Western Cape Coastal Rowing: Growing the Sport and Preparing for Future Competitions

Western Cape Cape Coastal Rowing, based at the False Bay Yacht Club in Simonstown, is making strides in expanding the sport of coastal rowing in the Western Cape. Founded 10 years ago, the club specializes in coastal rowing, a discipline designed for ocean rowing with boats built to handle waves and swells. This differs from traditional flatwater rowing, often associated with iconic races like Oxford-Cambridge. Cape Coastal Rowing is working to grow the sport beyond the Western Cape, with a focus on engaging youth and new rowers.

Cape Coastal Rowing runs a Learn to Row program, which operates on Fridays and Saturdays. The program introduces new rowers, including youth, to the fundamentals of coastal rowing and water safety. Participants learn how to handle boats in ocean conditions and gain important skills, such as what to do in case of capsizing. Experienced rowers and coaches, including national rowing expert Derek Reed, are key to guiding these new rowers.

New participants start in smaller boats, such as doubles, where an experienced rower teaches them the basics before progressing to more advanced boats like quads. This hands-on approach ensures that newcomers develop confidence and technical skills before advancing to more competitive levels.

While the club primarily serves as a social hub for many members, with regular long-distance rowing sessions on weekends, it also has pathways for competitive rowers. Athletes from Cape Coastal Rowing have already competed in international events, such as the Coastal Rowing World Championships, and the club is committed to continuing its development of competitive rowers.

Coastal rowing not only fosters physical fitness but also instills teamwork, water safety, and a deep connection with the environment. Cape Coastal Rowing’s efforts, led by former South African National Rower Thato Mabelani and a dedicated team, are making coastal rowing more accessible to young athletes, providing them with opportunities to engage with the ocean and learn valuable life skills.

Those interested in getting involved in the sport can find more information on Cape Coastal Rowing’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

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