S5E20: Finding a Deeper Connection to the Water with Coastal Rowing

Once upon a time, way back in 2020, we thought of rowing in a very particular way: flat water, racing shells, and seeking the perfect stroke. As coastal rowing and beach sprints has gained some traction here in the U.S., we’ve broadened our understanding and definition of rowing to bring these disciplines into the conversation, too. 

On balance, coastal has probably tipped the scales of our conversation in 2024 as we trained for and participated in Race Around the Rock a coastal circumnavigation of Salt Spring Island in British Columbia. If you’re a tried and true flat water rower, thanks for exploring these new ideas about rowing right along with us!

In case you missed it, the 2024 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals were held September 13-15 in Genoa, Italy and Team USA brought home 3 Gold and 1 Silver medal.

Joining us to talk about the rise of coastal rowing and beach sprints are Team USA head coach Marc Oria, and rower Pearl Outlaw, a member of the first ever pararowing women’s quad.

QUICK LOOK

02:10 - The Huddle
03:15 - Welcome 
05:18 - Rowing Week 1-10
07:32 - The Hot Seat Q&A
15:54 - A degenerative eye disease impacted Pearl’s sight; learning to row offered her an opportunity to participate in a sport
19:47 - Marc learned to row at age 12 in Spain, and ate humble pie at his first regatta
22:13 - Marc’s coaching career began with making sure little kids had fun, and he maintains that philosophy today
28:11 - A brief introduction to coastal endurance and beach sprints
31:43 - Pearl’s transition from flat water national team to coastal rowing
33:45 - Adaptive technology for vision impaired athletes
38:58 - Letting go of perfection and embracing chaos
40:49 - Next Level Rowing’s role in developing coastal and beach sprint athletes
44:33 - The first pararowing women’s quad

45:54 - Opportunities to get involved in coastal are sparse, but growing, in the U.S.
47:29 - Pearl’s pursuit of being a dual sport athlete, with success in nordic skiing and biathlon
52:15 - Pearl and Marc’s  training, racing, and coaching goals for 2025
54:19 - Getting the ball rolling for Youth Olympic Games 2026, and LA Olympics 2028
57:43 - Outro

.

To see photos of the Marc and Pearl, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.

.

This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Patrons.

.

Steady State Podcast is written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

.

Follow us on FB and IG at @steadystatenetwork