Mar del Plata, Argentina – World Rowing continued its efforts to develop coastal Rowing and beach sprint racing in the Americas through the delivery of a World Rowing Coastal Race Module held from 12–14 November at Club Náutico de Mar del Plata.
The course brought together 20 participants, primarily from Argentina, while also welcoming coaches from Brazil, Peru and Uruguay, highlighting growing regional interest in coastal Rowing and beach sprint racing. The group included five women, reflecting the continued commitment to increasing female participation in Rowing education and leadership.
Delivered by World Rowing expert Marc Oria and Technical delegate educator Victoria Aguirregomezcorta, the programme combined theoretical and practical sessions, providing participants with a comprehensive introduction to coastal Rowing competition formats, race organisation, safety considerations, technical aspects of beach sprint racing and athlete development. Participants were able to apply their knowledge directly on the water and on the beach through practical exercises and race simulations.
The education programme formed part of a broader development initiative supported by IOC Olympic Solidarity, the Argentine National Olympic Committee (COA), the Ente Nacional de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo (ENARD), the Asociación Argentina de Remeros Aficionados (AARA) and Club Náutico Mar del Plata. The project included the donation of a fleet of Filippi Beach Sprint boats and the delivery of a comprehensive education and training programme designed to develop a new generation of beach sprint coaches and leaders across Argentina.
The course was followed by the first-ever Argentine National Beach Sprint Championships, hosted by AARA at Club Náutico de Mar del Plata. The championship provided an ideal platform for participants to observe and experience the dynamic discipline in a competitive environment while showcasing the opportunities created through the new equipment and coaching capacity developed by the project.
World Rowing Technical Delegate Educator Victoria Aguirregomezcorta in person attendance was also highly valued, supporting local organisers and contributing to the successful delivery of both the education module and the championship event. Her involvement helped strengthen local event delivery capacity and provided valuable guidance as Argentina continues to expand its coastal Rowing programme.
The event showcased the excitement and unique characteristics of beach sprint Rowing, with athletes navigating rapid beach starts, boat entries and exits, and high-intensity racing on open water. Participants gained first-hand experience of the skills required to organise, coach and compete in one of Rowing’s fastest-growing disciplines.
The strong engagement from participants and the successful staging of Argentina’s inaugural National Beach Sprint Championships demonstrate the growing momentum of coastal Rowing across South America. Through strategic investment in equipment, coach education and event development, World Rowing and its partners are creating sustainable pathways for athletes, coaches and officials, while building the foundations for future growth of beach sprint Rowing throughout the region.
World Rowing extends its sincere appreciation to IOC Olympic Solidarity, the Argentine National Olympic Committee, ENARD, AARA, and Club Náutico Mar del Plata and Filippi for their collaboration and commitment to advancing coastal Rowing and bringing new opportunities to the Rowing community in Argentina and South America.