Guin Batten rows in Coastal Challenge

On Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th of May the Explore Rowing Coastal Challenge hit the seas of Christchurch for a two day, exhilarating coastal rowing event.

Five crews successfully completed the 18 mile round journey to reach The Needles, rowing at sea for a little over four hours. Crews were required to complete a qualifying row from Christchurch to Bournemouth on Saturday, before being invited to compete in Sunday’s row to The Needles.

World Rowing Championships medallist, Rachel Woolf, Guin Batten, Olympic Silver medallist and Sam Tresman of Christchurch, who later this year attempts to become the youngest solo rower to complete an ocean crossing, all took part in the Explore Rowing Coastal Challenge alongside crews who were trying coastal rowing for the first time.

Guin Batten, 2000 Olympic silver medallist said: ‘I just loved the whole experience, it was the best of rowing all in a weekend; rowing together ‘in company’, pushing the limits of our skills and endeavour, meeting new rowers and sharing our skills, respecting the environment and the power of the sea.’ 
Image of Guin Batton rowing in Coastal Challenge
Rich Stock, Explore Rowing Programme Manager, commented: ‘The Coastal Challenge went amazingly well and we were really pleased to see so many crews at the event. Although it was a tough challenge crews seemed to be having fun, embracing the ethos of Explore Rowing.’

Explore Rowing is a British Rowing initiative set up to encourage people of all ages and fitness abilities to take up the sport on a fun, flexible basis.

The Coastal Challenge is part of the Explore Rowing Summer Series events. The next event, The Great Tyne Row, takes place on Sunday 24th July in Newcastle.

To find out more about Explore Rowing and the Summer Series visit www.explorerowing.org/summer