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Ready to Race: Beach Sprint World Championships
The New Zealand Rowing Beach Sprint Team has been named and will take on the world at the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Antalya, Turkey, from 6-9 November 2025.
Beach Sprints is a completely different challenge compared to traditional flat-water rowing. There are many extra elements to contend with - the waves, the current, the one-on-one racing format, and the explosive transitions of getting in and out of the boat.
Add in the final sprint and dive across the finish line, and you've got one of the most exciting, unpredictable, and fast-paced forms of rowing created.
So, how does a Beach Sprint regatta actually work?
This high-intensity format sees two crews go head-to-head in short, knockout-style races lasting just a few minutes. The winner moves on, and the other is eliminated. Each race begins with a beach sprint start - either by one member from each team or by the solo rower in singles. Competitors then launch into their boats, race 250 metres out to sea, weave around two buoys, turn a third, and power back to shore. The race finishes with a final sprint up the beach to hit the buzzer - often ending in a dramatic dive for the win.
This year's team features a mix of familiar faces, returning names, and fresh talent making their debut representing New Zealand.
Women's Solo - Emma Twigg
Men's Solo - Finlay Hamill
Mixed Double - Erin James & Matthew Dunham
Team Reserves - Holly Chaafe & Sebastian Fulton
Team Coaches - Gary Reid, & Joe Sullivan
Team Manager - Maxine Hughes
Emma Twigg is one of New Zealand's most accomplished flat-water rowers, having represented New Zealand at five Olympic Games and earned both gold and silver Olympic medals. Beyond her incredible flat-water career, Emma has also found success in coastal rowing and Beach Sprints, winning multiple medals across mixed doubles, quads, and solo events. At the 2024 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Italy, she claimed bronze in the Women's Solo, the same event she'll contest again this year. Since the Olympics last year, Emma has dedicated herself to focusing on and transitioning into the coastal rowing scene, and we can't wait to see what she brings to this year's event.
Emma Twigg in action at the Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Interestingly, Emma and Erin James share a rowing history that stretches back over two decades. In the early 2000s, they were selected to race in the New Zealand U19 Eight for the World Rowing Championships in Greece. They went on to compete together again in the Junior Women's Eight in 2003 and 2004, and later in the Elite Eight at the 2006 World Rowing Championships. Twenty years later, and they are back in the same team.
This year, Erin teams up with Matt Dunham in the Mixed Double, representing New Zealand at the Coastal World Championships. Erin has made an inspiring return to international rowing after more than a decade away from the sport. Now a mother of three to Georgia, Will, and Charlie, she impressed at the Beach Sprint trials earlier this year, proving she's back fit, fast and motivated to see what she is capable of on the world stage.
Erin James getting her speed on at the 2025 Australia Beach Sprint Championships. Photo: Brent Smart.
Matt Dunham is no stranger to Beach Sprint success. He won the Mixed Double title at the 2023 World Championships alongside Jackie Kiddle and will be eager to regain that title with his new partner, Erin. Matt recently added his experience to the Men's Elite Four at the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, where he showed his strong fitness and strength capabilities. A dominant force on the New Zealand coastal circuit, Matt's combination of experience and competitive drive makes this mixed double pairing one to watch in Antalya.
Matt Dunham will be taking on the Mixed Double with Erin James in Antalya.
Finlay Hamill will represent New Zealand in the Men's Solo at this year's World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals. Finn has had outstanding domestic success in the Beach Sprint scene, claiming the national title in the Men's Single and impressing selectors with his performance at the Beach Sprint trials earlier this year. He's also coming off an exceptional flat-water season. Partnering with Ben Mason, the duo earned two medals on the World Cup circuit and took out the Henley Royal Regatta title in the Double Sculls. Finn also achieved remarkable individual success, defeating Olympic Champion Oliver Zeidler and Olympic Bronze Medallist Simon van Dorp in the Single at Henley. After flat water Worlds, Finn then went on to win the Championships single in Boston at Head of the Charles, beating double Olympic medallist Croatian rower Martin Sinković.
Now turning his focus back to the sand and surf, Finn will look to carry this momentum through to Antalya. With his trademark determination, technical precision, and proven racing grit, he'll no doubt be giving the world's best a serious challenge at the upcoming Beach Sprints World Championships.
