Panama for Rowers

It is not your standard destination. Perhaps not on your radar because you have just never thought of it. Panama might have crossed your mind but other places caught your attention first. Or perhaps you heard negative things like the Panama Papers and migrants crossing the Darien Gap. You very likely did not know that it is possible to row in Panama. Yes, Panama is for rowers.

Rowing The World is hosting a test trip in November 2023 to a small resort near Boca Chica in Chiriqui Province, Panama. We plan to make this an Independent Rowing Experience (IRE) with Travel2Row beginning in 2024, letting you choose your own travel dates and companions. Here is the background story and why you should consider going to Panama to row.

The story behind this trip

It started with a message on LinkedIn from someone I did not know. But it was intriguing. Otto began the conversation by writing:

“We are starting a coastal rowing club in Panama on the Pacific Ocean. Our ambition is to have a recreational and competitive rowing program with members from the city of David, there are multiple universities there. This week we are ordering our first four boats, two singles and two doubles…”

The boats are supplied by Swift Racing. Gareth Gruenbaum suggested that Otto contact me to explore rowing tourism possibilities. We did some initial research and engaged in lots of discussion. The result is the test trip, which may form the basis for the future IRE.  The best way to really know about a potential destination and product is to go and try it in person. I am getting on the plane in November.

We all want to see the growth of rowing, and not just in our own club or city. The more that people row worldwide, the better for our sport. Panama has a national rowing federation, and previously there was a club operating in Panama City. They rowed on the Panama Canal until Covid started and the Canal Authorities closed the rowing down. While rowers have not been able to return to the Canal, the federation is working with a private club to set up a rowing program which will offer both flat water and coastal. In the meantime, the club in Chiriqui Province is moving forward.

There are many motivations for us to select a destination and create a trip. In this case we are delighted to be a part of the development of rowing in Panama. There is something about being involved at the start of a project. It is inspiring to see how a passion for water sports combined with an entrepreneurial spirit lead Otto and his team to the idea of a rowing club where none have ever existed. The resort owners plan to grow the club, building the fleet by acquiring coastal quads. While my focus is on rowing and community tourism, I wonder when we will start to see Panama at coastal rowing regattas in the Americas, maybe even the World Rowing Coastal Championships. There are lots of beaches to practice the beach sprint format. Maybe a team from Panama will participate if the event is added to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics?

Somewhere warm in winter

Another motivation to offer Panama for rowers is its tropical climate. Many North American and European locations do not have year-round rowing, or if they do, it is not always pleasant. So why not find a destination perfect for a mid-winter getaway? Rowers could lengthen the sculling season by a late fall trip or get a head start on training in the spring. The weather is consistently warm. On the Pacific side of the country the dry season is typically December through April. But what’s a little rain when it is warm and you are going to jump into the water to swim anyway? 

When selecting a rowing trip which suits you, another consideration is whether the trip is centre-based, point-to-point or sampler format. For a winter holiday, being based at a small and charming resort sounds ideal. For the test tour, we will go birdwatching, have a cooking class, go hiking and enjoy an afternoon excursion to Boquete in the highlands for coffee tasting. And that is on top of the rowing.

There are options to extend your vacation. Perhaps row in Panama City once things are established at the new location? There are frequent flights between Panama City and Bridgetown in Barbados, where you can enjoy another IRE on tropical waters. Or explore the many other adventures and cultural experiences that Panama has to offer.

A long way from Panama City

Safety is a top concern for travellers. Panama has made the news for some of the wrong reasons. But the Government of Canada travel advice and advisory website has good news. Panama is rated green, “Take normal security precautions”. By contrast, Mexico is rated yellow, “Exercise a high degree of caution”. There are regional yellow ratings identified for Colón and some areas of Panama City. Areas of Darien Province and the Mosquito Coast on the Caribbean side of the country are flagged red, definite no go zones. These are a long way from Boca Chica in Chiriqui Province, which is on the Pacific coast and snuggles up to the border with Costa Rica. You can avoid visiting Panama City if you prefer, just changing planes in Panama City, never leaving the airport.

Panama for rowers

The most important reason to consider going to Panama to row is that it will be amazing. Brand new coastal rowing shells, guided by locals in a support boat and a series of sheltered waterways in beautiful landscape to explore. Lots of beaches for breaks and swimming. We can also find some swells and waves for those who love the thrill of coastal rowing. All in all, we can’t wait to go rowing in Panama. Perhaps you now feel the same.