World Rowing in cooperation with the Barbados Rowing Association, the Commonwealth Rowing Association, the Barbados Olympic Committee and Olympic Solidarity successfully delivered a coastal race module in Barbados, introducing participants to the key skills and safety standards required for coastal Rowing to Commonwealth Rowing nations coaches attending the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprint Championships.
WR educators Sizwe Ndlovu and Iain Wilson delivered the programme combining classroom sessions, beach based skill development, and on water technical work.
Sizwe is a trailblazing rower who made history at the London 2012 Olympic Games, winning South Africa’s first-ever Rowing gold medal in the Men’s Lightweight Coxless Four, now serving as a World Rowing Coach and Coach Educator, focusing on building capacity to coaches in Africa and the Commonwealth and promoting diversity in Rowing Coaching and participation.
Iain Wilson is a highly experienced Canadian Rowing coach with a strong background in athlete development and coastal Rowing who strengthened the WR Coach Educator team to contribute to the development of Rowing and coaching excellence at the Commonwealth.
Participants learned the fundamentals of beach starts, boat handling in surf, buoy-turn technique , and adapting rowing strokes to waves and wind. The module also covered race organisation, safety boat coordination , and dynamic risk assessment for coastal environment.
The training concluded with practical race simulation where athletes applied their learning in real coastal conditions. The module strengthened technical confidence and prepared participants for future coastal competition and officiating roles.
This marks the first step in a series of capacity-building initiatives for rowers and coaches in Barbados, with a full rollout planned for 2026.