From the historic Olympic waters of England to the challenging surf conditions of Italy’s Mediterranean coastline, South African rowers are proving they can compete with distinction on some of the world’s biggest stages.

Recent international campaigns have showcased both the depth of South Africa’s emerging school rowing talent and the determination of its experienced coastal rowers. While the South African Schools Rowing Union (SASRU) Under-16 squad gained valuable racing and development experience in the United Kingdom, coastal rowing stars Murray Bales-Smith and Violante Lama tested themselves against elite international competition in Naples, Italy.

Together, these performances highlight the growing strength of South African rowing across multiple disciplines and provide encouraging signs for the season ahead.

SASRU Under-16 Squad Gains International Exposure

The SASRU Under-16 touring squad departed South Africa on 29 April for a development tour to the United Kingdom, featuring 27 athletes from 11 of the country’s leading rowing schools.

Representing Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the squad included athletes from Holy Rosary School, St Mary’s School, Waverley, St Stithians Girls College, St Stithians Boys College, St Benedict’s College, St Alban’s College, St Andrew’s School for Girls, St Dunstan’s College, Hilton College, Jeppe High School for Boys and King Edward VII School.

Despite facing a frustrating 15-hour flight delay, the team arrived in England eager to embrace the opportunity.

Before launching their campaign, the athletes enjoyed a cultural introduction to the country with a visit to Windsor Castle and the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Their rowing programme centred around Dorney Lake, the venue that hosted rowing events during the London 2012 Olympic Games and the site where South Africa secured its first Olympic rowing gold medal. For many of the young athletes, competing on such historic waters was a dream come true.

The squad participated in two prestigious events: the Wallingford Regatta and the Junior Sculling Regatta.

South Africa’s standout achievement came courtesy of the Under-16 girls’ quad scull, which delivered an outstanding performance to win its category at the Wallingford Regatta.

Additional highlights included:

• Taylor Prinsloo of St Mary’s School, Waverley, finishing second in the Under-18 women’s single sculls at the Wallingford Regatta.
• The South African Under-15 boys’ double scull securing second place at the Junior Sculling Regatta.

The tour offered far more than racing success. Athletes gained first-hand exposure to international training environments, world-class facilities and different coaching approaches, all of which will contribute significantly to their future development.

A memorable highlight was a visit to the renowned Leander Club, where Richard Egington welcomed the squad and shared valuable insights during a tour of the club’s facilities.

Rowing South Africa and SASRU also extended heartfelt thanks to Eton College for providing boats and facilities, as well as the Dorney Lake staff for their ongoing support throughout the tour.

Coastal Rowers Challenge the World’s Best in Italy

While South Africa’s future stars were making waves in England, the nation’s leading coastal rowers were testing themselves against the best beach sprint athletes in the world.

Murray Bales-Smith and Violante Lama travelled to Naples, Italy, from 9 to 11 May to compete in the prestigious Filippi Lido Trophy, accompanied by coach Bill Godfrey.

The event attracted elite coastal rowers from across the globe and served as an important benchmark ahead of the international season.

For Bales-Smith, the competition marked his first international appearance since placing eighth at the 2025 World Rowing Coastal Championships.

He produced an encouraging result in the time trial, finishing eighth and demonstrating clear progress against a highly competitive field.

However, difficult wave conditions proved decisive during the knockout stages. After choosing what initially appeared to be the faster lane, Bales-Smith encountered challenging surf on the return leg that disrupted his rhythm and momentum, ultimately leaving him in 12th place overall.

Despite the setback, he was encouraged by the progress made.

“One key takeaway from this weekend is that I’m closer to the top guys in the time trials than I was at World Champs last year,” .

said Bales-Smith

Lama faced equally tough competition and narrowly missed out on advancing to the knockout rounds. Nevertheless, she responded impressively by winning the Club division, showcasing her resilience, determination and competitive spirit.

Building Momentum for a Big International Season

These early international performances offer promising signs as South Africa prepares for a busy and important season on the global rowing calendar.

Attention now turns to upcoming events including the World Rowing Cup in Lucerne and the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta, where several South African athletes will compete against some of the best rowers in the world.

Among the athletes to watch are:

• Christopher Baxter in the men’s single sculls
• Kat Williams and Courtney Westley in the women’s pair
• Paige Badenhorst in the women’s single sculls

South Africa’s rowing pipeline also continues to strengthen. Following a successful selection regatta held on 9 and 10 May, several junior and Under-23 crews have earned the opportunity to represent the country later this year at the World Rowing Under-19 and Under-23 Championships.

Their selection further demonstrates the growing depth of talent emerging through South Africa’s rowing system and provides confidence for the future of the sport.

RMB’s Vital Support

Rowing South Africa has also acknowledged the important role played by Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) in supporting the sport’s continued growth.

Through its partnership with Rowing South Africa, RMB helps create opportunities for athletes to gain international experience, compete against elite opposition and continue their pursuit of excellence.

That support enables South African rowers to challenge themselves on the world stage, return home with valuable lessons and continue building towards future success.

With talented young athletes progressing through the ranks and experienced competitors continuing to make their mark internationally, South African rowing is entering an exciting new chapter—one defined by ambition, resilience and growing global recognition.

For more information, visit Rowing South Africa or follow @rowingrsa on Instagram.