At the request of the Indonesian Rowing and Canoeing Association, World Rowing Coaching Experts Chris Perry (Asia) and Laryssa Biesenthal OLY (Oceania) delivered a Level 1 Coaching Course in Classic Rowing at Jatiluhur, West Java. They were supported by trainee Coach Educator Dewi Yuliawati OLY, who assisted throughout the programme.
Twenty-three coaches—including four women and nineteen men—participated, travelling from provinces across this vast island nation. Many were former national team rowers and medal-winners from major regional competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Championships and Asian Games. Among them was Olympian Ela Pere Karoba, who undertook the long journey from Papua to attend.
Across the intensive programme, participants engaged in a wide range of theoretical and practical sessions covering water safety, capsize and rescue skills, risk assessment, rigging, Rowing technique, skill progression and coaching methodology. All candidates also completed external training in anti-doping awareness and basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ensuring a strong foundation in athlete welfare and safe sport.
Supported by funding from the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports, the course fostered an inspiring environment for learning and knowledge-sharing. The visiting experts commended the excellent organisation by the Association’s leadership and staff, and expressed their appreciation for the warmth, enthusiasm and hospitality shown by the Indonesian Rowing community.
Looking ahead, World Rowing and the Indonesian Rowing Federation aim to build on this momentum with further education opportunities—particularly in the rapidly growing disciplines of Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprint Rowing, which are set to make their Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
