Learn Beach Sprints
Beach sprints are new approach to rowing that’s turning the sport on its edge – and making it easier for everyday people to get involved. Now you can learn the sport at upcoming clinics in July and August at Arcadia Lake in Edmond.
Mike Knopp and his team from OpenWater Sports are offering Beach Sprints lessons on Saturday, July 11 and Saturday, August 1, for anyone ages 8+ interested in getting in a boat and trying it. The sessions are 9a to noon and will also include a kayak option.
OpenWater Sports is a new initiative Knopp is developing to bring beach sprint rowing to communities not just in Oklahoma, but across the country.
“We’ve focused on Olympic-style rowing since the earliest days of the Boathouse District,” said Knopp, founder of the Boathouse District and RIVERSPORT. “It’s a great sport, but it takes weeks to get comfortable in a rowing shell. Beach sprints boats are much wider and more stable, so it’s easier to learn. You can do it in a morning.”
Class participants don’t need any previous experience in rowing or kayaking. All equipment will be provided. The session starts with a quick overview of the equipment and a safety briefing, then learning the stroke on a land rowing machine or “erg.” Participants will quickly transition to the boats to learn on the water.
Topics covered will include an overview of both traditional Olympic style rowing and what makes beach sprints different, the basic rowing stroke, getting in and out of the boat, turning the boat, and safety practices. All participants will wear PFDs (life jackets).
What’s next?
Once participants have finished a session, they’ll have more opportunities to get on the water both at Arcadia Lake and Lake Draper.
First, plan to race in the Beach Sprints events at the Route 66 Beach Festival, August 29-30 at Arcadia Lake. $20 race registration fee; $10 per car lake fee. Then stay for all the beachy festivities including live music, food trucks and beach games!
Interested in more time on the water?
OpenWater Sports at Lake Draper will be offering the opportunity to get more involved in beach sprint rowing with additional lessons and rowing/paddling sessions. Join our email list to get updates.
FAQs
Who should take a beach sprint rowing lesson?
If you’ve ever thought about rowing but weren’t sure about the time it would take or the tippy boats, beach sprints could be for you. You can learn beach sprints in a morning AND the boats are super wide and stable. Give it a shot and see what you think. (Ages 8+)
What’s the difference between classic rowing and beach sprints?
Classic rowing happens in a needle-thin boat with either one oar (sweep) or two (sculling). The sport requires calm water and the ultimate precision in placing the oar in the water. Athletes race a straight course, start to finish, in sprints of 2000m or 500m.
Beach sprint rowing uses a wider boat that’s much more stable. The water comes in waves with unpredictability in timing and force. Every stroke is a new challenge. The course begins with a short beach run, athletes hop in the boat, then row a 250m slalom course and race back to the finish line.
What if I want to kayak instead of row?
We’ve got you! We’ll offer kayaking as an alternative to rowing at both the lessons and the race event.
Join us for the Route 66 Beach Festival and Oklahoma’s first beach sprints race! Come as a participant or kick back with family and friends and watch the action. It’s all happening August 29-30 at Arcadia Lake in Edmond.