From the rolling surf of the Indian Ocean to the still waters of South Africa’s high-performance heartland, the 2025 African Rowing Championships delivered nine remarkable days that showcased the continent’s talent, unity, and growing confidence on the world stage
Surf, Speed and Spirit at Orient Beach
The action began on the golden sands of Orient Beach in East London with the African Rowing Beach Sprint Championships (28-29 October 2025). Eleven nations – Algeria, Angola, Benin, Egypt, Lesotho, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe – lined up for fast-paced coastal racing that brought together youth, experience, and the contagious thrill of sprint rowing.
Among the highlights were the U17 races, a category introduced to nurture future participation, specifically targeting the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The waves of the Indian Ocean provided a lively challenge, testing balance and skill as athletes dashed across the sand, leapt into boats, and fought through surf to the finish line. The event’s atmosphere was celebratory with energy and teamwork evident as crews showcased experience from across Africa.
Information and results:
2025 African Rowing Beach Sprint Championships – World Rowing
Beyond the races themselves, the Beach Sprints also brought together athletes, cultures, and communities through outreach visits to local schools — a heart-warming initiative that showcased rowing’s social impact (read more in Beyond the Race: A Championship of Hearts and Cultures).
Calm Waters, Fierce Competition at Roodeplaat
From the coast, the focus shifted inland to Roodeplaat Dam in Tshwane, host of the African Rowing Championships (1-2 November 2025). The contrast could not have been greater – calm, glassy water replacing crashing surf, but the same fierce continental rivalry on display.
Held at South Africa’s premier rowing high-performance centre, the championships attracted entries across junior, under-23, and senior men’s and women’s events, including lightweight categories. The regatta was integrated into the Gauteng Schools Championships, creating a unique setting where aspiring school rowers could witness Africa’s best in action – an inspiring blend of youth and elite competition.
Athletes from Algeria, Angola, Benin, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa and Zimbabwe battled it out over two days of racing, demonstrating both the depth and diversity of rowing talent on the continent.
Information:
Building Momentum for the Future
Both championships reflected the shared ambition of African rowing: to build opportunity, inclusivity, and excellence from grassroots to elite levels. While participation from para-rowers remains a future goal, the strong showing across multiple nations and age groups underscored the sport’s growing footprint. President of the African Rowing Confederation (FASA) Mehdi Garidi expressed his delight at the success of both the African Beach Sprint and African Rowing Championships, praising the events as “a reflection of Africa’s collaborative spirit and growing competitive strength.” He commended Rowing South Africa for hosting the regattas “at the highest level of organisation,” noting the vibrant and positive atmosphere that defined both venues.
“To have ten nations represented, with at least nine competing in each event, shows how far we have come in building a unified and active continental community,” he said. “Through FASA’s decentralization initiative, which has enabled regional championships across Africa, we are now seeing the collective experience converging at the continental stage. It is deeply gratifying, and I thank South Africa and all participating nations for making this vision a reality.”
As the oars came to rest and medals were awarded, the legacy of these twin regattas was clear: two venues, one continent, and countless stories of progress and pride.
Together, the Beach and Classic Championships painted a vivid picture of a continent on the rise – where waves meet willpower, and where Africa’s rowers continue to make waves, from coast to capital.
Fast Facts – African Rowing 2025 Championships
Event | Location | Dates | Highlights |
African Beach Sprint Championships | Orient Beach, East London | 28-29 Oct 2025 | Youth-focused, surf-charged racing with 11 participating nations |
African Rowing Championships | Roodeplaat Dam, Tshwane | 1-2 Nov 2025 | Integrated with Gauteng Schools Champs; strong junior & U23 fields |
Organised by: Confederation of African Rowing (FASA) with Rowing South Africa
Supported by: World Rowing Development Programme & Olympic Solidarity
Venues: East London (Coastal) • Tshwane (Inland)
Weather Highlights: Surf winds up to 14 m/h at the coast • 27–30 °C sunshine in Tshwane
Photo credits:
F. Soula; S. Ndlovu; African Rowing; SARCA; Mark Wadley (RSA)