Finn is now turning his focus back to the sand and surf after a successful flat water season.
Team reserves Holly Chaafe and Sebastian Fulton will travel with the squad to Turkey, ready to step in if needed. This marks the first time both athletes will represent Rowing New Zealand, an incredible achievement in itself. Holly and Seb have been training closely alongside the team, pushing the selected crews to continually lift their standards and stay sharp. Their commitment, attitude, and speed have made them an integral part of the squad's preparation. Both have shown outstanding form, earning their spots as reserves in what is a highly competitive and tightly selected team.
Holly Chaafe (above) and Sebastian Fulton (belOW) will travel with the squad to Turkey as reserves ready to step in if needed. Photo above: Picture Show Ltd. Photo below: Brent Smart.
Gary Reid will travel with and coach the team at the World Championships. No stranger to international racing, Gary represented New Zealand as the Men's Single Sculler at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and competed in the Men's Quad at the 1985 World Championships in Hazewinkel. His wealth of experience and technical insight will be invaluable as the team takes on the world's best.
Gary Reid is super passionate about coastal rowing and is sure to bring this passion and enthusiasm of the sport along with his extensive rowing experience to his coaching role. photo: Brent Smart.
Joe Sullivan will join the team as a coach alongside Gary, bringing valuable expertise from his recent participation in World Beach Sprint Championships. As one of New Zealand's most accomplished athletes, having secured both an Olympic gold medal in rowing and an America's Cup victory, Joe's extensive competitive experience will significantly enhance the team's experience in Turkey.
Joe Sullivan's hands on experience with the international Beach Sprints event will add even more depth to the coaching team. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Maxine Hughes joins the campaign as Team Manager, bringing her extensive experience from managing several New Zealand international tours, including the 2024 World Rowing Coastal and Beach Sprint Championships. She'll ensure everything runs seamlessly and that the NZ Team are well supported - a crucial role in any successful campaign.
Maxine is there to ensure everything runs smoothly as the team manager.
Without giving too much away, what are your go-to tips or strategies for coastal racing? Any words of advice for someone just starting out in the sport?
Matt Dunham: I think the best thing for coastals is to always be open-minded and to try not to be set on a single technique or strategy. The sport and sea are always changing, and you need to be ready to change with it.
Coastal rowing can be full of surprises. What’s the craziest or most unexpected thing that’s ever happened to you during a coastal race?
Matt Dunham: In Wales 2022, we had a head-on crash in the beach sprint which was quite a surprise. Luckily, everyone was fine.
What’s something you’ve missed about international racing that you’re especially excited for at the upcoming Beach Sprint World Championships?
Erin James: I’ve really missed the intense buzz of international racing—the overall pressure of the event, the anticipation at the start line, and the sense that every moment counts. Nothing compares to lining up beside the world’s best, knowing the pressure and unpredictability will push me further than ever.
I can’t wait to be part of a team that brings out the best in each other. Getting back on the world stage is a chance to test myself again and enjoy all that championship racing has to give once again.
How have you found training and preparing with the New Zealand Beach Sprints team so far?
Erin James: Training and preparing with the New Zealand Beach Sprints team has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far. Transitioning from rowing to coastal beach sprints has been a steep learning curve, but one that I’ve genuinely enjoyed. The technical aspects—like mastering quick boat entry and exits on the beach—have brought a new level of excitement and challenge to my rowing journey.
The support from my teammates has made all the difference. Matt’s experience in the boat has been instrumental, and both Matt and Emma have been so generous with their advice, making it easier to pick up the coastal-specific skills and race strategies. Their openness and willingness to share tips have been invaluable.
Being part of the Beach Sprints team has reminded me of the power of teamwork and the importance of staying adaptable—the environment is always changing, and every race feels fresh and unpredictable. I genuinely feel very fortunate to learn alongside such skilled athletes and represent New Zealand on this stage.
New Zealand will be hoping for some wild waves to work in the team's favour, and a few dramatic, last-second dives across the finish line to keep things exciting.
Congratulations to the entire New Zealand Beach Sprints Team on your selection - we can’t wait to cheer you on as you take on the world stage.
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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- Ready to Race:...
