Two years of planning culminated in a successful, if not unpredictable, debut for the inaugural Ōhope Beach Sprints on Waitangi Day.

While the ocean offered a stern test for even the most seasoned athletes, the event successfully signalled the arrival of coastal rowing.

Supported by the Whakatane District Council’s Event Fund and principal sponsor EastBay Dental, Whakatāne Rowing Club took a leap of faith to bring this fast-growing international discipline to local shores.

The morning began with stunning conditions that masked the true power of the surf.

Approximately 80 competitors – ranging from local novices to members of the Rowing New Zealand Coastal Rowing Programme – gathered on the sand. Among them were elite rowers vying for national selection to represent New Zealand on the global stage.

However, Ohope’s surf proved to be a formidable opponent. After several capsizes in the Open Single events, organisers made the call to prioritise safety.

In a change that turned a challenging day into an unforgettable experience, the afternoon shifted to “head-to-head” fun racing.

The club’s less experienced rowers were paired with some of the biggest names in New Zealand rowing, including Olympic gold medallist Joseph Sullivan, NZ squad member and 1km erg world record holder Logan Ullrich and elite NZ representatives Finn Hamill, Matt Dunham, and Jackie Kiddle.

These stars spent the afternoon coxing and rowing alongside locals, offering coaching tips and support as they blasted through the surf together.

Despite having raced their own gruelling events in the morning, the elite athletes stayed in the water for race after race to ensure every participant left with a smile.

While the original 18-event regatta schedule had to be modified, the event was a resounding success in terms of exposure and community spirit. Participants travelled from as far as Wellington to take part in the debut.

Beach Sprints director David Vallance expressed his satisfaction with the day’s outcome, noting that his goal was to take coastal rowing beyond Auckland and expose more clubs to the high-energy format. Between the successful events at Ohope and Papamoa, that mission appears well on its way to being accomplished.

The club thanks the local business that offered to sponsor events.

It would also like to thank Whakatane Surf Club for its support in hosting the event with the use of the club rooms, first aid post and life guards on standby. Both clubs can see a natural synergy in the cross over event and are hopeful the new sport will attract new participants.