The 2026 Australian Beach Sprint Rowing Championships will return to Queensland - and for the first time will be held on the stunning Gold Coast - cementing the city as a hub for this fast-growing new Olympic discipline.
Set at North Kirra Beach from September 3-6, 2026, the Championships will showcase this dynamic form of racing, which will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. A full suite of events will be offered across school, underage, open and masters.
Spectators will also have the chance to see Australia’s best Beach Sprint athletes – the Rowsellas – take to the iconic Gold Coast sand and surf in a festival of high-speed rowing competition.
“The Gold Coast is proud to host the Australian Beach Sprint Rowing Championships for a weekend of high-speed competition both on the sand and in the water,” Acting Mayor Cr Mark Hammel said.
“This fast paced, festival style event is the perfect showcase of athleticism and our iconic coastline. We look forward to welcoming athletes and spectators as the sport builds momentum on the road to the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in China in 2026 and to its Olympic debut in LA 2028."
Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook OLY said the Championships will be a milestone for both the athletes and the sport’s future.
“We are thrilled to bring the Australian Beach Sprint Championships to the Gold Coast in 2026 for the first time,” Cook said.
“This event not only provides an incredible stage for our athletes to showcase their speed and skill but also connect our sport with the community in a unique festival environment. With Beach Sprints set to debut at the 2028 Olympics, the Gold Coast will play a vital role in preparing our athletes for the world stage.”
Rowing Australia acknowledges the support of Experience Gold Coast, whose partnership makes it possible to stage the event in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations.
"There is no argument that the Gold Coast will provide the perfect venue for nationals in 2026," Rowing Queensland CEO Anthea O'Loughlin said.
"The rowing community in Queensland is enthusiastically taking on this relatively new sport of Beach Sprints and look forward to a sensational event in 2026 and looking forward to the inclusion in LA2028."
We are grateful to Rowing Queensland and the local rowing community for their support in bringing this event back to Queensland.