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Meet the New Zealand Team Chasing Beach Sprint Glory
Rowing New Zealand has announced the athletes selected to represent New Zealand at the various Coastal rowing events for the 2026 season, including the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
The squad will embark on an exciting international campaign, beginning with a training camp in Los Angeles, where athletes will train and gather valuable insights at the beach set to host the Olympic beach sprint competition at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
The team will then travel to Boston to compete in an international beach sprint regatta against some of the world's best crews, including the United States team, before returning to New Zealand at the end of July. Later in the year, the squad will travel to Qingdao, China, to contest the 2026 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals from 18–21 October.
This is an incredibly exciting campaign for the New Zealand Beach Sprint Team. With coastal rowing continuing to grow rapidly around the world and beach sprints set to make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Olympic Games, the sport is entering a new era.
Rowing New Zealand is excited to see this talented team test themselves against the world's best as they continue building momentum on the international stage.
Lets take a closer look at the team:
Men’s Solo
Matthew Dunham, Cambridge Rowing Club
Women’s Solo
Emma Twigg, Hawke’s Bay Rowing Club
Mixed Double
Erin James, West End Rowing Club
Sebastian Fulton, Waikato Rowing Club
High Performance Beach Sprints Lead
Brook Robertson
Tour Manager
Maxine Hughes
Emma Twigg is one of New Zealand's most accomplished rowers, with an outstanding record in both flatwater and coastal rowing.
A two-time Olympic medallist in the women's single sculls, Emma won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020 before claiming silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Since transitioning to coastal rowing, Emma has continued her success, winning both the Open Women's Solo and the Mixed Double alongside Mike Brake at the 2026 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships.
She is also the reigning World Rowing Beach Sprint champion after winning the Open Women's Solo in 2025.
Unfortunately, Emma will miss the team's tour to the United States due to injury.
Holly Chaafe will step in to race in the US while Emma focuses on her recovery, with the aim of returning to defend her world title at the 2026 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Qingdao, China.
Emma cruises to the finish line buzzer to claim the Women's Solo World Rowing Beach Sprint title in Türkiye.
Matthew Dunham is no stranger to the international stage, having represented New Zealand successfully in both flatwater and coastal rowing. At the 2026 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships, Matt claimed the Open Men's Solo title and finished second in the Mixed Double Sculls alongside Erin James.
Matt has built an impressive coastal rowing resumé, highlighted by winning the 2023 World Rowing Beach Sprint Final title in the Mixed Double. At the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, he and Erin James progressed to the knockout rounds before being eliminated.
This year, Matt will be looking to build on that experience as he competes in the Open Men's Solo in both the United States and at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in China.
Matt showcasing his explosive speed in action at the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
Sebastian Fulton (Seb) has made impressive strides in coastal rowing, quickly establishing himself as one of New Zealand's rising talents.
A successful flatwater rower, Seb claimed silver in the Men's Senior Single Sculls at the 2026 NZ Rowing Championships. He carried that form into the coastal season, finishing runner-up in the Open Men's Single at the Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships, just three seconds behind selected NZ Elite Men’s Open Solo rower Matt Dunham.
Seb also claimed a national title in the Coastal Mixed Quad at the championships.
Seb was hot on the heels of NZ Elite Men’s Open Solo rower Matt Dunham at the 2026 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships.
Erin James made her international coastal rowing debut at the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, marking her return to representing New Zealand after a 17-year absence from international flatwater rowing while raising her three children.
Competing in the Coastal Mixed Double at last year's World Championships, Erin gained valuable international experience and will be looking to build on that performance at this year's World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
Erin enjoyed an outstanding 2026 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships, narrowly missing the national title in the Mixed Double Sculls alongside Matt Dunham.
The pair finished just 0.4 seconds behind champions Emma Twigg and Mike Brake in a thrilling race.
Erin also claimed silver in the Open Women's Solo, further cementing her place as one of New Zealand's leading coastal rowers.
Competing in the Coastal Mixed Double Sculls at last year's World Championships, Erin gained valuable international experience and will be looking to build on that performance at this year's World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
This year, Seb and Erin will travel to and represent New Zealand in the United States, where they will race the Open Solo individually and then team up in the Mixed Double. Following the regatta, the pair will return to New Zealand to continue their preparations before travelling to Qingdao, China, to compete in the Mixed Double at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
Q&A With Seb and High Performance Beach Sprints Lead, Brook
Having competed in both flatwater and coastal rowing, what do you enjoy most about coastal rowing? What are some of the biggest challenges compared to flatwater?
