling and fast pace, favouring fitness and agility for victory.
Despite both sports having the same foundation mechanical connection between the rower, blades, and water, they occur in two completely alternate scenarios. Without a doubt, this poses a completely different perspective on the sport as a whole, especially for a performer who has attempted both. For James Cox, he prompted that “100% it has given [him] a new outlook on the sport as a whole and the amount of skills you learn is outstanding.” Undeniably this shows that rowing does not have to stop at regattas and head races, much more can be learned through expanding your skill set with Beach Sprints.
Notably, there does seem a greater element of skill involved as the performer has to navigate catching the waves and spinning round the buoy. Not to mention the sprinting aspect of Beach Sprints and getting into and out of the boat as fast and effectively as possible, something I’m sure is practiced on repeat in different conditions. This is comparably different to normal rowing, as boating becomes a frantic race rather than a slow and calm procedure. Naturally, boating is a process which becomes autonomous and does not require much thinking. For a Beach Sprinter the constantly changing external factors such as the speed at which they are approaching the boat, the tide and wave force all provide a function which makes it indefinitely more complicated. It is a step-by-step practice which becomes easy once mastered. Firstly, running to the boat needs to be smooth and composed whilst, at the same time, being as fast as possible. Then follows sitting on the seat, planting your feet on the stretcher, and grabbing your blades, in a phased an orderly manner. For someone who has never tried Beach Sprints, being competent in boat handling sets you up well for participating in this and is a sign that you should sign up!
With this in mind, the role of Beach Sprinting becomes much more than just attempting to row in demanding conditions. It becomes a tactical and mentally demanding challenge for the performer as they are constantly having to process their surroundings whilst simultaneously rowing at the fastest speeds physically and environmentally possible. James provided an insightful and interesting opinion on his experience with coastal rowing. James stated that although the sport is very physically challenging “the tactical and mental demands override that” and makes it very complex in terms of internal decision making.
Beach Sprints do also seem deal more with luck, where catching a wave can drive the performer towards the finish line. James comments on his experiences of this and explains that it is actually the greatest part of the sport; “My favourite part would be catching the wave in near the end of the race.” Evidently this seems to be an exciting and fun way to end a race, and needless to say that it renders some unspoken similarity to surfing. However, for a person that does not receive the help of a wave it may cost them the race as it did with James. James contends that “if it is a really close race this can easily win you it. This happened to me at the World Beach Sprint Championships in the semi-final and to my opposition in the final. It was neck and neck all the way, but he caught the wave, and I didn’t.” which led to the deciding results of the race.
For a performer considering trialling coastal rowing and Beach Sprints, it is worth noting that you don’t need to be a fast rower on the water to be a fast Beach Sprinter. By taking the aspect of running (a typical tool of cross training for most rowers) and displaying technical aspects of the sport, Beach Sprints may just take you to a new level of the sport beyond what you previously conceived as possible. As an example of this being displayed, James informed us that at U19 level he was “never up there with the top dogs of the age category” but when he tried beach sprints, “found something that [he] never knew [he’d] be good at!”. Therefore, if you would like to try something new, you may unlock a hidden talent within Beach Sprints: with the running, tactical and mentally challenging attributes of the sport.
All you need to do is head to the British Rowing Website and fill out the ‘Beach Sprints registration and interest form’ where you will be connected to all of the coaches from across the country who specialise in coastal rowing. Following this, you can try out taster sessions and potentially discover a serious talent like James did, where you can trial and be taken across the world for international events! It is definitely worth trying, remember you don’t have to be the fastest on the water to be the fastest on the sea.
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