Now that rowing beach sprints have been added to the Olympics for 2028, the interest and demand for beach sprints has grown. Naturally, athletes see an avenue to Olympic glory in 2028. The same rowers might be just missing out on similar opportunities from the flat-water/river rowing route. Flat-water or river rowers both have they're own skill sets. But the question remains, in Ireland, who can do it better? Coastal (CR) or flat-water rowers (FWR)?
The Coastal Advantage
Rowing in sea conditions offers the coastal rower much more familiarity with the waves. They can easily manage the peaks and troughs of waves without losing balance. Their seamanship is likely far better than the river rower. Being able to read the waves, spot changing conditions with wind and tide, and steer a straight course takes a lot of experience. Entry and exit movements are also well refined processes in the coastal rower.
The Flat-Water Advantage
By comparison, while not the most proficient and entry and exiting the boat during a beach sprint, the river rower typically has better rowing technique and boatmanship skills like steering a straight course. Likely, the major difference between both is the time spent training in both categories. Anecdotally, I can report some coastal rowers only training four times per week. From experience river rowers are training on average 9 times per week. This varies depending on training goals of course, in both cases.
Best of Both Worlds
The best outcome is for both types of rowers to get the best of both worlds. If training intent and commitment can be standardised, then it would be great for rowers to get access to a wide range of coaching. High performance pathways should dedicate time for river coaches to upskill coastal rowing technique. Similarly, coastal coaches should also get time to work with river rowers. This will vastly improve the skills in all rowers with the goal being competitors who are absolute weapons in all areas of the beach sprint race.
Running Mechanics
In my opinion, coastal rowers and river rowers are terrible at running, and worse still at sprinting. Sprinting well is a learned skill that requires a lot of coordination. While running is natural in the sense of running away from a threat like a bear, competitive running is a different story. When it comes to competitive running, do not assume competency. Actively work on key mechanics or technique so your athletes can produce accelerate, achieve a high velocity, deccelerate, and be smooth in and out of the boat. If you think you need help with your running technique, get in touch with me for a no obligation call so we can get your rowers faster on land.
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.