Seb Fulton: I think the part I enjoy most about beach sprints is the fact I get to be in the ocean. I grew up spending a lot of time at the beach surfing and fishing so it kinda feels like home. So, in a way I’ve been able to combine my passions into one thing which I think is pretty cool. The biggest challenge is the variables of rowing in the ocean, but that’s also what makes it so fun.
How have the past few months of training been, and how do you feel your preparation has been leading into the World Championships?
Seb Fulton: The training over the last few months has been really different to what I’m used to coming from flat water. It’s definitely made training a bit more interesting than the usual long kms on the lake everyday. I’ve found the intensity, different style of weights and running really fun. Naturally being a bit more of an explosive sprint kind of person it also meant I could lean into my strengths a bit more which has been pretty cool.
Outside of coastal rowing, what do you enjoy doing, or what are you currently involved in?
Seb Fulton: Outside of Beach sprints I enjoy fishing, running, surfing and recently have been playing a lot of golf. Being able to do this as my main job (if you can call it that) for the last couple months has been pretty cool and kind of a dream come true. I’m super grateful that I have the opportunity to do this and look forward to the world champs to see what Erin and I can do.
Brook Robertson has returned to the Rowing New Zealand high performance environment in a very different role, this time as High Performance Beach Sprints Lead.
As an athlete, Olympian #1339 Brook has an impressive international career. His first New Zealand team came in 2013 as a member of the gold medal-winning Under 23 Men's Eight, with the crew defending their world title again in 2014.
He progressed into the elite programme in 2015 and went on to represent New Zealand at two Olympic Games. Brook raced in the Men's Eight at Rio 2016, where the crew finished sixth, before partnering with Stephen Jones in the men's pair at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Brook has now discovered a passion for coaching, most recently spending time in Sydney with Sydney Rowing Club, where he guided crews through a successful season culminating in competing at Henley Royal Regatta.
Now back in New Zealand, Brook is leading the national beach sprint programme as the team prepares for the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
Brook will have the helping hand of fantastic tour manager Maxine Hughes that will be helping assist him and the team on their travels.
Brook Robertson boat handling for Emma during her races at the 2026 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships.
How does it feel to be back in the Rowing New Zealand building, but in a very different role?
Brook Robertson: It's a bit surreal, honestly. I spent years walking through these doors as an athlete chasing selection, but a medical retirement due to back issues brought that chapter to an end earlier than I'd have liked. I'd love to still be out there competing now but moving into coaching has satisfied that same hunger. I still feel just as involved in the journey, I just get to set the hard training sessions now instead of having to do it myself, haha. Coming back after two years in Sydney with a different lens on the sport, I've got a real appreciation for everything that goes on behind the scenes here and it's given me a lot to bring back into this role.
What's something you love most about coaching coastal rowing?
Brook Robertson: It's such an unknown discipline still and I love the excitement of trying to figure out what actually makes a fast beach sprint athlete. There's no long-established playbook, so a lot of it is discovery. I'm lucky to have athletes who I really respect, who are willing to adapt and work collaboratively with me to go fast. And after a couple of years in Sydney, I've developed a genuine love for the beach too, so getting to spend time in the sun on the sand is pretty awesome as far as office views go.
How has this squad developed over the past few months, and what excites you most about the team heading into the World Championships?
Brook Roberston: We only confirmed our crews a few months ago and while I've still been coaching Sydney Rowing Club, the athletes have really pushed on and pushed themselves. I've had a small part to play so far helping sort programming alongside our tight team at RNZ and I've been genuinely impressed with how the athletes have attacked it. We've got a real range of athletes, past flatwater rowers, some epic mums, young men and they've all committed together. My goal now is to get us closer and closer as a team over the next few months heading into the World Beach Sprint Finals in China.
Rowing New Zealand wishes the Beach Sprint Team all the very best as they embark on an exciting international campaign in the United States and later at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Qingdao, China. We look forward to watching the team take on the world's best and showcase the hard work and dedication that has gone into their preparation. New Zealand will be cheering you on every step of the way!
Kate Haines
Kate Haines has been part of the New Zealand Rowing Team and is studying Accounting at Massey University. She is NZ Olympian #1567, who competed in the Paris Olympics.
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- Home
- /
- International Regattas
- /
- Meet the New...
