Another successful delivery of the World Rowing Level 1 Development Coach Award was concluded today in the beautiful city of Asuncion, the capital and largest city of Paraguay.
The course was a combined Level 1 Classic and Coastal course, delivered by World Rowing Coach Educators in the Americas, Osvaldo Borchi and Ruben Scarpati. The course took place from 29 November to 8 December 2023 in Club Aleman de Remo, Bahia de Asuncion, Paraguay.
20 coach participants took part in the course, which was a combination of theoretical in class sessions and practical on water training. The course covered the basics of rowing and coaching, rowing techniques and skills build up, risk assessment, how to set up the regatta venue and run classic and coastal competitions.
It is good to mention that Rowing will be featured in two different disciplines, classic rowing and the new kid on the block, coastal rowing, which are both set to be showcased at the heart of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. This historic decision was announced by the International Olympic Committee on 16 October 2023 during its session held in Mumbai, India, confirming that Beach Sprint Rowing, a format of the Coastal Rowing discipline, will be included in the 2028 Olympic Games programme alongside Classic Rowing
Thinking safety and as a water sport, rowing always places the safety of its participants first, thus a swim test and capsize and man overboard drills were performed in a closed Olympic swimming pool before any on water practical sessions took place to ensure that participant coaches can swim and remain afloat for their safety.
Another important aspect of safety is first aid and CPR, and a session was delivered to the participants on first aid and CPR basics to equip them with the knowledge needed to support their rowers and ensure their safety on and off the field of play.
The weather conditions were fairly good, and the course participants benefited greatly from the experience.
Rowing in the Americas is quite advanced thanks to consistency and many years working closely with our development experts and continental representative in the Americas to build up the sport and create the conditions for the athletes and coaches to continue developing and improving their skills.
World Rowing is thankful to the Paraguay Olympic Committee, Olympic Solidarity and Paraguay Rowing Federation for the support and local organisation.