The sound of the surf at Orient Beach in East London, South Africa, set the scene for new beginnings as young female rowers from Zambia and Benin made their first strokes in coastal rowing at the 2025 African Beach Sprint Championships. For both nations, this debut on the ocean waves marked a powerful symbol of progress, resilience, and opportunity – showing that talent and determination can flourish even far from the coast.
Zambia’s First Waves
For Chawezi Kapanda and Thandiwe Jere, both Grade 10 students from Kitwe, Zambia, the ocean was an entirely new experience. Training on the still waters of Mindolo Dam under their coach Iza Nalondwa, the two had only known dam-based rowing — until they found themselves sprinting through surf against Africa’s best.
Against the odds, the duo powered their way to a bronze medal in the U17 Women’s Double, proving that determination and teamwork can bridge any distance.
“Competing at the rowing championships was an incredible experience. It pushed me beyond my limits, and I’m grateful for the friendships, lessons, and sense of unity we built with every stroke,” said Chawezi Kapanda.
“Attending my first rowing championship was exciting and memorable. I was nervous but eager to learn and give my best,” added Thandiwe Jere, reflecting on the experience that tested her resilience and strengthened her partnership with her teammate.
Their success, built on commitment and courage, stands as an inspiration to other inland nations that dream of reaching the continental stage.
Benin’s Young Hope
From So-Ava, Benin, 17-year-old Videgnon Abigaelle Parfaite discovered rowing only in January 2024, training at the ASNA Rowing Club. Within months, she rose to claim a bronze medal in the Junior Women’s Single (CJW1X) at the same championship – a remarkable achievement for such a new athlete.
« VIDEGNON Abigaelle Parfaite, née le 18 avril 2007 à So-Ava, Bénin, est élève en classe de quatrième au collège. Passionnée par l’aviron, elle a commencé les entraînements en janvier 2024 au club ASNA. Aujourd’hui, elle est médaillée de bronze dans sa catégorie CJW1X au Championnat d’Afrique d’Aviron de plage en Afrique du Sud. »
(Born on 18 April 2007 in So-Ava, Benin, Abigaelle began training in January 2024 with the ASNA Rowing Club. Now, she proudly holds a bronze medal in the Junior Women’s Single at the African Beach Sprint Championships in South Africa.)
Her journey from a quiet lakeside community to the waves of the Indian Ocean shows how quickly potential can grow when opportunity meets passion
A Continent on the Move
For both Zambia and Benin, these achievements signal more than medals – they reflect how coastal rowing is opening doors across Africa. With its accessible format, lighter equipment, and adaptable venues, it allows even land-locked and developing nations to experience the joy and challenge of international competition.
Their success stories serve as a reminder that Africa’s next generation of rowers is already rising – wave by wave, stroke by stroke, from every corner of the continent.
Photo credits:
Africa Rowing; Herve Nambou (BEN Coach); Iza Nalondwa (ZAM Coach)