Meet the New Zealand Team Chasing Beach Sprint Glory
Rowing New Zealand has announced the athletes selected to represent New Zealand at the various Coastal rowing events for the 2026 season, including the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
The squad will embark on an exciting international campaign, beginning with a training camp in Los Angeles, where athletes will train and gather valuable insights at the beach set to host the Olympic beach sprint competition at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
The team will then travel to Boston to compete in an international beach sprint regatta against some of the world's best crews, including the United States team, before returning to New Zealand at the end of July. Later in the year, the squad will travel to Qingdao, China, to contest the 2026 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals from 18–21 October.
This is an incredibly exciting campaign for the New Zealand Beach Sprint Team. With coastal rowing continuing to grow rapidly around the world and beach sprints set to make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Olympic Games, the sport is entering a new era.
Rowing New Zealand is excited to see this talented team test themselves against the world's best as they continue building momentum on the international stage.
Lets take a closer look at the team:
Men’s Solo
Matthew Dunham, Cambridge Rowing Club
Women’s Solo
Emma Twigg, Hawke’s Bay Rowing Club
Mixed Double
Erin James, West End Rowing Club
Sebastian Fulton, Waikato Rowing Club
High Performance Beach Sprints Lead
Brook Robertson
Tour Manager
Maxine Hughes
Emma Twigg is one of New Zealand's most accomplished rowers, with an outstanding record in both flatwater and coastal rowing.
A two-time Olympic medallist in the women's single sculls, Emma won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020 before claiming silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Since transitioning to coastal rowing, Emma has continued her success, winning both the Open Women's Solo and the Mixed Double alongside Mike Brake at the 2026 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships.
She is also the reigning World Rowing Beach Sprint champion after winning the Open Women's Solo in 2025.
Unfortunately, Emma will miss the team's tour to the United States due to injury.
Holly Chaafe will step in to race in the US while Emma focuses on her recovery, with the aim of returning to defend her world title at the 2026 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Qingdao, China.
Emma cruises to the finish line buzzer to claim the Women's Solo World Rowing Beach Sprint title in Türkiye.
Matthew Dunham is no stranger to the international stage, having represented New Zealand successfully in both flatwater and coastal rowing. At the 2026 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships, Matt claimed the Open Men's Solo title and finished second in the Mixed Double Sculls alongside Erin James.
Matt has built an impressive coastal rowing resumé, highlighted by winning the 2023 World Rowing Beach Sprint Final title in the Mixed Double. At the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, he and Erin James progressed to the knockout rounds before being eliminated.
This year, Matt will be looking to build on that experience as he competes in the Open Men's Solo in both the United States and at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in China.
Matt showcasing his explosive speed in action at the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
Sebastian Fulton (Seb) has made impressive strides in coastal rowing, quickly establishing himself as one of New Zealand's rising talents.
A successful flatwater rower, Seb claimed silver in the Men's Senior Single Sculls at the 2026 NZ Rowing Championships. He carried that form into the coastal season, finishing runner-up in the Open Men's Single at the Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships, just three seconds behind selected NZ Elite Men’s Open Solo rower Matt Dunham.
Seb also claimed a national title in the Coastal Mixed Quad at the championships.
Seb was hot on the heels of NZ Elite Men’s Open Solo rower Matt Dunham at the 2026 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships.
Erin James made her international coastal rowing debut at the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, marking her return to representing New Zealand after a 17-year absence from international flatwater rowing while raising her three children.
Competing in the Coastal Mixed Double at last year's World Championships, Erin gained valuable international experience and will be looking to build on that performance at this year's World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
Erin enjoyed an outstanding 2026 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships, narrowly missing the national title in the Mixed Double Sculls alongside Matt Dunham.
The pair finished just 0.4 seconds behind champions Emma Twigg and Mike Brake in a thrilling race.
Erin also claimed silver in the Open Women's Solo, further cementing her place as one of New Zealand's leading coastal rowers.
Competing in the Coastal Mixed Double Sculls at last year's World Championships, Erin gained valuable international experience and will be looking to build on that performance at this year's World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
This year, Seb and Erin will travel to and represent New Zealand in the United States, where they will race the Open Solo individually and then team up in the Mixed Double. Following the regatta, the pair will return to New Zealand to continue their preparations before travelling to Qingdao, China, to compete in the Mixed Double at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
Q&A With Seb and High Performance Beach Sprints Lead, Brook
Having competed in both flatwater and coastal rowing, what do you enjoy most about coastal rowing? What are some of the biggest challenges compared to flatwater?
