The Egyptian Rowing Federation played host to two thrilling continental events as part of the 2024 Africa Rowing calendar. From November 8th to 11th, the 16th African Rowing Championships (ARC) and the 2nd African Rowing Beach Sprint Championships (ARBSCH) brought together top athletes from across the continent for intense competition on both flatwater and coastal racecourses.
Located on the scenic North Coast, approximately three and a half hours from Cairo International Airport, Porto Marina El Alamein provided a stunning backdrop for the championships. With strong participation from African Rowing powerhouses and emerging nations, the event showcased the sport’s growing presence across the continent.
16th African Rowing Championships (ARC), November 8-9, 2024
The ARC featured 24 events across multiple categories, including Junior, U23, Lightweight, and Senior races in single, double, and quadruple sculls. Seven national federations – Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Libya, Sudan, Tunisia, and Uganda – entered crews, competing over two action-packed days.
Race Conditions and Course Adjustments
The competition took place on an artificial lake fed by Mediterranean waters, known for its smooth circulation and clean conditions. However, due to the course’s slight curvature, the organising committee opted to shorten the traditional 2,000-meter racing distance to 1,500 meters to ensure fair and optimal competition.
World Rowing Development Support
To support emerging rowing nations, the World Rowing Development Programme (WRDP) collaborated with FASA (the African Rowing Confederation) and the event’s organizing committee to provide targeted assistance to crews from Cote d’Ivoire, Sudan, and Uganda. This included full-board accommodation for selected male and female athletes, along with their coaches, for six nights (November 6-12).
Full race results and medal standings:
🔗 ARC 2024 Results
🔗 ARC 2024 Medals
2nd African Rowing Beach Sprint Championships (ARBSCH), November 10-11, 2024
Shifting from flatwater to the thrilling world of coastal Rowing, the Beach Sprint Championships took place at Marina 05 Beach, a picturesque venue at Porto Marina El Alamein. Nine national federations – Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Libya, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe – entered crews, battling the waves in fast-paced sprint races.
Exciting Coastal Events
The championship featured nine events, covering U19, U23, and Senior categories in men’s, women’s, and mixed races:
- Solo (Men & Women – U19, U23, and Senior categories
- Coastal Coxed Quadruple Sculls (Mixed) – U19, U23, and Senior categories
Beach Sprint Rowing, an emerging discipline gaining traction worldwide, demands speed, agility, and strategy as athletes sprint from the shore, jump into their boats, and navigate a challenging course in open water before racing back to the finish line on the sand.
Full race results and medal standings:
🔗 ARBSCH 2024 Results
🔗 ARBSCH 2024 Medals
A Milestone Event for African Rowing
With two major championships successfully completed, the event was a testament to the growth and competitiveness of African Rowing. Athletes displayed remarkable skill and determination, and the championships highlighted both traditional Rowing excellence and the rising popularity of coastal Rowing.
As Africa continues to develop its Rowing landscape, these events serve as an important stepping stone toward greater international success. The 2024 African Rowing Championships and Beach Sprint Championships not only celebrated athletic achievement but also strengthened the bonds within the African Rowing community.
Photos Credit: African Rowing Confederation – FASA (Al-Sa’eh images) ; Tunisia Rowing Federation; Egypt Rowing Federation; Mehdi Garidi; Faycal Soula.