Athletes keen to test themselves on sand and salt water have until 10pm on Sunday 21 June to throw their names into the ring for Rowing New Zealand’s Beach Sprint development squad.
The campaign is a self-funded one, with rowers contributing up to $7,500 to chase selection for the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Qingdao, China, from 18-21 October. But for those willing to back themselves financially, the pathway offers something harder to put a price on: a focused run toward the LA28 Olympics and beyond.
Beach sprint rowing has become a genuine development opportunity in recent years, offering rowers a different technical challenge and a chance to build credentials on the international stage. Open to both senior and U19 athletes across single, double and mixed classes, the selection process is built to identify raw talent early rather than pick established names. Not every class will be filled, which means selectors have room to be bold about who they invest in.
The selection pathway runs tight over six weeks. Those nominated will attend a development camp on 4-5 July, then front up for a selection trial at Orewa on 18 July. Attendance at both is non-negotiable. It’s a practical way to see how rowers handle the specific demands of beach sprint racing—the short, explosive efforts and the technical demands of racing on sand.
Rowing NZ has been quietly building its beach sprint programme over the last couple of years, recognising that the discipline sits perfectly between traditional rowing and the kind of athletic versatility that modern Olympic selection now rewards. The format itself is growing globally, with more nations investing in it as a pathway to the Games.
For athletes eyeing LA28 or simply looking for a different way to test their fitness and technique, this is a legitimate shot. The self-funded model does mean cost is a barrier, but it also reflects the practical reality of getting a small, hungry squad to China in October without burning through the wider organisation’s budget.
Full eligibility criteria and selection guidelines are available through Rowing NZ’s website. Questions can be directed to coastal@rowingnz.kiwi. The nomination form is online and closes at 10pm on Sunday 21 June.
