Next Boatworks, founded by Ben Booth and Dennis Loebs, is at the forefront of a rowing revolution. The company’s mission is to redefine what it means to row by creating boats that are not only high-performance but also accessible to a broad range of rowers, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Built on the foundation of Booth’s extensive experience in coastal rowing, Next Boatworks is changing the face of the sport with innovative designs that allow anyone to row in various water conditions, from calm bays to rough, wave-laden coasts.
Next Boatworks operates with a clear philosophy: rowing should be fun, easy to learn, versatile, and rewarding. This philosophy is at the heart of every boat they design. By focusing on creating vessels that balance stability and performance, Next Boatworks ensures that both novice and experienced rowers can navigate challenging waters with confidence. The company has quickly become a leader in the coastal rowing market, thanks to its unique ability to offer boats that perform at the highest level while remaining approachable for beginners.
The company’s growth and success align with a broader transformation happening within the sport of rowing. Traditionally confined to flatwater environments like lakes and rivers, rowing is now expanding to the open waters, where the challenges of waves, currents, and unpredictable conditions provide a new and exhilarating dimension. This coastal rowing movement is comparable to the rise of mountain biking within the cycling world—taking the sport beyond its traditional boundaries and bringing it to new audiences. Coastal rowing offers a fresh, adventurous take on the sport, and Next Boatworks is uniquely positioned to lead this evolution.
One of the most exciting developments in rowing today is the introduction of the Beach Sprint format, a fast-paced coastal rowing event that will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The Beach Sprint combines short-distance rowing with the visual thrill of a race that begins and ends on the shore, offering a dynamic spectator experience. This new format, which embraces the unpredictability of coastal waters, is expected to spark widespread interest in rowing, bringing the sport to a much broader audience.
With the global spotlight on coastal rowing, Next Boatworks’ innovative designs are more relevant than ever. Their boats, specifically designed for coastal environments, are the only vessels in the world built to World Rowing standards by a veteran coastal rower. Ben Booth, with his years of coastal rowing experience, has created boats that perform in true coastal conditions—whether it’s navigating large waves, surf, or smaller bay chop. Next Boatworks’ boats provide the stability and safety that beginners need to build confidence, without sacrificing the high-level performance demanded by more experienced rowers.
What sets Next Boatworks apart is its commitment to inclusivity. The company is dedicated to making rowing a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels, across a wide range of environments. By designing boats that are easy to learn on and fun to row, they are breaking down barriers that have traditionally made rowing a more exclusive sport. The accessibility of their boats makes them ideal for introducing new rowers to the sport, while their performance capabilities continue to attract competitive rowers looking for a boat that can handle the toughest conditions.
As coastal rowing gains momentum, Next Boatworks is helping to bring the sport to regions that have historically lacked access to rowing. Countries like the Bahamas and Bahrain, which previously had little to no representation in rowing competitions, are now participating in World Championship events thanks to the opportunities created by the growth of coastal rowing. This expansion of the sport aligns with Next Boatworks’ vision of a world where rowing is not limited by geography or experience level. The company envisions a future where rowing is an activity for anyone, whether for sport, adventure, exploration, or simply fun.
The rise of coastal rowing, particularly the Beach Sprint format, represents a historic moment for the sport. As rowing transitions from a traditionally elite pursuit to a more inclusive and adventurous activity, Next Boatworks is playing a key role in shaping this new era. Their boats, designed with versatility and performance in mind, are helping to redefine what it means to row. Whether navigating the rough waters of the open sea or exploring a tranquil coastal inlet, Next Boatworks’ boats provide rowers with the tools they need to confidently enjoy the sport in any condition.
The growing interest in coastal rowing is supported by the broader trend in the water sports market. The US water sports equipment market is projected to grow by 4.34% annually between 2024 and 2028, reaching a market volume of $1 billion by 2028. This trend highlights the increasing popularity of water-based activities and underscores the potential for coastal rowing to capture the interest of new audiences around the world.
Next Boatworks is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this growth. By creating boats that are accessible, high-performance, and versatile, the company is setting the standard for coastal rowing in the years to come. Their innovative designs are already making waves in the rowing community, offering rowers of all levels the chance to experience the thrill of coastal rowing. With the upcoming Beach Sprint event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the company’s vision of a more inclusive, accessible, and adventurous rowing experience is on the verge of becoming a global reality.
As coastal rowing continues to evolve, Next Boatworks remains dedicated to its mission of making rowing a sport for everyone. By offering boats that are as fun and rewarding for beginners as they are for seasoned athletes, the company is ensuring that rowing can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, by anyone. Through innovation, performance, and inclusivity, Next Boatworks is not just building boats—they are building the future of rowing.
Published by: Holy Minoza
