The second Development of National Sport System (DNSS) visit to American Samoa carried by World Rowing Development Technical Expert Laryssa Biesenthal OLY focused on three key objectives: increasing awareness and participation in Beach Sprint Rowing, delivering the foundations of a Level 1 Coastal Coaching Course, and building local capability to safely host future beach sprint events.
A major outcome of the visit was the continued growth of grassroots engagement. Building on the initial two school visits delivered during the first DNSS visit, a further two school visits were conducted, bringing the total number of students introduced to Rowing to 175. Using ergometers (Indoor Rowing machine), many students experienced Rowing for the first time. This initiative continues to build momentum and awareness, positioning Beach Sprint Rowing as an accessible and exciting opportunity for youth in American Samoa.
The delivery of the Level 1 Coastal Coaching Course marked an important step in developing local coaching capacity. Six coaches (two women and four men), representing a diverse group including parents, water sport participants, and former national team athletes, took part in the programme. The course demonstrated strong engagement across both theoretical and practical components, with a clear commitment from participants to collaborate and grow the sport locally. Key areas covered included water safety (swim testing, capsize and rescue skills, and risk assessment), foundational Rowing technique, skill progression, and coaching principles. Ongoing development will continue remotely, with future modules to include rigging theory, practical application, and the coastal race module. In addition, participants will complete external accreditation in anti-doping, first aid, CPR and safeguarding to ensure a strong foundation in athlete welfare and safe sport.
A further highlight of the visit was engagement with American Samoa’s rich Rowing heritage through participation in Traditional Fautasi Rowing. Originating in 1895 and central to the annual Flag Day celebrations, Fautasi racing involves crews of 37–51 sweep rowers competing over a 3–4-mile course. This experience provided a valuable opportunity to connect modern Beach Sprint Rowing with the territory’s deep cultural history in Rowing, reinforcing the strong alignment between traditional practices and the emerging Coastal Discipline.
The final objective of the visit was to build local capability in planning and delivering a Beach Sprint Regatta. With limited exposure to this format across Oceania, developing a clear understanding of event requirements particularly around safety remains a key priority for World Rowing. A structured, step-by-step framework for assessing Beach Sprint Regatta readiness was designed and developed by World Rowing Development Technical Expert Laryssa Biesenthal, with input from Coastal Commission Chair Guin Batten. Local coach Paula McDonald then led the practical application of this framework, undertaking site and environmental assessments including tide, wind, and weather analysis, as well as course design and on-water testing. This included buoy construction and trialling the proposed race course with local athletes to ensure safety and feasibility ahead of future events organised in American Samoa.
Overall, DNSS Visit 2 has significantly strengthened the foundations of Beach Sprint Rowing in American Samoa. Through increased participation, the development of local coaching expertise, and the establishment of practical knowledge to host events, the programme is progressing toward a more sustainable and self-sufficient National Rowing System with one final visit in 2026 before the project conclusion.