WinTech Racing has unveiled a new ocean rowing boat built to catch waves rather than just push through them, and Kiwi rowers will get their first look at it this spring.
The WaveRider borrows heavily from surf ski design, blending that hull concept with the familiar feel of a single scull. It's not aimed at flat-water training sessions or competition courses, but pitched squarely at experienced rowers chasing something more playful out on the open coast.
Weight is the first thing that stands out. At approximately 24 kg, the WaveRider is around 11 kg lighter than a conventional coastal rowing boat, which is listed at around 35 kg. That's a meaningful difference when moving the shell from the car to the beach, launching, or hauling it back ashore after a session.
The hull is designed to perform in both flat water and choppier offshore conditions, with the manoeuvrability to help experienced rowers catch and ride waves. Rather than powering through the swell, the WaveRider is built to work with it.
Underneath the surf-ski thinking sits a fairly conventional set of rowing fundamentals. There's foot steering with an 8-inch standard rudder, a removable SUP-style skeg, and a surf ski-inspired footboard. A DB bailer drainage system handles water management, and the construction brings together fibreglass, Kevlar, a foam core and gel coat. An aluminium stern wing, oval seat and complete seat-track system round it out, so anyone used to a single scull will find plenty that feels familiar.
Quick-grab handles are a small but practical touch, making the lighter hull easier to launch and recover.
The WaveRider will be available to order for delivery in 2027, with any RAL deck colour.
Its New Zealand debut comes at the Auckland Beach Sprints Summer Series at Eastern Beach on 31 October 2026, where it will be on display for rowers keen to see the hybrid design in person.
Aotearoa Boat Company will also have a demo boat available for trials, with rowers invited to get in touch to arrange a session and experience its wave-riding design firsthand.
