Letter to the Editor: Bully for Beach Sprints!
I join Doctor Rowing in mourning the elimination of lightweight events in future Olympic competitions. I take umbrage, however, at his remarks in that same piece about Beach Sprints. He describes the sport as “created with an eye to television,” implies that coastal rowers aren’t “real rowers,” says the sport “sounds like a joke,” and compares it to a “reality show.”
The sport of Beach Sprints (and coastal rowing in general) is worthy on its own merits. Suggesting that lightweight rowing has been shoved aside to make room for entertainment does a disservice to coastal rowers, coaches, fans, and the sport itself.
The variables that impact flat-water rowing are largely invisible to the casual regatta attendee, who observes much of a race through binoculars or on a Jumbotron. The same Rowing News issue bemoans ill-attended World Rowing events in Europe. Here’s a solution: Bring back the observation train!
Beach Sprints fans can watch the entire race from the beach. Rough surf can toss athletes out of the boat, odd currents and sea floor anomalies can carry boats far off course, and officials call pauses in racing to allow sea life to clear the course.
The sport is truly inclusive; athletes of all body types are successful, Para rowing teams are forming, and little infrastructure is needed for world-class competition, allowing countries without a long rowing history to develop athletes and host competitions with minimal investment.
I invite Doctor Rowing and any other doubters to take a look at the photo of the US CMix4 launching in their time trial at this year’s World Rowing Beach Sprints. What you see there are athleticism and teamwork worthy of raising up.
Next summer, jettison your blazer and below-the-knee hemline, pack your swimming suit, and find the nearest coastal-rowing competition.
And don’t forget the sunscreen.
Ruth Ellen Outlaw
Charlottesville, Virginia
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