The coxed quad crew from Coastal Rowing Noosa (CRN) won a silver medal at the Australian Coastal Rowing Championships held in Mooloolaba from 15-18 August.
The local club, based along Gympie terrace, secured the medal in the beach sprint event coming in only three seconds behind the winners from Glenorchy in Tasmania.
“This was only the third time this coastal rowing championships has been held in Australia but there was a real uptick in participation, particularly from younger crews,” CRN Boat Captain Ann Harrap said.
“We’re pleased to see greater interest in this relatively new sport, particularly given that Coastal Rowing will be included in the 2028 Olympics Games in Los Angeles and we very much hope it will also be part of the program in Brisbane 2032”.
According to Ms Harrap if coastal rowing is included in the Brisbane Olympics there would be a good argument to hold the sprint and other events on the Sunshine Coast.
“For the last three years, the Australian Coastal Rowing championships have been held either at Noosa or Mooloolaba and the weather has been very conducive for the events every time. The conditions, infrastructure and local support on the Sunshine Coast are perfect for both the beach sprint and endurance formats”.
“Unfortunately, I will be past my rowing prime by 2032 but our local Coastal Rowing Noosa club is keen to welcome younger rowers who are interested in the excitement, challenge and thrill of rowing on waves. Coastal rowing is about being outdoors, building physical strength and engaging your brain with the technical elements of sculling. For those who are familiar with either surf boats or flat water rowing, the transition to coastal rowing is fairly easy,” she said.
CRN is a club for people of all ages interested in both social and competitive coastal rowing. With a number of different boats – quads, double and singles – the club can host rowers interested in training for competitive events. Visitors to Noosa can attend for casual rows and locals, particularly those with previous rowing experience, are encouraged to join up.
“Members can be as relaxed or as energetic as they want to be. We are really keen to see more people take up the sport,” Ms Harrap said.
Interested rowers should contact Ann on 0432 141308 or Peter on 0432 757477.