By Jim Fagan
The inaugural Australian Coastal Rowing Championships and Beach Sprints are coming to Noosa’s Main Beach on August 21 and 22 and local coastal rowers couldn’t be happier.
Last week Noosa Today exclusively reported local rowers were campaigning for the championships as they saw them as the first positive stroke towards their sport coming to Laguna Bay as an Olympic event in 2032.
Making the announcement this week, Rowing Australia board director Sarah Cook said, “We’re excited to launch this new type of championships and are looking forward to working with Rowing Queensland to deliver a fantastic event on the Sunshine Coast.
“Coastal rowing is continuing to expand globally with its confirmed inclusion in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, and consideration being made for its inclusion at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“I’m looking forward to Australia building a base of highly competitive rowers thanks to these championships.”
Sarah added that if funding was available Rowing Queensland could secure the event for the Sunshine Coast for 2022 and 2023.
RQ Chair, Nick Parr added, “This area of our sport in Australia is in its infancy and RQ recognises its enormous potential.
“We have the climate, resources, and existing expertise through our member club Coastal Rowing & Touring Australia and the Noosa community to ensure that the event is successful. RQ will use the event to grow coastal rowing in Queensland.”
According to Ian Holzberger, Rowing Queensland’s CEO, Noosa has all the natural attributes needed for a successful championship. The north facing beach provides a manageable surf and a great platform to host the beach sprint and the endurance events.
“The backdrop is spectacular and will be a great showpiece for Queensland and the Sunshine Coast.”
Ian said that with easy access to Maroochydore Airport and ample accommodation “the scene is set to welcome athletes.”
Peter Watson, secretary of the local coastal association, is “thrilled with the wonderful support in Noosa for the bid to bring the championships here in August.
“I would like to particularly thank our local MP Sandy Bolton, Mayor Claire Stewart and Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie Noosa Surf Life Saving Club, Tourism Noosa, Noosa Outriggers, the Hasting Street Association and Olympic Games historian, Dr Ian Jobling.
“We are also hopeful that we can gain the support of the Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club and enter competive crews in the event.
