Orewa Beach is set to host the Rowing New Zealand Beach Sprint Championships on 5th and 6th April, marking a major milestone for this fast-growing rowing discipline.

While this is not the first national beach sprint event—Wellington hosted the inaugural edition last year—this year’s competition is on a much bigger scale, reflecting the sport’s rapid development in New Zealand.

The stakes are high, as this event will serve as a selection opportunity for both Elite and U19 rowers, with top performers aiming for spots in the national squad heading to the World Rowing Beach Sprint Championships in Rio de Janeiro this October.

With places on the line, spectators can expect high-speed, adrenaline-fuelled racing featuring some of New Zealand’s best rowing talent.

Unlike last year’s one-day competition, this year’s championships will run over two days, providing more racing opportunities and giving athletes a true test of endurance and skill in this intense, knockout-style format.

The event will be based at the Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club, which is also providing water safety services for competitors.

Rowing New Zealand selected Orewa Beach for its stunning location and strong community support.

Event organiser David Vallance says past rowing events in the area have drawn enthusiastic crowds, and the Hibiscus Coast’s love of water sports makes it an ideal host.

“We’ve seen fantastic engagement from the local community,” Vallance says. “Orewa is the perfect location—not just for this event, but as a place where this format of rowing can grow.”

Beach sprint rowing is quickly gaining popularity as a dynamic, spectator-friendly format.

Unlike traditional rowing on flat water, this version begins with a beach sprint to the boat, followed by a fast-paced slalom course, and ends with a dramatic sprint back to shore.

To ensure fans across the country can experience the action, racing over both days will be live-streamed via YouTube, using static and drone cameras to capture the intensity and excitement of this unique discipline.

Looking ahead, organisers believe beach sprint rowing will attract more athletes from surf lifesaving clubs around New Zealand, providing them with a direct pathway to Olympic competition.

With its rich coastal environment and deep rowing tradition, New Zealand is well-positioned to become a global leader in this evolving sport.

The Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships at Orewa promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring world-class competitors and rising stars pushing the limits for national team selection.

With strong local support, elite-level racing, and live-streamed coverage, the event is set to cement Orewa’s reputation as a premier destination for water sports.

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