Please find attached the Rowing Ireland High Performance Selection Policy for Beach Sprints, effective from 16 December 2025, outlining how athletes can be selected to represent Ireland in international beach sprint competitions during the 2026 season.
Beach Sprint rowing places unique demands on athletes, combining explosive power, sprint running, technical boat handling, surf skills, and fast decision-making. This policy reflects those demands and sets out a clear, fair and performance-based pathway for selection.
Niall O’Carroll Rowing Ireland Head of Performance states “In rowing, as in life, direction matters as much as effort. This new Beach Sprints selection policy marks a moment of shared clarity for athletes, coaches and clubs across Rowing Ireland . It reflects the work done to align ambition with fairness, and potential with structure. As George Bernard Shaw wrote, ‘Progress is impossible without change.’ As we build towards LA28 and beyond, this policy gives us a strong and confident starting point for the future of Beach Sprints.”
Selection will be based on a combination of:
- Objective performance testing (power, speed, sprint capacity)
- On-water and beach trials
- Whole-course race execution
- Training commitment, behaviour and professionalism
Opportunities to engage with the pathway include power profile testing, an open trial, invite-only beach trials, and dedicated beach sprint upskilling days.
Athletes and coaches are strongly encouraged to read the full policy to understand the requirements, timelines and standards involved.
A reminder to all clubs of the Information meeting this Saturday at 12pm via Teams. It is recommended that those attending the Information meeting fully read the selection policy beforehand.
📄 The full Beach Sprints High Performance Selection Policy is available to download below.
For queries, contact BSHP@rowingireland.ie.
