Surge Coastal Rower 1CX Rowing Boat

CLC's "Surge Coastal Rower" is a development project. The design has been finalized and prototypes completed, but we do not have a release date for this new boat kit. Please stay tuned for updates!

"Coastal rowing is the mountain biking of rowing."

So says the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron, better known as FISA, and known best of all as the World Rowing Federation.

What is Coastal Rowing?

"Coastal rowing" is a category of competitive racing held in open water: the ocean, big lakes, bays. The World Rowing Federation has created a class of rowing boats—for one, two, or four rowers—that can compete in coastal rowing events. The boats in these classes are not strict "one-designs," but they do need to comply with a variety of functional and dimensional requirements to participate in official events. CLC's "Surge," a single, fits the Coastal Rower C1X racing class.

Sanctioned races include a "beach sprint," which is a "Le Mans" start on the beach, then a race around a buoy not too far offshore, and back. The "Endurance Format" is a 4-6km open water course, and the "Tour Format" can be a multi-day race with multiple stops.

Of course, many people will use their Coastal Rower for exercise and fun.

CLC's 19'7" Surge Coastal Rower is the only C1X that you can build yourself from a kit! Development of the Surge design at CLC was more tortuous than usual, requiring several years and no fewer than four prototypes to bring the design to the highest pitch of refinement. The Surge is a speed machine on the water, yet suitable for amateurs to build in their garages.

What is a Coastal Rowing C1X boat?

"C1X" is the shorthand for a "single" or solo boat. FISA's Coastal Rowing design rules require that these sliding-seat rowing boats be rugged enough to launch from swimming beaches, and to operate in big waves. They must have self-bailing cockpits and internal bulkheading.

Who will be rowing CLC's Surge Coastal Rower C1X?

Racers and recreational rowers.

The CLC Surge Coastal Rower complies with FISA rules for the solo class, so you can race the Surge in FISA Coastal Rowing events anywhere in the world.

But of more salient interest, perhaps, the Surge Coastal Rower is a high-performance rowing boat that slots neatly between the heavier, more traditional Annapolis Wherry and the lighter, skinnier Oxford Shell II.

If you're a rower looking for maximum speed in all conditions, together with the safety of self-rescuing capability, the Surge is the boat you've been looking for. 

How does the Surge Coastal Rower fit into CLC's lineup of performance rowing craft? Here are our fast sliding-seat craft, organized in order of their top speed:

Expedition Wherry: Designed for high average speeds and stability in rough conditions, with or without a heavy payload of camping gear.

Annapolis Wherry & Annapolis Wherry Tandem: Classic lapstrake sliding seat wherries. Stable and very fast in smooth water, up to about a 12-inch chop.

Surge Coastal Rower: Prioritizes high speed in open water, including in waves. Minimal windage above the water and minimal wetted surface below. Capable of rowing shell speeds in the right hands. 

Oxford Shell II. A rowing shell, residing in the faster categories of "rec shell." Skilled crew can handle choppy conditions, but the Oxford Shell is primarily found in rivers, lakes, and bays.

How is the Surge Coastal Rower built?

The Surge is built of okoume marine plywood, using the stitch-and-glue method. Like the Oxford Shell II, the Surge is built in upper and lower halves, which are then joined like clamshells. All components are CNC-machined, puzzle-jointed for length, and 98% of the holes for copper wire stitches have been pre-drilled. The entire hull is sheathed with fiberglass set in epoxy for strength and durability. Rigged, our prototypes are at or near the class-minimum weight of 35kg/77lbs.

How much skill is required to build the Surge?

Anyone who is familiar with epoxy and fiberglass will find this a straightforward project. The parts-count and ultra-lightweight construction favors builders who have already assembled a simple kayak or dinghy, but any patient first-time boatbuilder can build the Surge from a pre-cut kit. Plans-builders are provided with full-sized patterns, and should have solid woodworking skills and a well-equipped shop.

The sliding seat arrangement uses stock rowing shell seats and adjustable foot stretchers. Aluminum seat tracks are built into the boat. The anodized aluminum riggers are rigid, using welded tubes, and fitted with Concept II locks. The riggers are adjustable and pop off in moments for easier transport. Rigging hardware is included in the kit.

When will you begin shipping Surge Coastal Rower kits and plans?

As of July 2025, we're working on the comprehensive step-by-step assembly manual. Not a process to be rushed. We don't have a delivery date for the first kits. Please fill out the interest form so we can let you know the moment they are ready!