Seb Fulton: I think the part I enjoy most about beach sprints is the fact I get to be in the ocean. I grew up spending a lot of time at the beach surfing and fishing so it kinda feels like home. So, in a way I’ve been able to combine my passions into one thing which I think is pretty cool. The biggest challenge is the variables of rowing in the ocean, but that’s also what makes it so fun.
How have the past few months of training been, and how do you feel your preparation has been leading into the World Championships?
Seb Fulton: The training over the last few months has been really different to what I’m used to coming from flat water. It’s definitely made training a bit more interesting than the usual long kms on the lake everyday. I’ve found the intensity, different style of weights and running really fun. Naturally being a bit more of an explosive sprint kind of person it also meant I could lean into my strengths a bit more which has been pretty cool.
Outside of coastal rowing, what do you enjoy doing, or what are you currently involved in?
Seb Fulton: Outside of Beach sprints I enjoy fishing, running, surfing and recently have been playing a lot of golf. Being able to do this as my main job (if you can call it that) for the last couple months has been pretty cool and kind of a dream come true. I’m super grateful that I have the opportunity to do this and look forward to the world champs to see what Erin and I can do.
Brook Robertson has returned to the Rowing New Zealand high performance environment in a very different role, this time as High Performance Beach Sprints Lead.
As an athlete, Olympian #1339 Brook has an impressive international career. His first New Zealand team came in 2013 as a member of the gold medal-winning Under 23 Men's Eight, with the crew defending their world title again in 2014.
He progressed into the elite programme in 2015 and went on to represent New Zealand at two Olympic Games. Brook raced in the Men's Eight at Rio 2016, where the crew finished sixth, before partnering with Stephen Jones in the men's pair at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Brook has now discovered a passion for coaching, most recently spending time in Sydney with Sydney Rowing Club, where he guided crews through a successful season culminating in competing at Henley Royal Regatta.
Now back in New Zealand, Brook is leading the national beach sprint programme as the team prepares for the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals.
Brook will have the helping hand of fantastic tour manager Maxine Hughes that will be helping assist him and the team on their travels.
Brook Robertson boat handling for Emma during her races at the 2026 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships.
How does it feel to be back in the Rowing New Zealand building, but in a very different role?
Brook Robertson: It's a bit surreal, honestly. I spent years walking through these doors as an athlete chasing selection, but a medical retirement due to back issues brought that chapter to an end earlier than I'd have liked. I'd love to still be out there competing now but moving into coaching has satisfied that same hunger. I still feel just as involved in the journey, I just get to set the hard training sessions now instead of having to do it myself, haha. Coming back after two years in Sydney with a different lens on the sport, I've got a real appreciation for everything that goes on behind the scenes here and it's given me a lot to bring back into this role.
What's something you love most about coaching coastal rowing?
Brook Robertson: It's such an unknown discipline still and I love the excitement of trying to figure out what actually makes a fast beach sprint athlete. There's no long-established playbook, so a lot of it is discovery. I'm lucky to have athletes who I really respect, who are willing to adapt and work collaboratively with me to go fast. And after a couple of years in Sydney, I've developed a genuine love for the beach too, so getting to spend time in the sun on the sand is pretty awesome as far as office views go.
How has this squad developed over the past few months, and what excites you most about the team heading into the World Championships?
Brook Roberston: We only confirmed our crews a few months ago and while I've still been coaching Sydney Rowing Club, the athletes have really pushed on and pushed themselves. I've had a small part to play so far helping sort programming alongside our tight team at RNZ and I've been genuinely impressed with how the athletes have attacked it. We've got a real range of athletes, past flatwater rowers, some epic mums, young men and they've all committed together. My goal now is to get us closer and closer as a team over the next few months heading into the World Beach Sprint Finals in China.
Rowing New Zealand wishes the Beach Sprint Team all the very best as they embark on an exciting international campaign in the United States and later at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Qingdao, China. We look forward to watching the team take on the world's best and showcase the hard work and dedication that has gone into their preparation. New Zealand will be cheering you on every step of the way!
Kate Haines
Kate Haines has been part of the New Zealand Rowing Team and is studying Accounting at Massey University. She is NZ Olympian #1567, who competed in the Paris Olympics.
