Articles

World Rowing Development Programme Supports Emerging Beach Sprint Nations in La Linea

La Línea de la Concepción, Spain – September 15, 2026

As Beach Sprint Rowing continues its rapid growth across Europe and around the world, the World Rowing Development Programme is helping emerging nations gain the experience needed to build strong and sustainable Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprint pathways.

At the 2026 European Rowing Coastal and Beach Sprint Championships, held in La Línea de la Concepción, World Rowing provided development support to seven participants, including athletes and coaches from Malta, Finland and Georgia. The programme enabled these developing Beach Sprint nations to attend the championship, gain valuable international exposure, and learn from competing alongside Europe’s leading Beach Sprint athletes.

Beach Sprint Rowing is one of the sport’s most dynamic disciplines, combining a short beach sprint, a technical rowing course around offshore buoys, and a fast run to the finish line. Its exciting format has attracted growing interest from athletes, clubs and member federations, culminating in its inclusion on the Olympic programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where it will make its Olympic debut.

With LA28 on the horizon, many European member federations are actively investing in the development of Beach Sprint Rowing. Building competitive programmes requires more than equipment and coaching. Athletes and coaches need regular opportunities to train, compete internationally, and experience the standards expected at continental and world-level events.

Through initiatives such as the World Rowing Development Programme, emerging nations can accelerate their progress by accessing key development opportunities, improving technical knowledge, and gaining first-hand competition experience. The participation of Malta, Finland and Georgia at the European Championships highlights the importance of targeted support in strengthening the global growth of Beach Sprint Rowing.