Question: What events does Rotterdam Coastal Races organise?
Answer: We organise three events throughout the year: the Rotterdam Coastal New Year’s Races (early March, at the Kralingse Plas), the Rotterdam Coastal Races (23 May 2026, at Scheveningen), and the International Rotterdam Beach Sprints (4 to 6 September 2026, primary venue Hoek van Holland Beach). Each event has its own format, location and categories.
Question: What is coastal rowing and how is it different from regular rowing?
Answer: Coastal rowing takes place on open water rather than a flat canal or indoor course. Races are held in specially designed coastal boats that can handle waves and rougher conditions. The Rotterdam Coastal Races, for example, start with a Le Mans style running start where team captains sprint to their boats before hitting the water — something you will not find in traditional rowing.
Question: Who can participate in the International Rotterdam Beach Sprints?
Answer: The event is open to both national and international club athletes as well as national teams. Races are organised according to World Rowing Standards. Each category is limited to a maximum of 16 athletes or teams. In case of over-registration, the organising committee will make a selection based on past performance, experience and other relevant considerations.
Question: What categories are available at the International Rotterdam Beach Sprints?
Answer: The following categories are available:
Question: What is the participation fee for the Beach Sprints?
Answer: The participation fee is €60 per athlete. For doubles (CO2x) this means €120 per team. The fee includes use of the race boats (AVE), oars, and access to all event facilities on race day.
Question: Do I need to bring my own boat?
Answer: No. For the International Rotterdam Beach Sprints, race boats (AVE) and oars are included in the participation fee. For other events, please check the relevant Captain’s Manual or contact us at info@rotterdamcoastalraces.nl.
Question: How do I register as a Dutch participant?
Answer: Dutch participants must register through their rowing club via the KNRB roeievenementen platform. International participants can contact the organising committee directly at info@rotterdamcoastalraces.nl.
Question: What happens if the weather is bad on race day?
Answer: Sunday 6 September is reserved as a backup day for the Beach Sprints. The organising committee reserves the right to modify the schedule if weather conditions differ from the forecast. In previous editions, strong winds at Hoek van Holland led to a last-minute move to Vlietland Beach. Weather updates are shared via communiqués in the days before race day.
Question: Is training possible before the Beach Sprints?
Answer: Yes. Training sessions are available on request on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September. Please contact the organising committee at info@rotterdambeachsprints.nl to arrange this.
Question: Where can I stay during the Rotterdam Coastal Races?
Answer: The Rotterdam Coastal Races take place on 23 May 2026 in Scheveningen. We recommend looking for an apartment or hotel in Scheveningen or The Hague city centre, both of which offer plenty of accommodation options at a range of price points.
Question: Where can I stay during the Beach Sprints weekend?
Answer: The primary venue for the International Rotterdam Beach Sprints is Hoek van Holland Beach. However, the venue may change depending on weather conditions — in previous editions, strong winds led to a last-minute move to Vlietland Beach. For this reason, we advise waiting until closer to the event before booking your accommodation.
That said, here are your options depending on the venue:
We recommend booking refundable accommodation where possible, given the potential for a venue change.
Question: How do I get to the venue?
Answer: For the Rotterdam Coastal Races on 23 May, the venue is Scheveningen, which is easily reachable by public transport from The Hague or by car. For the Beach Sprints (4 to 6 September), the primary venue is Hoek van Holland Beach. If the event moves to Vlietland Beach, a shuttle bus will run from metro station Leidschendam-Voorburg to the venue. More detailed travel information will be shared in the Captain’s Manual closer to race day.
Question: Where can I follow the latest news and updates?
Answer: The best way to stay up to date is to follow us on Instagram at @rotterdamcoastalraces. We post the latest news, event updates, photos and announcements there. You can also get in touch directly via info@rotterdamcoastalraces.nl.
Question: I have a question that is not answered here. Who can I contact?
Answer: You can reach us via the contact form on our website or by emailing info@rotterdamcoastalraces.nl. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
