Concept2 Skinny Coastal Shaft Update

Coastal rowing continues to grow around the world, with more clubs, athletes, and events embracing the excitement of open ocean water racing. As interest builds ahead of beach sprint rowing's Olympic debut at LA 2028, demand for equipment designed specifically for coastal conditions is increasing.

To make our coastal rowing oars easier to identify, we've introduced a new orange insert on the Concept2 Skinny Coastal Shaft. Positioned beneath the sleeve, the orange insert provides a clear visual indicator that the oar is equipped with our reinforced coastal shaft construction.

While the update is cosmetic, it represents an important distinction. The Concept2 Skinny Coastal Shaft is specifically engineered for the unique demands of coastal racing and beach sprint rowing. Unlike standard flat-water oars, coastal rowing equipment must withstand heavy surf launches and landings, aggressive buoy turns, incidental contact between boats, and the impacts that can occur during challenging open-water conditions.

Our reinforced coastal shaft is designed to provide increased durability while maintaining the lightweight performance rowers expect from Concept2 oars. The new orange insert allows athletes, coaches, clubs, and boat manufacturers to quickly identify a genuine Skinny Coastal Shaft at a glance.

For rowers looking to optimize their setup, the Skinny Coastal Shaft pairs exceptionally well with our lightweight Comp Blade. The reduced blade weight helps offset the slightly heavier reinforced shaft, producing a swing weight that is lower than a standard Skinny Shaft paired with a Smoothie2 Blade.

The Comp Blade's small, deep profile has also proven highly effective in coastal rowing conditions, where waves, chop, and rapidly changing water conditions demand quick, efficient blade work. Together, the Skinny Coastal Shaft and Comp Blade provide a combination of durability, control, and performance for coastal rowing and beach sprint competition.

As coastal rowing continues to expand globally and gains visibility through the Olympic movement, we're committed to developing equipment that meets the evolving needs of athletes competing on open water.

FAQ About the Concept2 Skinny Coastal Shaft Update

What does the orange insert on a Concept2 Skinny Coastal Shaft mean?
The orange insert indicates that the oar is equipped with Concept2's reinforced Skinny Coastal Shaft, designed specifically for coastal rowing and beach sprint competition.

What is the difference between a Coastal Shaft and a standard Skinny Shaft?
The Coastal Shaft features reinforced construction to better withstand the demands of open-water rowing, beach landings, buoy turns, boat contact, and surf conditions.

Is the Skinny Coastal Shaft heavier than a standard Skinny Shaft?
Yes, slightly. However, when paired with the lightweight Comp Blade, the overall swing weight remains extremely competitive.

For more information on the Skinny Coastal Shaft or any of our oars, click here or contact the Concept2 team today to discuss the best setup for your crew.