Australian Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprints at Mooloolaba

After the overwhelming success of the event last year, Rowing Australia, has once again chosen this prime location to showcase one of the most dynamic and exhilarating water sports.

This year's championships promise to be even more thrilling, as Mooloolaba gets ready to welcome elite athletes from Australia and the Oceania region. The event not only highlights the sport's growing popularity but also marks another significant step towards Coastal Rowing's inclusion in future Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the much-anticipated LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.

Sarah Cook, CEO of Rowing Australia, expressed her enthusiasm about the renewal of Mooloolaba as the event's venue. "We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the Australian Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprint Championships will be returning to Mooloolaba. Last year's event set a high standard, and we're eager to build on that success. The Sunshine Coast's stunning beaches provide the perfect backdrop for this spectacular sport, and we're looking forward to another year of top-tier competition."

Coastal Rowing is renowned for its high-intensity and adrenaline-pumping action, offering a stark contrast to the tradition of classic flat-water rowing. Competitors battle against the elements, navigating waves and currents in wider-hulled boats, which adds an exciting layer of challenge and skill to the races.

Cook also hinted at exciting developments for the sport's future. "With Coastal Rowing's inclusion in the next Commonwealth Games and its inclusion for the upcoming LA Olympics, the discipline is on an incredible trajectory. Our athletes are not just competing; they're making history, and Mooloolaba is a significant part of this journey."

Mooloolaba welcomes event visitors and spectators 

Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said the 2023 event had been quite the spectacle and he was looking forward to another action-packed event for Mooloolaba Beach.

“We get to be part of its evolution as a new sporting discipline that welcomes all rowers from juniors (16 years) up to masters, both male, female and para rowers.

The event will double up as the Oceania Beach Sprint Championships and will be a lead in event for the World Rowing Coastal Championships and World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa, Italy in September. International competitors are encouraged to compete at the championships as part of their preparations ahead of the World Championships. 

We look forward to seeing Beach Sprints on the biggest international stages at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, and the 2028 Olympic Games in LA.

And as we continue to establish the Sunshine Coast region as a destination for high performance training in a number of sports, I know that the Rowing Australia training camp prior to the championships will take full advantage of our natural environment and the many national standard training facilities and services available to them.”

Matt Bialkowski, Chief Executive of Rowing Queensland, echoed Cook's sentiments, praising the Sunshine Coast for its exceptional conditions that are ideal for Coastal Rowing. "Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast region offer some of the best waters for our sport. The community's embrace of this event contributes greatly to its success, and we're excited to showcase this dynamic form of rowing to an even wider audience."

The local community and visitors to the Sunshine Coast are encouraged to mark their calendars for this action-packed event. With Mooloolaba's beautiful beaches as the backdrop, the Australian Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprint Championships are not just a competition but a celebration of athletic prowess, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of adventure that defines Coastal Rowing.

The event continues to receive strong support from local businesses and sponsors, including Sykes Boats, an iconic Australian manufacturer known for producing world-class rowing equipment. Their partnership with Rowing Australia underscores the collaborative effort to promote and develop Coastal Rowing across the country and the region.

As the championships approach, Sarah Cook's message to fans and prospective attendees is clear: "Prepare for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're cheering from the shore or following the action online, the Australian Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprint Championships in Mooloolaba are set to be a highlight of the sporting calendar. We can't wait to see you there."