Rowing events usually take place on a shining sheet of water, calm and flat until oars begin to crack its glossy surface. In a typical regatta, the boats are narrow and light, and they move in as straight a line as the crew can manage. Coastal rowing is a very different beast.
Also known as open water rowing, the coastal version of the sport has been named the “wilder cousin” of flatwater rowing. Far from the smooth, still waters of a traditional course, coastal rowing takes place at sea, in whatever conditions the weather and tides provide. The boats are generally wider and more robustly built, to protect crews from the temperamental open waters. Lassi Karonen, a Swedish Olympic athlete, compared coastal with flatwater rowing: “The similarity is the movement of the stroke – everything else is different.”
Still a developing sport in much of the world, coastal rowing is becoming more and more popular. Athletes from around the globe have met annually since 2006 to compete among the waves. This year, the World Rowing Coastal Championships are heading to the stunning South Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. From 7 to 9 October, the Championships will set the best of the world’s open water rowers against each other in Saundersfoot Bay, as they take on a 4-6km course through the sea.
As if one weekend of dramatic coastal rowing in an idyllic setting were not enough, from 14 to 16 October the bay will be busy once more for the Beach Sprint Finals. Testing athletes’ abilities over much shorter distances, this competition sees crews race along the beach from a starting line, take their boats 250m out to sea and 250m back, and run back to the same line in the fastest time possible. Expect mad dashes across the sand and exceptionally skilled rowing, as the athletes desperately fight to cut seconds off their times.
Tickets are on sale now for both weekends of the event, with a range of viewing options. General Admission tickets offer access to the Harbour Lounge, an area high up on the Harbour wall with incredible views of the water. Fans watching from here can enjoy big screens, concession stands with tasty food and drinks, toilet facilities, and a bag drop area. General Admission prices start from £14 for a single day or £48 for a 3-day weekend pass.
For those seeking a little more luxury, the Hospitality Packages can take you to the magnificent St. Brides Spa Hotel, a clifftop retreat with viewing terraces over the bay. These tickets include early access to the hotel’s Sun Lounge, warm refreshments throughout the day, a full lunch service, bar access, and HD screens to follow the rowing close-up. Prices start at £110 per person per day.
Airport transfers are available for anyone flying in to Cardiff, Bristol, or London Heathrow, from £60 per person.
Water you waiting for? Get your tickets now!