New row sport could make Games splash

ROWING could return to the next Commonwealth Games program with a twist, as governing bodies submitted a coastal growth sport for inclusion in the 2026 program.

State, national and international peak bodies are lobbying for coastal rowing, in a beach sprints format, to be part of the regional Victorian event in four years’ time.

Coastal rowing is an extreme version of the paddle sport which, as the name suggests, involves rowing on rough water, usually the ocean.

Beach sprints are short-form races in a head-to-head elimination format, where competitors race on foot along the beach to their boats, row a short distance out to sea then return to the shoreline for a sprint finish.

The Geelong region would be a frontrunner to host the event if approved – the only other host with a coastline, Gippsland, is set to have its Games hub centred inland near Moe, Morwell and Traralgon.

Peak bodies believe the coming regional Victorian showcase could help propel the sport to the international stage.

“This is a format that plays to Australia’s strengths in rowing and celebrates our amazing coastline and water ways,” Rowing Australia chief executive officer Ian Robson said.

“The beach sprint format will provide gender equality and para-athlete inclusivity and we expect many existing and new rowers to embrace this opportunity.

“It also provides an opportunity for deeper engagement and competition with athletes from our Oceania and Asian neighbours, and further afield to the Caribbean and African countries, who will be keen to represent their nations at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”

Coastal rowing is seen as a growth area of rowing among the sport’s leaders; its more rigid boats are designed for rough water and are therefore easier to handle, making the sport more accessible for beginners or casual participants.

While rowing has remained an Olympic fixture since 1900, it has been absent from Commonwealth games competition for 40 years, and only once since the 1962 Perth Games.

An inaugural coastal rowing world championships was due to be at Noosa in August last year before COVID-19 forced a late cancellation of the event.

World Rowing is pushing for the coastal sport to be included in the Olympic Games from 2028
and beyond.

Expressions of interest for sporting federations to submit their bids for the 2026 Games closed last month, with up to five additional spots on offer beyond 16 core sports already confirmed.

A decision on the final sports program is due at the end of this month.