RegattaCentral

What is Pride Sprints?

Pride Sprints is an inclusive, open lineup 500m dash rowing regatta open to athletes of any age, ability or gender identity. It was sponsored for the first time in 2023 by the San Diego Crew Classic as a way to invite more people to the sport of rowing. The Pride Sprints format is available to be hosted by any organization with equipment and 500m of water to row on. 

Pride Sprints San Diego will raise money to benefit the Trevor Project -- the world's largest suicide prevention and and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. The Trevor Project provides free, confidential crisis counseling services 24/7 on platforms where young people spend their time. Participants can make a donation to the dedicated fundraising page in lieu of submitting an entry fee on RegattaCentral. 

2024 Pride Sprints Fundraising Page

Who can participate? 

Pride Spints is a fun, open event available to anyone regardless of who they are. Rowers of all skill levels are welcome, ages 13 and up. 

Athletes requiring accessibility and/or disability assistance should contact us directly for support: [email protected] 

Do I need to have any rowing experience? 

Pride Sprints is run in conjunction with National Learn to Row Day. All local San Diego Rowing clubs will be hosting FREE Learn to Row events on Saturday, June 1 and/or Sunday, June 2. Pride Sprints participants are encouraged to take advantage of one of these free clinics prior to racing at Pride Sprints. 

Athletes do not need to have [much] rowing experience, but they must: 
(1) be able to swim
(2) if not able to swim, consent to wearing a PFD while participating in Pride Sprints

Will you teach me how to row? 

National Learn to Row Day is June 1. There are several local programs running Learn to Row sessions on June 1 and June 2 in conjunction with National Learn to Row Day and Pride Sprints.

Contact these programs for more information. 

ZLAC - [email protected]
Community Rowing San Diego - [email protected] 
San Diego Rowing Club - [email protected]

What should I bring? What should I wear?

Pride Sprints participants should plan to bring comfortable athletic clothes and/or shoes that they are comfortable getting sandy and/or wet. Your shoes will remain on the beach while you are rowing. 

Sun protection is extremely important! Please bring/wear: a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and/or SPF clothing

You can order PRIDE SPRINTS MERCH before the regatta--no stock will be available during the event. 

It is recommended that you leave any valuables safely locked in your vehicle as there will not be a designated or secure area for them at the event. 

Where can I watch?

The Pride Sprints course will run along the eastern shore of Santa Clara Point in West Mission Bay (near Mission Bay Aquatic Center). Parking on Santa Clara Point is free, and first come, first serve. 

Can I volunteer?

Yes! We will need volunteers to help with set up and tear down, check in, launch driving (valid CA boating license required), start and finish lines, and timing. You must be at least 14 years old to volunteer. You can sign up through the Pride Sprints Volunteer Portal.