Rowing Coastal Beach Sprints

Debuting in LA 2028, Coastal Beach Sprints is rowing in the ocean on a surf beach, using heavier, self-bailing boats. The format: athletes start on the beach (running with the boat), row a slalom course, return to the beach, jump out, and sprint across the finish line. The "surf zone" is the hardest part -- timing waves to launch or land without being swamped -- and "flipping" is common, making it rowing mixed with surf lifesaving.