Ready to Race: Beach Sprint World Championships
The New Zealand Rowing Beach Sprint Team has been named and will take on the world at the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Antalya, Turkey, from 6-9 November 2025.
Beach Sprints is a completely different challenge compared to traditional flat-water rowing. There are many extra elements to contend with - the waves, the current, the one-on-one racing format, and the explosive transitions of getting in and out of the boat.
Add in the final sprint and dive across the finish line, and you've got one of the most exciting, unpredictable, and fast-paced forms of rowing created.
So, how does a Beach Sprint regatta actually work?
This high-intensity format sees two crews go head-to-head in short, knockout-style races lasting just a few minutes. The winner moves on, and the other is eliminated. Each race begins with a beach sprint start - either by one member from each team or by the solo rower in singles. Competitors then launch into their boats, race 250 metres out to sea, weave around two buoys, turn a third, and power back to shore. The race finishes with a final sprint up the beach to hit the buzzer - often ending in a dramatic dive for the win.
This year's team features a mix of familiar faces, returning names, and fresh talent making their debut representing New Zealand.
Women's Solo - Emma Twigg
Men's Solo - Finlay Hamill
Mixed Double - Erin James & Matthew Dunham
Team Reserves - Holly Chaafe & Sebastian Fulton
Team Coaches - Gary Reid, & Joe Sullivan
Team Manager - Maxine Hughes
Emma Twigg is one of New Zealand's most accomplished flat-water rowers, having represented New Zealand at five Olympic Games and earned both gold and silver Olympic medals. Beyond her incredible flat-water career, Emma has also found success in coastal rowing and Beach Sprints, winning multiple medals across mixed doubles, quads, and solo events. At the 2024 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Italy, she claimed bronze in the Women's Solo, the same event she'll contest again this year. Since the Olympics last year, Emma has dedicated herself to focusing on and transitioning into the coastal rowing scene, and we can't wait to see what she brings to this year's event.
Emma Twigg in action at the Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Interestingly, Emma and Erin James share a rowing history that stretches back over two decades. In the early 2000s, they were selected to race in the New Zealand U19 Eight for the World Rowing Championships in Greece. They went on to compete together again in the Junior Women's Eight in 2003 and 2004, and later in the Elite Eight at the 2006 World Rowing Championships. Twenty years later, and they are back in the same team.
This year, Erin teams up with Matt Dunham in the Mixed Double, representing New Zealand at the Coastal World Championships. Erin has made an inspiring return to international rowing after more than a decade away from the sport. Now a mother of three to Georgia, Will, and Charlie, she impressed at the Beach Sprint trials earlier this year, proving she's back fit, fast and motivated to see what she is capable of on the world stage.
Erin James getting her speed on at the 2025 Australia Beach Sprint Championships. Photo: Brent Smart.
Matt Dunham is no stranger to Beach Sprint success. He won the Mixed Double title at the 2023 World Championships alongside Jackie Kiddle and will be eager to regain that title with his new partner, Erin. Matt recently added his experience to the Men's Elite Four at the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, where he showed his strong fitness and strength capabilities. A dominant force on the New Zealand coastal circuit, Matt's combination of experience and competitive drive makes this mixed double pairing one to watch in Antalya.
Matt Dunham will be taking on the Mixed Double with Erin James in Antalya.
Finlay Hamill will represent New Zealand in the Men's Solo at this year's World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals. Finn has had outstanding domestic success in the Beach Sprint scene, claiming the national title in the Men's Single and impressing selectors with his performance at the Beach Sprint trials earlier this year. He's also coming off an exceptional flat-water season. Partnering with Ben Mason, the duo earned two medals on the World Cup circuit and took out the Henley Royal Regatta title in the Double Sculls. Finn also achieved remarkable individual success, defeating Olympic Champion Oliver Zeidler and Olympic Bronze Medallist Simon van Dorp in the Single at Henley. After flat water Worlds, Finn then went on to win the Championships single in Boston at Head of the Charles, beating double Olympic medallist Croatian rower Martin Sinković.
Now turning his focus back to the sand and surf, Finn will look to carry this momentum through to Antalya. With his trademark determination, technical precision, and proven racing grit, he'll no doubt be giving the world's best a serious challenge at the upcoming Beach Sprints World Championships.
