Massive Participation Expected at the British Rowing Beach Sprint Championships in Dorset, Boasting a Record Number of Rowers

Studland Bay, a picturesque location on the South Coast, is set to host the British Rowing Beach Sprint Championships this weekend, with over 130 competitors expected to participate. The event, which has moved from Bournemouth Beach, will take place at Knoll Beach from the 30th to the 31st of August.

The championships, happening with the valued support of Swift Racing UK, will feature a variety of races, including the Coastal Women's Solo, Coastal Men's Solo, Coastal Women's Junior Solos, Coastal Men's Junior Solos, and the new addition for this year, the Mixed Coxed Quads.

Established coastal clubs are participating in the crew entries for the Mixed Coxed Quads, with notable competitors like Cam Buchan (University of St Andrews BC), James Cox of Agecroft RC, and Sol Chamberlain-Hyde (Lymington ARC) set to race. The participating clubs include Leander Club, Thames Rowing Club, and Molesey Boat Club.

In the Coastal Open Solo, James Cox and Thomas Biddle, who consistently ranked highly throughout this season's racing, will be competing, along with the reigning World Champion in the Coastal Junior Mixed Doubles, Sol Chamberlain-Hyde.

The Junior competition is filled with familiar names from the Coastal scene and newcomers to the sport. Notable competitors in the Coastal Women's Junior Solos include Olivia Hodgson and Lucy Whiteley. In the Coastal Open Junior Solos, Thomas Biddle (Southsea RC), Valen Giacchette (Christchurch RC), and Edwin Van Lopik (Bradford RC) ranked highly in the Four Nations Series.

Last year, Natacha Searson of Jersey RC won gold at the 2024 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals alongside partner Colin Wallace (University of St Andrews BC). Although Colin will be racing domestically this weekend, spectators can look forward to seeing Natacha compete in the Mixed Coxed Quads.

For those planning to attend, Knoll Beach offers plenty of on-site parking (free for National Trust members). The location is easily accessible by bus from Bournemouth or Poole and is on the National Cycle Network (Route Two).

Sarah Gregory, Chair of the Organising Committee, is excited to host the biggest British Rowing Beach Sprint Championships yet. With a mix of World and national Champions, Four Nations Series winners, and first-time beach sprint rowers, the event promises to be an exciting spectacle for both competitors and spectators alike.

Massive Participation Expected at the British Rowing Beach Sprint Championships in Dorset, Boasting a Record Number of Rowers