The first edition of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals will take place in Shenzhen.

The format of beach sprint racing sees participants start on the beach, then run to their boats which are at the water’s edge.  Participants get into their boats and race for 250 meters on the sea. So, as well as 250 meters of water racing, there is about 50 meters of running.

As the Beach Sprint Finals will happen just before the coastal championships means that coastal rowers will be able to race at both. The Shenzhen location makes it ideal as the World Rowing Coastal Championships are being held nearby in Hong Kong directly after the Beach Sprint Finals.

[Image via World Rowing]