West goes wild for rowing with three major events locked in for WA

Western Australia will host three major Rowing Australia (RA) national events over four years, with the 2027 Australian Rowing Championships (#ARC27), the 2028 Australian Beach Sprint Rowing Championships (#ABSC28) and the 2030 Australian Masters Rowing Championships (#AMRC30) all bound for the west coast.

This commitment reflects a broader ambition from RA to rotate major events around the country, showcasing the sport nationally and increasing opportunities for communities across Australia to engage with rowing at all levels.

“Western Australia has long been home to a passionate and growing rowing community and we’re hugely excited to be bringing three of our marquee events to the west in the years ahead, in addition to the AMRC already slated for 2026” Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook OLY said.

“In particular, hosting the 2028 Australian Beach Sprint Rowing Championships in the same year the discipline makes its Olympic debut in Los Angeles is a tremendous opportunity to inspire the next generation and showcase the future of our sport in a world-class and iconic Australian coastal setting.”

Rowing WA CEO Daniel Tackenberg welcomed the announcement as a milestone for the local community.

“Rowing WA is excited to partner with Rowing Australia and Tourism WA to bring the ARC and AMRC back to WA, and for the first time, host the Australian Beach Sprint Rowing Championships on some of WA’s amazing beaches,” Tackenberg said.

“The whole rowing community love having these national events in our backyard, from rowers to coaches to our amazing volunteers. We can’t wait to showcase what WA has to offer to the rest of the Australian rowing community.”

The 2023 Australian Rowing Championships in Perth saw record-breaking participation and attendance by spectators, with the event continuing to grow year-on-year.

WA Minister for Tourism, Hon. Reece Whitby MLA said he was proud to be supporting the Rowing Australia events once again.

“These three major national rowing events are a fantastic addition to Western Australia’s sporting events calendar and will help put Perth on the map as a world-class events destination."

“WA has some of the most magnificent coastlines in the world that are a fantastic stage for major on-water events, and I’m very excited to be showcasing them through this series of rowing events, which will bring thousands of people to WA."

The 2028 Australian Beach Sprint Rowing Championships will capitalise on WA’s stunning coastline and evolving expertise in the fast-growing discipline of beach sprints.

And the 2030 Australian Masters Rowing Championships promises to deliver an inclusive celebration of lifelong participation and community, with WA’s vibrant masters scene playing a leading role.

While travel remains a consideration for schools and clubs across the country, particularly from the east coast, RA is working closely with Rowing WA to support early planning and ensure these events remain accessible and rewarding for all.

The venues and exact dates for each event will be confirmed in due course, with Rowing WA and RA committed to delivering world-class regattas that reflect the spirit and excellence of rowing in Australia.