Head Of The Charles Regatta

We're heading to the Beach!

The Head Of The Charles Regatta (HOCR) is heading to the beach to debut a thrilling new format of racing on the Boston shoreline.

For the first time, HOCR will host Boston Beach Sprints, a three-day coastal rowing event at Carson Beach in South Boston, taking place July 25–27. This first-of-its-kind Beach Sprint event in New England introduces spectators and athletes to a high-energy Olympic format that combines beach running with coastal rowing in head-to-head sprints.

The weekend opens with a Beach Sprint Clinic on Friday, July 25, led by USRowing, followed by two days of racing featuring U.S. National Team athletes and emerging talent from across the country.

“With its speed and energy, Beach Sprints are unlike anything most fans have seen in rowing,” said Tori Stevens, Executive Director of the Head Of The Charles. “We’re excited to debut this new Olympic format in Boston, a city with deep rowing roots and the rare combination of river and ocean.”

Boston Beach Sprints is made possible with support from Meet Boston, vineyard vines, Filippi and Concept2, along with community partners including the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Community Rowing, Inc. (CRI).

Event Information

  • Event Info and Registration

    Location:

    • Carson Beach, Boston

    Event Schedule:

    • Beach Sprints Clinic by USRowing – Friday, July 25th
    • Boston Beach Sprints Competition – Saturday July 26 – Sunday July 27

    Registration Open on RegattaCentral

     

  • Beach Sprints Clinic Details

    WHAT TO EXPECT: 

    Led by USRowing coaches and athletes, participants will be taken through the basic skills and techniques used in Beach Sprint competition.

    The Basics and Beach Sprint Preparation

    • Presentation: Learn about Beach Sprints and what to be aware of on the open water
    • Beach Orientation: Learning about the beach you will be rowing on, the equipment you will be using, and boat handling.
    • On the water: Get used to getting in and out of the boats and rowing in the waves.
    • Lunch Included!

  • Competition Details

    Race Days will be July 26-27.  All events will start with a Time Trial format and then move to head to head racing for top time trial finishers

     

    Divisions:

    Open – Men’s 1x (CM1x), Women’s 1x (CW1x), Mixed 2x (CMix2x)

    Masters (30+) – Men’s 1x (CMM1x), Women’s 1x (CWM1x), Mixed 2x (CMMix2x)

    Youth (U19) – Men’s 1x (CJM1x), Women’s 1x (CJW1x), Mixed 2x (CJMix2x)

    Tentative Schedule:

    Saturday July 26: 

    Time Trials: CM1x, CW1x, CMM1x, CMW1x, CJM1x, CJW1x, CMix2x

    Final Rounds for: CJM1x, CJW1x, CMM1x, CMW1x, CMix2x

    Sunday July 27:

    Knockout Rounds and Finals: CM1x, CW1x

    Time Trials and Finals: CMMix2x, CJMix2x

  • Lodging

    The DoubleTree Boston Bayside is offering participants special rates for Boston Beach Sprints weekend.  The hotel is just a short walk away from Carson Beach making it the perfect place to stay for the event! Info below!

    Boston Beach Sprints

    Booking Link: https://group.doubletree.com/1eoqgk
    Group Code: CDT90H
    Book by: Friday June 27th, 2025

     

  • Beach Sprints FAQs

    What is Beach Sprints?

    Check it out here: World Rowing How to Beach Sprint

    Do I need to bring my own boat/oars?

    No! At Beach Sprints events boats and oars are provided for competitors, all you need is your racing kit!

    Do I have to have experience in Beach Sprints?

    No! To participate you should have prior competitive rowing experience, but our venue is a great place to participate in a Beach Sprints event for the first time.  New Beach Sprinters are also encouraged to participate in the USRowing Beach Sprints clinic on Friday July 25

    Why is HOCR hosting a Beach Sprints event?

    Because it’s fun! We are also excited to support the newest rowing discipline being added to the LA 2028 Olympic Games