Finn is now turning his focus back to the sand and surf after a successful flat water season.
Team reserves Holly Chaafe and Sebastian Fulton will travel with the squad to Turkey, ready to step in if needed. This marks the first time both athletes will represent Rowing New Zealand, an incredible achievement in itself. Holly and Seb have been training closely alongside the team, pushing the selected crews to continually lift their standards and stay sharp. Their commitment, attitude, and speed have made them an integral part of the squad's preparation. Both have shown outstanding form, earning their spots as reserves in what is a highly competitive and tightly selected team.
Holly Chaafe (above) and Sebastian Fulton (belOW) will travel with the squad to Turkey as reserves ready to step in if needed. Photo above: Picture Show Ltd. Photo below: Brent Smart.
Gary Reid will travel with and coach the team at the World Championships. No stranger to international racing, Gary represented New Zealand as the Men's Single Sculler at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and competed in the Men's Quad at the 1985 World Championships in Hazewinkel. His wealth of experience and technical insight will be invaluable as the team takes on the world's best.
Gary Reid is super passionate about coastal rowing and is sure to bring this passion and enthusiasm of the sport along with his extensive rowing experience to his coaching role. photo: Brent Smart.
Joe Sullivan will join the team as a coach alongside Gary, bringing valuable expertise from his recent participation in World Beach Sprint Championships. As one of New Zealand's most accomplished athletes, having secured both an Olympic gold medal in rowing and an America's Cup victory, Joe's extensive competitive experience will significantly enhance the team's experience in Turkey.
Joe Sullivan's hands on experience with the international Beach Sprints event will add even more depth to the coaching team. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Maxine Hughes joins the campaign as Team Manager, bringing her extensive experience from managing several New Zealand international tours, including the 2024 World Rowing Coastal and Beach Sprint Championships. She'll ensure everything runs seamlessly and that the NZ Team are well supported - a crucial role in any successful campaign.
Maxine is there to ensure everything runs smoothly as the team manager.
Without giving too much away, what are your go-to tips or strategies for coastal racing? Any words of advice for someone just starting out in the sport?
Matt Dunham: I think the best thing for coastals is to always be open-minded and to try not to be set on a single technique or strategy. The sport and sea are always changing, and you need to be ready to change with it.
Coastal rowing can be full of surprises. What’s the craziest or most unexpected thing that’s ever happened to you during a coastal race?
Matt Dunham: In Wales 2022, we had a head-on crash in the beach sprint which was quite a surprise. Luckily, everyone was fine.
What’s something you’ve missed about international racing that you’re especially excited for at the upcoming Beach Sprint World Championships?
Erin James: I’ve really missed the intense buzz of international racing—the overall pressure of the event, the anticipation at the start line, and the sense that every moment counts. Nothing compares to lining up beside the world’s best, knowing the pressure and unpredictability will push me further than ever.
I can’t wait to be part of a team that brings out the best in each other. Getting back on the world stage is a chance to test myself again and enjoy all that championship racing has to give once again.
How have you found training and preparing with the New Zealand Beach Sprints team so far?
Erin James: Training and preparing with the New Zealand Beach Sprints team has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far. Transitioning from rowing to coastal beach sprints has been a steep learning curve, but one that I’ve genuinely enjoyed. The technical aspects—like mastering quick boat entry and exits on the beach—have brought a new level of excitement and challenge to my rowing journey.
The support from my teammates has made all the difference. Matt’s experience in the boat has been instrumental, and both Matt and Emma have been so generous with their advice, making it easier to pick up the coastal-specific skills and race strategies. Their openness and willingness to share tips have been invaluable.
Being part of the Beach Sprints team has reminded me of the power of teamwork and the importance of staying adaptable—the environment is always changing, and every race feels fresh and unpredictable. I genuinely feel very fortunate to learn alongside such skilled athletes and represent New Zealand on this stage.
New Zealand will be hoping for some wild waves to work in the team's favour, and a few dramatic, last-second dives across the finish line to keep things exciting.
Congratulations to the entire New Zealand Beach Sprints Team on your selection - we can’t wait to cheer you on as you take on the world stage.
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.
